Costs and Fees:
The cost of mediation depends upon the level of conflict between the parties (higher conflict tends to mean more sessions will be required to reach agreement) and the complexity of issues involved. The typical litigated divorce in LA County may easily cost $20,000 or more per party for legal fees alone, plus other expenses. A divorce negotiated by attorneys would be less than litigation, but probably more than mediation. A successfully mediated agreement will cost significantly less than going to trial and will produce a result that is designed by the parties for their unique circumstances.
How Many Sessions Will it Take to Reach an Agreement?
This is difficult to predict, as it depends on the complexity of issues, the level of conflict, and the way the parties process information. A good mediation should not be rushed. It is well worth the time taken to be sure that parties are fully satisfied with the agreement they develop. A typical comprehensive divorce mediation may require two to six sessions of up to three hours each, for a range of $1,600 to $3,000 or more.
Fees
The introductory session is free and generally lasts about a half an hour.
My hourly rate is $200 per hour, which may be divided between the parties as agreed. A deposit of $800 is required when the agreement to mediate is signed, before the first session is scheduled. Payment in advance for the estimated amount of time required is expected before each subsequent session. I accept credit card payments.
In complex cases, it may be necessary for parties to engage other experts such as accountants, appraisers, actuaries and consulting attorneys.
How Time Is Billed
In addition to time spent in the mediation session, I bill for time spent preparing for sessions and drafting documents; reading, considering and responding to emails; and for telephone calls of more than six minutes. A rule of thumb is that each mediation session will last about ninety minutes, and follow-up memos may take another thirty minutes. Additional time between sessions can vary widely, based on the amount of conflict and complexity of issues. If you have questions about a bill, I encourage you to ask for clarification.
Missed appointments, or appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than forty-eight hours notice, will be charged half my hourly rate for the block of time that was reserved.
