HOW MUCH DOES DIVORCE AND FAMILY LAW MEDIATION COST?
The cost of mediation varies depending upon the case issues and the parties. We do the best we can to keep you apprised of the cost in advance of each stage of the process so there are no surprises related to the costs. Generally the cost is billed on an hourly basis for the time actually spent in the mediation process.
Hourly cost
The mediation sessions and time involved in your mediation will be billed at the applicable hourly rate. John Case's current hourly rate is $410 per hour. John's assistant, Terrie, charges at a rate that is less than half of that amount. The initial 90 minute session with the mediator will cost approximately $600 - $650. The parties will need to deposit $800 prior to that first session. Additional costs at that point will be discussed and agreed upon.
Additional Costs
If the parties request that the mediator draft and prepare the court documents necessary to finalize their settlement and case, then those documents will be charged at the customary rate for such legal work. The parties will be informed of the total cost for the preparation of those documents in advance and they will be required to deposit the funds necessary to cover those costs. Any deposited funds will be refunded if the actual cost is less than the deposit amount.
If the parties decide to attempt to prepare their own court documents they can avoid this cost. It is rare for the parties to decide to prepare their own court documents following the successful mediation.