Fees

Fee Schedules

Civil Mediation Fees * Arbitration Fees * Family Mediation Fees

Hourly rate:
An hourly rate of $200 per party applies to all two-party mediations. This rate applies to time spent by the mediator at the mediation session, preparation work done by the mediator in advance of the session, and follow up work done by the mediator after or between sessions, including by telephone, e-mail or written correspondence.

Multi-party discounted rates:
For three parties, all time spent by the mediator is billed at an hourly rate of $175 per party.
For four parties, all time spent by the mediator is billed at an hourly rate of $150 per party.
For five or more parties, a reduced rate will be negotiated, on request.
Note: It is sometimes difficult to determine the number of parties in advance of the mediation session. On occasion, therefore, it may be necessary to adjust the billing rate from the rate initially quoted during intake. On these occasions, the mediator shall determine the appropriate number of billable parties.

Billing for travel time:
Travel time is billed only when non-local travel is required by the mediator and will be discussed in advance. Travel time is billed at half the regular hourly rate, as described above.

Scheduling and Prepayments:
Parties may book mediations with TMG principals in either half-day (9:30-12:30 or 2:00-5:00) or full-day (9:30-5:00) blocks. Parties may reserve more flexible starting and ending times with other TMG neutrals.

For a 3-hour session, TMG requests prepayment of the fee for the scheduled session plus preparation time in the amount of $750 per party for a two-party mediation, $650 per party for a three-party mediation and $600 for a mediation of four or more parties.
For a 7.5-hour session, the fee is $1,650 per party for a two-party mediation, $1,450 per party for a three-party mediation, and $1,250 for a four-party mediation.

Cancellation/Postponement Fees:

For cancellations/postponements made within 14 calendar days of the scheduled session, we will assess a fee of 50% of the session fee owed by that party. For cancellations/postponements made within 3 business days of the scheduled mediation we will assess a fee of 100% of the session fee owed by that party. These fees will be assessed to the canceling party; if responsibility for the cancellation is unclear, the fee will be split between parties. Cancellation/postponement fees will be assessed only if we are unable to refill the mediator’s time slot with another case.

Charge for Lack of Authority:

Parties shall have present at all mediation sessions the principal person with authority to agree to settlement terms. Any exception to the requirement that principals with authority be present must be agreed to by all parties and TMG in advance of the mediation. A party failing to meet these obligations will be fully liable for the appropriate cancellation fees.

Each party’s fee is due 5 business days before the first session. Checks should be made payable to The Mediation Group (Federal ID #04-2910698). Unless we are otherwise instructed in advance, we will direct billing correspondence to counsel. Counsel and parties are jointly responsible for payment of all fees.

Arbitration fees consist of an administrative fee, fees for the arbitrator’s professional services, and, if necessary, cancellation or postponement fees.

For arbitrations with a single arbitrator, there is a non-refundable case management fee of $250 per party which covers case filing, administrative support and case management functions. For arbitrations involving a tri-partite panel of arbitrators, where TMG will serve as case administrator, the case management fee is $500 per party. For arbitrations in which there are 10 or more days of hearings, there will also be a per-diem fee of $100 per party for each day of hearings beyond the tenth day. Case management fees are payable in advance and must be received before arbitration services will be provided. TMG may cancel a hearing if these fees have not been received.

Hourly rates for a two party arbitration range from $200 to $450, depending on the neutral selected, and are listed on the individual arbitrator’s biographical profile. Unless other arrangements are agreed to in advance, the arbitrator’s professional services are divided equally between the parties. The arbitrator’s professional rate applies to all time spent by the arbitrator in pre- and post- hearing reading and research, at the hearing itself, for telephone work done by the arbitrator in advance of or after the hearing, as well as for preparation of the arbitration award. All professional fees must be received in full before service of an arbitration award that the Arbitrator has rendered. Unless alternate arrangements are agreed upon in advance, professional fees will be divided equally between or among the participating parties and parties will be invoiced accordingly.

For cancellations/postponements made within two weeks of the scheduled session, the full session fee will be invoiced to the canceling party. (For example, if a 4-hour hearing has been scheduled, the arbitrator’s full hourly rate multiplied by 4 will be assessed to the canceling party.) For cancellations/postponements made more than two weeks in advance of the scheduled session, there will be no cancellation fee. The canceling party will, however, be assessed all professional fees for any time already spent by the arbitrator. Please note that in addition to these cancellation fees, the case management fee, as stated above, is non-refundable. In the event that responsibility for the cancellation is not clear, the fee will be divided equally between the parties.

Checks should be made payable to The Mediation Group. Our Federal Tax ID number is 04-2910698.

Fees vary based on the individual mediators, and will be discussed during the intake call. Please note that hourly rates for our co-mediation teams (1 lawyer-mediator and 1 therapist-mediator) are comparable to those charged by experienced solo mediators in the area. Rates for solo mediation, when appropriate and available, may also be determined during the intake process.

Hourly rates apply to all meetings and substantive telephone sessions (over 15 minutes) with one or more parties. There is no charge for the initial inquiry or intake calls.

Although it is often difficult at the outset of a mediation to establish how long the entire process will take, this will be reviewed and discussed during the course of the mediation. (Typically, a divorcing couple can expect to come in for 3 to 5 sessions of 2 hours each.)

For divorcing couples who request it, TMG mediators will also produce a Separation Agreement which, following review by each party's lawyer, can be submitted as a formal document in Probate Court. The usual charge for preparation of this document is 5 hours at the regular hourly rate.

TMG requires payment at the end of each session, and in advance for written material.

Unless other arrangements are agreed upon in advance, the cost of the mediation is generally divided equally between the parties.

TMG requires 3 business days notice for any cancellation, and will bill the cancelling party for 50% of the anticipated fee if notice is given within this period.

Checks should be made payable to The Mediation Group. Our Federal Tax ID number is 04-2910698.