Confidentiality: By participating in mediation, you agree that everything that occurs during the process is completely confidential. This protection extends to all information in documents prepared for the sessions, as well as the contents of discussions with the mediator and with each other. The only exception to this confidentiality is any information regarding or allegations of child abuse, which the mediator is obligated to report. You also agree that in any future court proceedings, you will not testify or seek testimony from the mediator or from each other about what transpired or was said during mediation. Additionally, you will not use, refer to, or request the production of any documents, notes, or papers prepared for the mediation process.
Scope of Services: You understand that I will serve as your mediator in this process and will NOT act as an attorney for either of you. I strongly advise that each of you consult with independent legal counsel during this process, as I am not authorized to provide legal advice. If you reach an agreement, you acknowledge that there may be limitations on my ability to draft the necessary documents to incorporate those provisions or to obtain a legal divorce. If I am unable to draft the required documents, I will still work with you to ensure they accurately reflect the decisions made during mediation.
In person mediation: For in-person mediation, all parties are required to be in the same room. Shuttle mediation, where the mediator moves between separate rooms, will not be provided or permitted unless there is a restraining order in place that prevents the parties from being in the same room or having direct contact with each other.
Fees: Mediation services are charged at a rate of $75.00 per hour, with a minimum pre-payment of 1 hour required 24 hours before the scheduled session. We offer a sliding fee schedule. Please request a copy of the sliding fee schedule when setting up your appointment. A previous year's W2 is required to utilize the sliding fee option. After the first hour, billing is in 15-minute increments. You are only charged for the time spent in the session, not for the block of time reserved. Each mediation is reserved for a 2.5-hour block, and we will only exceed this time if the parties are close to reaching an agreement and wish to continue. Aside from the initial 1-hour pre-payment, payment is due at the end of each session. The same hourly rate applies to time spent in discussions over the phone with all parties, for which you will be billed. However, no fees are charged for phone calls related to scheduling, document delivery, or other administrative matters. There is no fee for sessions canceled with at least 24 hours' notice. If you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled session, no refund will be provided. Payment for services can be made via Venmo or Zelle. We reserve the right to withhold completion of mediation if there is an outstanding balance.
Voluntariness: Mediation is a voluntary process. While the court may order the parties to participate, it does not mandate that they reach an agreement. Any participant may withdraw from the mediation process at any time and for any reason. The mediator may also conclude the mediation if it is determined that an impasse has been reached or if the mediator feels they can no longer effectively facilitate the process.
Third Party Policy: Third parties may only be present during mediation if all participants agree to their presence. This policy does not apply to either party’s spouse, who may attend the mediation, nor to any member of a party’s legal team. Any third parties present during mediation agree, by their presence, to be bound by the confidentiality requirement. Participants attending via Zoom must disclose to the mediator the identity of any third party who may be within earshot of the discussions.