Who pays for mediation is generally one of the last issues to arise prior to the completion of mediation. Wesley Chapel Divorce Attorneys are often asked about the cost of mediation in their family law case. As we’ve discussed elsewhere on our family law blog, mediation is required in the overwhelming majority of family law cases in the Tampa Bay area. Fortunately, this question is a simple answer. Generally, the parties simply split the cost of mediation. Although at the end of the mediation, it is possible for this to become a point of negotiation between the parties as to who covers mediation. For example at the conclusion of mediation, a party may offer to pay for the entire bill to convince the other party to agree to their offer.
As we have discussed elsewhere on our Wesley Chapel Divorce Attorney’s blog, there are two types of mediators – public and private. Public mediators conduct mediations in the Courthouse and charge set rates generally around $50 to $75 an hour. Private mediators conduct mediations at a variety of locations, including their own office and the party’s attorney’s offices. Private mediators are free to charge whatever the parties will pay essentially. Generally, private mediator’s hourly rates vary between $150 to $300 an hour. It is ultimately up to the parties as to whether a private or public mediator conducts the mediation, but generally we recommend folks use a private mediator, as they generally have more of an interest in getting a resolution.
If you have questions concerning your Tampa family law mediation, contact the Wesley Chapel Divorce Attorneys of Hackworth Law for a free case consultation. We have handled hundreds of family law cases throughout the entire Tampa Bay Area and will sit down with you to develop an aggressive strategy to protect your rights and interest. If you would like to contact one of our Wesley Chapel Divorce Attorneys Attorneys immediately, please use “contact us now” tab in the upper right hand corner of our website. We appreciate you taking the time to check out our Tampa Family Law Blog and look forward to working with you.