My rates are $225/hour of mediation time. My fee includes a pre-mediation meeting of up to 20 minutes for each party before the mediation. The pre-mediation meeting is a time you can share your story and what you would like to accomplish in mediation. We also talk about ways for you to prepare yourself for mediation so you can get the most out of your session. See the topic - "What is a pre-mediation meeting?" for more info.
Often folks agree to split mediation costs 50/50. Others consider who earns more income annually for family mediation and split the costs 60/40, for example. And finally, others choose a split based on other unique factors that are important for their family or situation.
A few mediators are also attorneys and some attorneys are also mediators. About 10-15% of mediators that are members of the Montana Mediation Association are also attorneys. Even if your mediator is an attorney they cannot represent or advise you. That is not the role of a mediator. So, a mediator who is also an attorney has to "take off their attorney hat" and be an impartial facilitator for the session.
No, I am not an attorney. I am a mediator and conflict engagement specialist. My job is to manage your session and facilitate your problem-solving so that you can create your own solution to your issue together. I have experience with what other folks have done in similar situations. But no one knows your family or situation as well as you do. You are the expert regarding your family and situation. I ask questions to help me and the other party understand the situation from your perspective better. It is this open perspective-taking that often helps parties come up with solutions that work for everyone.
This informal phone meeting typically occurs 5-10 days before your mediation session. The purpose is to answer any questions you may have about the mediation process. You also share what is going on from your perspective and help me understand the issues. I will suggest ways to prepare yourself before and after your mediation so your session is productive and your stress is reduced. I learn what your priorities are so we can hit the ground running. The pre-mediation meeting is capped at 20 minutes to make sure that I remain impartial and unbiased.
Yes, there are three mediation styles.
1. Evaluative/Settlement conference
2. Facilitative
3. Transformative
Every form of mediation is completely confidential. A facilitative and transformative style mediation is highly recommended for relationships that are long-lasting such as neighbors, work-related, and family. These two types of mediation styles help relationships improve and empower the participants to continue to have positive interactions long into the future. Participants most commonly experience win-win outcomes. Settlement conference type mediations more often have win/lose and lose/lose results. Settlement conference type mediations are more expensive and take longer because parties are in separate rooms. The relationship, communication, and skills to deal with conflicts again are often not improved by participation in a settlement conference. I tend to use a combination of styles with facilitative being at the core of my approach.
Read more here about mediation styles to decide which is best for you and your situation
As early in the dispute as possible! Once a party has filed with the court often times the dispute has escalated and is more difficult to resolve without professional help. A mediator brought in early can help keep communication open and guide the parties to craft a resolution they both can live with.
If you feel you can handle the conflict on your own without a third party but need some help as to how to approach the issue, then conflict coaching is a good choice for your situation.