Typical Costs for Mediation in Maryland

Published on
April 20, 2022
Written by
Angel Murphy
Category
Divorce

Recently, we discussed some of the basics of mediation as an avenue for divorce. We learned that, depending on the circumstances, mediation can be a viable option for many people. What we didn’t discuss in any detail was the fee structure of mediation. One of the main reasons people prefer mediation over the traditional court-based divorce processes is because of the financial benefits. The legal fees associated with mediation are generally more modest.

In this post, we’re going to dive in and explore the fee structure of mediation in detail. Be advised, these numbers are only estimates, but they should give you a sense of the fees for mediation in many instances.

Mediation Fees, Set Up Fees & Document Filing Fees

The main cost of mediation is usually the mediator’s hourly fee. The process of mediation occurs in sessions, and each session generally lasts at least a few hours. To complete a divorce, most couples require at least 2-4 mediation sessions. The typical range for hourly fees of mediators is between $150 to $350 per hour; however, in some cases mediators may charge significantly higher rates. Generally, a mediator that is hired privately will charge more than a mediator appointed directly by the court.Apart from the hourly rate, the thing which you will really need to pay attention to is the time required to complete the divorce. As mentioned, most divorces require several sessions to complete, and each session lasts several hours. To get a sense of how much you will incur in mediator fees, you need to have a sense of how long the process will take. If you think that the whole process will take 10 hours, then you should multiply that number by your mediator’s hourly rate to project your bill. Some mediators are more efficient, and so a higher hourly rate doesn’t necessarily mean a larger bill.In addition to the mediator’s hourly fee, you will also typically incur other incidental fees, such as set up fees and document filing fees. Most mediators will charge an initial “set up” fee to begin working on a case. Mediators also typically charge for any documents which need to be filed with the court. You may also incur other fees, such as case manager fees, recording fees, and others depending on your particular situation. In many cases, these additional fees can run between $1,200 to $1,600 per case.

Lawyer Fees

Many people who utilize mediation prefer to hire a private lawyer during the process. A lawyer can provide much needed counsel and assistance with negotiation during the mediation process. If you hire a lawyer, be prepared to pay an up front fee (i.e. “retainer”) and then any amount which goes beyond that. A typical bill for a private lawyer during mediation runs between $2,000 to $4,500.If you add up everything, most mediation processes cost between $4,000 to $6,000.  Of course, this is only a rough estimate. Everything depends on the circumstances of a given case. But hopefully this gives you a sense of what many people pay for mediation here in Maryland.Contact the Murphy Law Firm for More InformationIf you’d like to learn more about the mediation process, give the Murphy Law Firm a call today at 240-493-9116.

Angel Murphy

Personable. Passionate. Persistent.

Divorce|Divorce Costs|Divorce Process|document filing|Family Law|fees|hourly fees|Legal|Maryland Family Law|mediation|private lawyer|structure of mediation

Subscribe to our newsletter

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Articles & Resources

March 4, 2024

Rudnick v. Rudnick (2023) & Unconscionability in Maryland Prenuptial Agreements

In Rudnick v. Rudnick (2023), a prenuptial agreement signed in 1992 became the subject of dispute during the couple's divorce in 2019. The agreement, which prohibited the division of assets or alimony, was initially considered fair but was deemed unconscionable at the time of enforcement. Massachusetts law, where the case arose, applied an unconscionability analysis at the time of enforcement. The courts ruled in favor of the wife, highlighting the importance of skilled legal representation well-versed in relevant state laws.

April 5, 2024

Fouth-Tchos v. Mahob (2018) & Litigating Relocation in Maryland

In Fouth-Tchos v. Mahob (2018), the Maryland court system addressed a case involving parental relocation to another country, Germany. Despite the mother's intention to move with the children, the court limited her relocation to within the United States, altering the preexisting custody order. The mother attempted to modify the order to enable relocation to Europe but was unsuccessful. The court upheld the decision, emphasizing that modification requires a material change in circumstances, which the mother failed to demonstrate. Additionally, arguments regarding child support and financial hardship were deemed insufficient to justify relocation.

April 1, 2024

Carrington v. Richards (2017) & the Role of Participation in Custody Modification

In Carrington v. Richards (2017), a custody battle turned tragic due to the mother's failure to participate in court proceedings. Initially seeking full custody of their son, the father was awarded sole custody when the mother failed to appear at the final hearing. Despite subsequent attempts to overturn the decision, the mother's non-compliance with court orders and absence from proceedings hindered her case. Ultimately, the father's custody was affirmed, but the case took a devastating turn when the mother shot and wounded the father. This case underscores the importance of active participation in custody proceedings and the serious consequences of non-compliance.

March 25, 2024

Mullen v. Robbins (2017) & How Settlement Agreements Impact Alimony Modification

In the case of Mullen v. Robbins (2017), a high-earning physician learned the importance of careful contract language when dealing with private agreements during divorce. Despite reaching a private agreement on alimony, the ex-wife sought modification in court citing a change in circumstances due to health issues. The trial court ruled in her favor, emphasizing the need for a "material change in circumstances" to modify private agreements. The appellate division upheld the ruling, highlighting the importance of precise contract language in determining modifiability.

March 29, 2024

Wiles v. Wiles (2017) & Modifying Alimony to Obtain a Longer Payment Period

In Wiles v. Wiles (2017), a divorced couple faced a dispute over alimony modification. Initially granted alimony for a limited duration, the ex-wife sought to extend the payments indefinitely and increase the monthly amount. Despite the ex-husband's opposition, the trial court granted the modification based on the ex-wife's claim of a change in circumstances. On appeal, the appellate division upheld the decision, emphasizing the need for a "material" change in circumstances to justify altering the alimony award, which would otherwise result in a harsh or inequitable outcome.