How Family Mediation Works
A structured process for conversations that matter.
Family mediation provides a structured way to discuss the decisions that come with separation, divorce, and changing family arrangements. At My Fair Mediation, participants make the decisions while I guide the conversation.
1. Start With an Orientation
We begin with a complimentary 25-minute Zoom meeting with both participants. We’ll discuss the process, identify the topics involved, and determine how much time to reserve.
4. Prepare for Mediation
I’ll review the information provided and help identify any missing details or documents. Each participant can also consider their priorities, questions, and possible options before the session.
2. Reserve Your Mediation Session
Once you’re ready to proceed, you’ll review the Mediation Services Agreement and reserve your session. I’ll recommend an appropriate amount of time based on the topics you want to address.
5. Work Through the Conversation
During mediation, we’ll address your topics one at a time. I’ll guide the discussion, clarify concerns, and help you explore options while you remain responsible for the decisions.
3. Complete Your Paperwork
Before mediation, each participant completes the required forms and submits relevant documents through the secure client portal. This helps ensure the information needed for your discussions is available.
6. Understand What Comes Next
Following mediation, I’ll prepare a Written Summary of Agreed Terms reflecting any decisions reached. If some matters remain unresolved, we’ll identify what still needs attention.
Clear, Transparent Pricing—Without Courtroom Costs
Family mediation at My Fair Mediation is $350 per hour, with a two-hour minimum reservation of $700. One hourly rate covers both participants, who may divide the cost between them.
Individual intake, pre-mediation preparation, document guidance, and a Written Summary of Agreed Terms are included in the hourly rate. There are no separate administrative or preparation fees.
The time needed depends on the topics being discussed. During your initial orientation, we’ll discuss what you hope to address and recommend how much time to reserve.
Typical Divorce Investment Range
Every family dynamic and financial picture is unique, which is why we customize your mediation plan during an initial consultation so there are never any financial surprises.
- Typical Investment Range: Most complete divorce and family mediations fall between $3,000 and $6,000 total (typically split equally between spouses).
- What Is Covered: Parenting plans and time-sharing schedules, division of marital assets and debts, discussions involving spousal and child support, and a Written Summary of Agreed Terms reflecting the decisions reached during mediation.
- Transparent & Predictable: You receive a written fee agreement before any work begins—with no hidden administrative fees, surprise retainers, or unexpected charges. Mediation is billed at a straightforward hourly rate, with a two-hour minimum reservation.
Reserve the time you need.
Family situations vary. Some participants may choose to reserve a shorter mediation session, while others may need more time to work through multiple issues. Mediation time is reserved in advance at $195 per hour, allowing participants to select the amount of time appropriate for the conversations they plan to have.
FAQs About Costs
Q: How much does mediation save compared to hiring litigation attorneys?
Contested court litigation often exceeds $15,000 to $40,000+ per party in attorney retainers and court fees. Private mediation resolves all marital issues for a small fraction of traditional court expenses, preserving your family’s assets for your future.
Q: Can we split the mediation fees?
Absolutely! In all MFM family mediations, the total cost is divided equally (50/50) between spouses, though you are free to agree on any payment arrangement that works best for your household.
Q: How do we get an exact quote for our specific case?
Rather than forcing your family into a rigid package that might not fit your situation, we review your specific needs during a free 25-minute phone call and provide a clear, customized estimate before you commit.
Q: What happens during our initial consultation?
Our initial intake call is a confidential, zero-pressure conversation. We discuss your current situation, explain the mediation process step-by-step, answer your questions, and confirm if mediation is the right fit for both parties.
See How it all Fits Together
The My Fair Mediation Guide walks through the MFM process from Mediation Orientation and preparation through mediation, the Written Summary of Agreed Terms, and review. It also includes mediation information, checklists, and Florida Family Law forms commonly used in the process.
Read online or download a printable copy.
