Mediators usually give a fee quote after an intake call, when they know the number of parties, the type of dispute, and whether the case is already in court. Clients compare hourly rates, flat package prices, and what is included, such as preparation and the written agreement.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
Create an invoice for payment collection
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A two-party custody dispute and a multi-party business conflict take very different amounts of time. Naming the parties and issues sets the scope.
Clients want a sense of total cost. A range of sessions and hours gives a realistic budget without promising a result.
Preparation, document review, calls, and emails add up. State whether they are billed hourly or included in a flat fee.
Drafting a memorandum of understanding is often an extra charge. Clarify if it is included and how many revisions.
Equal splits are common but not universal. Settle this before the first session.
Clients should see deposit amounts and cancellation charges before they commit.
State that you are neutral, do not give legal advice, and cannot guarantee a settlement, so clients understand what they are buying.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Family or divorce mediation session | per hour | $150-400 |
| Commercial or business dispute mediation | per hour | $250-600 |
| Half-day mediation session (about 4 hours) | flat fee | $800-2,500 |
| Full-day mediation session (6-8 hours) | flat fee | $1,500-5,000 |
| Case preparation and document review | per hour | $150-400 |
| Drafting memorandum of understanding or settlement agreement | flat fee | $300-1,200 |
| Workplace or HR mediation | per hour | $150-350 |
| Intake and administrative fee | per case | $50-250 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Because the number of sessions depends on how the parties engage, quote the rate and a likely range of total hours rather than a fixed total for the whole case.
Business and employment disputes are often scheduled as a half or full day. A flat rate is easier for companies and their insurers to approve.
A set number of sessions with a drafted agreement gives couples a predictable cost. Note what happens if more sessions are needed.
If you review long documents or hold pre-mediation calls, include that time in your estimate so you are not unpaid for the work that makes the session productive.
Either works. Hourly with an estimated range suits cases where the length is uncertain. Flat fees suit defined scopes, such as a one-day commercial mediation or a standard package of family sessions.
Say in the quote that additional time is billed at the stated rate and that you will tell clients when the estimate is likely to be exceeded.
A quote can be informal, but a signed mediation agreement with fee terms should be in place before the first session. Many mediators send both together.
Many mediators offer a short free intake call and charge for longer consultations or screening sessions. State which applies in your quote so there is no surprise.
Use the Mediator invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Mediator invoice template