In an effort to promote mediation and to further make mediation services affordable for those living on lower incomes we have altered our mediation rates so they are charged on a “sliding scale” based on combined income of the parties. The share that each disputant will pay of the total is typically going to be proportional to the incomes of the parties (as shown on most recent tax return or paystub) but can be otherwise based on agreement of the parties.
Our sliding scale is as follows:
| Annual Income of: | But no more than: | Mediator Hourly Rate | |
| $0 | $19,999 | $40 | |
| $20,000 | $25,999 | $50 | |
| $26,000 | $35,999 | $60 | |
| $36,000 | $45,999 | $70 | |
| $46,000 | $55,999 | $80 | |
| $56,000 | $65,999 | $90 | |
| $66,000 | $100 or more | $100 |
Thus, if Party 1 makes $20,000/yr. and Party 2 makes $40,000/yr. their combined annual income is $60,000/yr. and the mediator’s rate is $90/hr. Without an agreement that specifies another fee-sharing arrangement, Party 1 would be responsible for paying 33%, or $30/hr.; and Party 2 would be responsible for paying 66%, or $60/hr.
Advance fee deposits are required in proportion to these percentages as well, absent agreement to the contrary by the mediator and both parties.