How Much Does Mediation Cost? A Transparent Breakdown

If you're researching mediation, you've probably noticed how hard it is to find real prices. Most mediator websites say "contact us for pricing" or vaguely mention "affordable rates." That's frustrating when you're trying to budget for a divorce, business dispute, or injury claim.

Here's a direct answer: what mediation actually costs in 2026, across the different formats, so you can plan.

Private mediator hourly rates

Most private mediators charge between $150 and $500 per hour. The spread depends on the mediator's background, the type of dispute, and the market.

• $150–$250/hour — Mediators with strong training but less formal legal background. Great for family and community disputes.
• $250–$400/hour — Mediators with legal training, paralegal or attorney backgrounds, or specialized expertise (like personal injury, business, or real estate).
• $400–$500+/hour — Retired judges and highly credentialed attorney mediators. Common in large commercial cases or high-stakes civil matters.

Andrea Nago Mediation Services charges $250 per hour with a $250 deposit to secure the appointment. The deposit applies toward the final balance. Additional time beyond the scheduled session is billed at the same hourly rate.

What a typical mediation actually costs

Most mediations resolve in a single partial or full-day session.

Simple matters (2–3 hours)

A single focused issue — a contract dispute between two parties, an uncomplicated parenting schedule, a workplace disagreement — can often be handled in a half-session.

• Typical total: $500–$750
• Split between parties: $250–$375 each

Standard mediations (4–8 hours)

Most divorces, business disputes, and PI settlements fall here. A full day gets the work done when both sides come prepared.

• Typical total: $1,000–$2,000
• Split between parties: $500–$1,000 each

Complex matters (multiple sessions)

Business dissolutions with valuation disputes, multi-party family matters, or PI cases with disputed liability and damages may need 2–3 sessions.

• Typical total: $3,000–$8,000
• Split between parties: $1,500–$4,000 each

How private mediation compares to other formats

Private mediation

What we've been describing. Highest flexibility, usually best quality, predictable pricing. Rates vary by mediator.

Court-connected mediation

Many courts offer mediation programs for cases already in litigation. These are often low-cost or free, but quality varies and you usually can't pick your mediator. Sessions are typically short (2–3 hours) and focused on settlement rather than broader resolution.

Attorney-facilitated settlement talks

Not technically mediation, but worth mentioning. Attorneys negotiating directly charge their normal hourly rates ($300–$600/hour each). This is often the most expensive path because you're paying for two attorneys' time rather than one neutral.

Arbitration

Different from mediation — an arbitrator decides, rather than facilitates agreement. Arbitrators often charge $300–$600+/hour, and arbitration can take days rather than hours. Decisions are binding.

What's included in the rate

When you hire Andrea, the hourly rate covers:

• Pre-session intake and review of provided materials
• The mediation session itself
• Drafting the final mediation agreement
• Basic follow-up communication about the agreement

Not included: your own attorney's fees (if you choose to engage one), expert witnesses (appraisers, accountants, medical experts), or court filing fees if the agreement becomes part of a formal filing.

Compared to what you'd spend without mediation

Litigation costs are an order of magnitude higher. A contested divorce routinely costs $40,000–$200,000 in combined legal fees. Business partnership litigation can cross $500,000. Even uncontested court proceedings rack up thousands in attorney time.

For most disputes that settle anyway — which is over 95% of civil cases — mediation lets you skip most of that cost and reach the same outcome in weeks instead of years.

How to budget

For most single-issue matters, budget $1,000–$2,000 total. For more complex cases, budget $3,000–$5,000. If the matter is resolved quickly, you pay less. If it takes longer, you pay proportionally.

A deposit secures your appointment. The balance is due based on time used. Both sides typically split the cost, though one party can cover the full fee if they prefer.

Ready to book or ask questions

You can book a mediation session directly through Andrea's calendar, or email andrea@andreanagomediation.com with questions about your specific situation. Services cover family matters, business disputes, personal injury claims, and real estate conflicts across California, Florida, Puerto Rico, Texas, and Washington.