Conflict Resolution & Conciliation Center, Inc.
Costs for our Services
The value of the Peacemaking Process
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
Costs for our Services
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
Fee Structure
When considering the value of our alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services, the first question is often “What will it cost?”. Since our services are offered on an hourly basis, the cost will depend on how long it takes for the matters the parties bring to be addressed and resolved, which can vary significantly. The hourly rates for our various services are explained below.
Another way of considering the cost is to consider the cost of the alternatives, including costs that are difficult to monetize, such as the cost of waiting on another more formal process or the cost of damaged or lost relationships, whether in a marriage, family, workplace, business or church setting if peace is not pursued (1 Peter 3:10-11). The costs of not pursuing peace can be significant and long lasting (Hebrews 12:14-15).
If the matter you are bringing would otherwise need to be resolved through litigation, following is a comparison with that forum. Also, it is important to consider differences in the scope and features of various ADR providers.
Heading to Court
Each party hires a lawyer by retainer, typically ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 and above. This is held in trust as a deposit for future services that will typically be billed at hourly rates of $350 to $600.
Every photocopy, fax and phone call that a lawyer’s office makes is deducted from the retainer as an actual cost, plus time spent – in 6 minute increments.
A lawyer must prepare a case for a hearing and will request documents, testimony, and other materials from the other attorney. This exchange of information is called discovery and usually eats up most legal fees.
It’s not unusual to learn that the deposit has been spent well before appearing in court. Requests for more deposits come as a shock – but happen frequently. The lack of direct contact or real progress often leads to conflict between lawyers and clients!
Court decisions will disappoint at least one side to a conflict and attempts to overturn, disregard or appeal such decisions continue the cycle of cost and delay.
1 Corinthians 6:7a tells us “To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you.” (ESV)
Conflict to Peace ADR
Attorneys, while welcome, are not required in mediation. They may be consulted at any time including prior to signing any agreement.
At Conflict to Peace, we exclusively use teams of two, experienced mediators. For marital and family disputes (like child custody) – a woman and a man.
Individual meetings (intakes) are held with each party and the mediator team. These last at least two hours and often longer. These allow both parties the opportunity to confidentially share why they think they are in conflict so we can gain insight into the circumstances and coach each party on a productive path toward resolution.
Following the intakes, a mediation is held where everyone attends to address both relational and material issues and explore creative approaches to serving the interests of all involved to the greatest extent possible.
We charge $330 per hour for the team during the mediation session. (You can opt to use a single mediator at a rate of $250 per hour). Lower hourly fees apply for intakes and agreement drafts.
As a non-profit firm, we also offer a sliding scale fee schedule based on family income (subject to verification).
Basic Service Fees Summary
- Individual Conflict Coaching: $165.00 per hour
- Mediation
– Intake/pre-mediation coaching: $165.00 per hour (2 hr min.)
– Initial Administration Fee: $70.00 per party
– Joint Sessions: $165.00 per hour, per party (2 hr min.)
– Agreement Drafting: $85.00 per hour, per party - Arbitration
– Filing Fee: $120.00
– Administrator Time: $90.00 per hour, per party
– Hearing Day Fee: $60 per party
– Arbitration Panel Time: $300 per hour, per party
– Award Preparation: $150 per hour, per party
We accept personal checks and
1 Discounts cannot be combined
2 For matters not involving marital or family disputes, parties may opt to meet with a single mediator for $250 per hour. All other rates remain the same.
Conflict to Peace offers many forms of ADR – all of which require different skill sets and which are subject to different fees.
Conflict Coaching or Consulting, in which we assist one party to assess the dispute and fashion a strategy to approach the other side and to explore ways of reaching peace without the involvement of anyone else – $165.00 per hour. If coaching results in the other party agreeing to mediate, any difference in rates will be credited back.
Conciliation Services, in which we assist parties who truly want to pursue relationship restoration and reconciliation but are unable to do so on their own – 10% discount1 on our normal mediation fees.
Mediation Services, in which mediator teams confidentially meet with each side in advance (intakes and pre-mediation coaching), in joint session to assist in collaboratively reaching settlement and then draft that agreement. Services are billed based on the stage of the proceeding – $165 per hour for intake and pre-mediation coaching (minimum two hours) plus a $70 case administration fee; $330 per hour in joint sessions2; and $170 per hour drafting time. Family and marital cases employ a woman/man mediator team.
Hybrid Mediation/Arbitration or Arbitration Services, in which we help resolve or narrow the issues with any remaining presented in a hearing prior to making a binding decision. This service is subject to a number of factors (i.e. number of parties, issues, amount in controversy, number of arbitrators, etc.) – contact us for a Market Price.
A 20% surcharge is applied to hourly rates for in-person meetings held on weekends and holidays or outside normal business hours (9 to 6). Fees are based on the published rate when a case begins. Cases that are resumed after a three-month period of inactivity are billed at the then prevailing rate.
Reduced fees and payment plans are available for those with limited incomes or faced with unusual financial hardship upon presentation of documentation. Contact our office to learn more.
We partner with some Employee Assistance Programs by offering a discount1 to our published rates. Please check with your Human Resources Department.
The above rates are current, as of March 1st, 2022.
Grace filled communication is the key to resolution and peace. Our experienced conciliators provide that key.