Billing Rates & Policies

Preparation time is charged at the hourly rate if mediation statements, pleadings, or other written materials are submitted for consideration prior to the mediation. Mediations are booked on a half-day or full-day basis, with a 2-hour minimum charge for half-day, or a 4-hour minimum charge for full-day mediations.

Mr. Gard does not charge for travel time to mediations in the Northeast Florida counties of Duval, St. Johns, Clay or Nassau. Travel time is charged for mediations outside the Northeast Florida area at half the normal hourly rate.

Counsel are expected to and must agree to be responsible for the payment of all mediation charges within thirty (30) days of receiving a written invoice for the mediation. Payment of mediation fees is not conditioned upon the receipt of settlement funds. Invoices will either be delivered to parties and their counsel at the conclusion of the mediation or will be emailed to each party’s attorney after the mediation.

Parties to mediation involving one or more pro se parties may be required to pay a deposit prior to the mediation. Mediation fees will be divided equally between or among the parties unless otherwise agreed before or during the mediation. If a mediation is cancelled or postponed less than five (5) business days before the scheduled date of the mediation, a two-hour fee will be charged.

If suit is required to collect mediation fees, the Court referring the case to mediation retains jurisdiction over the parties and their counsel to enforce payment of the mediation fees, as well as any costs or attorney’s fees incurred in the enforcement or collection of mediation fees. By participating in the mediation, parties and their counsel agree to be bound by these policies.