Agreements > Divorce Mediation Agreement 2
Before starting divorce mediation participants are required to sign this agreement that describes the payment of fees for mediation and divorce services.
I. MEDIATION AND DIVORCE : The cost of a mediated divorce is $2500.00 which includes all court costs and filing fees. The process and fee is broken down into two separate and distinct parts. Part One is for the mediation sessions and the preparation of the MSA. The cost of part one is $1500.00 and includes up to three hours of mediation time, the preparation of the MSA, adjustments and a review and signing session. A minimum of $1000.00 must be paid at the first session. If more than three hours of mediation time is necessary you are charged the hourly rate of $200.00 for additional time. The amount of mediation time necessary to reach agreements varies based on the complexity of your situation, how well you communicate, how quickly you make compromises and the number of issues involved. For example, mediation involving a parenting plan, child support, home and personal property does not take as much time as mediation where participants are dealing with business property, investments, pension plans, professional licenses and other more complex or contested issues.
Part Two is optional and only available if the mediation is successful, an MSA is signed and there are no outstanding issues in dispute. The cost of part two is $1000.00 and includes all work necessary to complete the divorce on an uncontested/default basis, all paperwork and filing fees which total approximately $400.00. This fee is paid to Carl Vahl after the completion of Part One. After the MSA is signed the mediation is complete and both participants discharge PeaceMaker Mediation and the mediators. One of you hires Carl Vahl to finalize the divorce on a default basis which will result in the MSA being incorporated in the Judgment of Divorce. The only relief the court will order is what is agreed to by you in the MSA unless you have agreed to establish child support in a manner inconsistent with the NYS Child Support Standards Act. In that event the court will review your agreement concerning child support to make sure the financial needs of your children are met.
Part Two is optional. Mediation participants are not required to use Carl Vahl to complete the divorce paperwork. You may use any attorney you wish for this purpose. Carl Vahl will only consent to completing the divorce if the mediation is successful, an MSA and consents are signed by both spouses and there are no outstanding issues in dispute.
A divorce will not be finalized until you have paid in full.
II. FOLLOW-UP MEDIATION SESSIONS: The hourly rate for mediation and agreement drafting is $200.00 per hour. You pay for at least one hour in advance and if more time is necessary you pay as you go. Any balance due must be paid when the agreement is signed. If your agreement needs to be amended the time spent drafting the amendment is also billed at the rate of $200.00 per hour.
III. CHARGES FOR OPTIONAL SUPPLEMENTAL WORK.
A. Phone calls initiated by a client will be charged at $100.00 per hour, payable by the client who called, at the following session. This does not apply to scheduling calls and basic questions.
B. The preparation of deed’s and other documents necessary to transfer real estate cost $350.00 for each deed prepared. This fee includes the deed recording fees which are approximately $117.00. (NY Clients only.)
C. If legal work is necessary to obtain a “Qualified Domestic Relations Order” (QDRO) to divide a pension, retirement plan or other qualified retirement account, after the divorce is final you may hire Carl Vahl at a rate of $750.00 per QDRO. Clients may be referred to an outside expert for QDRO preparation. (NY Clients only.)
IV. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
[ ] __________________________ accepts sole responsibility for all costs of mediation and divorce.
[ ] __________________________ and __________________________ agree to share equally in the costs of mediation and divorce, or use marital funds for this purpose.
[ ] __________________________ and __________________________ will share the costs of
mediation and divorce as follows:_____________________________________________________.
We have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Fee Agreement.
Spouse_____________________________________________Date______________
Spouse ____________________________________________Date______________
Mediator___________________________________________ Date______________
Mediator___________________________________________ Date______________
|