SERVICES

Services Offered

MMS offers a range of mediation, negotiation, facilitation, and counseling services for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations.

• Mediation services: Private and court-ordered mediations; small claims and business-to-consumer matters; school-related disputes, including student bullying, academic concerns, and student-faculty conflicts; divorce, child placement/custody, relationship, elder care, and family mediation.
• Negotiation and review: Contract review and negotiations.
• Training and support: Workshop facilitation and counseling services.

1. Introductions: The mediator and parties introduce themselves. When applicable, the mediator will identify any non-participants who are present or who may be affected by the mediation outcome.
2. Review of the mediation process: The mediator explains the mediation process, including the possibility of impasse and other risks discussed during the free 30-minute consultation.
3. Ground rules: The mediator explains the expectations for respectful, productive participation throughout the mediation.
4. Presentation of the dispute: Each party has an opportunity to present their view of the dispute, one party at a time.
5. Discussion of shared interests: The parties identify common ground and discuss possible ideas for resolution.
6. Resolution statements: The parties work toward developing clear resolution statements that reflect any agreements reached.
7. Post-mediation documentation: MMS prepares a written agreement called the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and sends it to the parties for review.
8. Final agreement: Once finalized, the MOU is sent to the parties for electronic signature.

Resolution is not guaranteed. While many mediations end with an agreement between the parties, not all do. MMS cannot guarantee a resolution; however, MMS will work collaboratively with the parties and make every reasonable effort to help them reach a satisfactory outcome.

MMS reserves the right to terminate a mediation if it appears that one or both parties are not participating in good faith or if there are threats toward another party or the mediator. If a court-ordered mediation is terminated or canceled by the mediator, MMS will report the termination to the court and provide a statement explaining why the mediation was ended.

Consultation and Mediation Fees

Initial mediation consultation: The initial consultation is free for up to 30 minutes. During this consultation, we will explain the mediation process, review what to expect, and identify any materials you may need to bring on the day of mediation, if applicable:

• Hourly fee: $200 per hour, with each party paying $100 per hour.
• Flat rate: $700 for up to four (4) hours, with each party paying $350. If the mediation exceeds four (4) hours, each party will pay an additional $100 per hour.

Memorandum of Understanding and Final Documents

After the mediation is completed, the parties will receive a written Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Requests for extensive modifications will incur a fee of $150.

Each party will receive a draft document containing the agreed-upon mediated terms for final review. Edits are limited to grammar and spelling. Edits may not include additions or changes to previously agreed-upon terms or conditions. MMS will send the final version to the parties for electronic signature through DocuSign.

Flexible Pricing for Schools and Universities

Flexible pricing options are available to schools and universities. Pricing may be structured as hourly rates, half-day or full-day flat rates or an up-front academic-year fee that includes a set number of mediation hours.

Payment Terms

MMS accepts payment through Zelle or Cash App. Payment must be made in full before mediation begins.

Please Note:

No mediation date is confirmed until each party has signed an agreement to mediate and paid the non-refundable $75 per-person fee. This fee will be applied toward the total mediation fee. The remaining balance is due five (5) days before the scheduled mediation.

If you have questions about mediation pricing, please call or email us using the contact information below.

Rescheduling and Scheduling Courtesy

We understand that unexpected circumstances arise, and we will work with you to reschedule your session when needed. Because we value both your time and ours, we strive to maintain a schedule that allows each mediation to proceed as planned and enables MMS to provide a professional final product.

Cancellation Policy

If you must cancel a scheduled mediation, the following terms apply:

• A cancellation fee of $200 total, or $100 per party, will be charged to the canceling parties when a scheduled mediation is canceled two (2) days before the scheduled mediation date.
• Mediation fees are non-refundable once paid.
• If the mediation is rescheduled and completed, MMS will apply any amount paid in excess of the $200 cancellation fee toward the rescheduled mediation.

We will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your schedule.