How are fees divided between the spouses?
Our computer will bill each party for 50% the bill unless we are told otherwise. The division of fees is reflected in the hourly rate, which is shown on the bill. The bill you receive reflects what you personally owe. For example, if you are responsible for 50%, your bill will show the correct number of hours but they will be billed at 50% of the hourly rate. Billings is at 100% of the hourly rate in two situations: (1) you and your spouse are billed as a couple because payment is from joint assets, or (2) the billing is for a separate conference in which you explain your position or interests to the mediator. In the latter case, your spouse would not be billed for that time. If you feel that the division of fees between you and your spouse is not fair, you may make that an agenda item if you do so early in the mediation. We don’t bill for a reasonable time used to mediate that issue.
