While there is no such thing as a typical mediation session, perhaps this 2 minute video will provide some helpful insight.
Once contacted about scheduling a mediation, our office will email the requesting party an intake form to complete, along with dates that have mediation slots available. The requesting party (or his/her attorney’s office) should make contact with the other party/parties in the case to ensure they also are available on the requested date(s). Downloadable Intake Form
We are able to mediate two cases a day, at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Dates are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
After we receive the completed intake form and a request for date(s), we will work on recruiting a volunteer mediator for the session.
Once a mediator is committed, we will send a confirmation email and request that related documents be mailed, faxed or emailed to our office. Copies of the pleadings (no affidavits, please), financial statements (current check stub or tax return) and any court orders now in effect should also be sent in advance.
A mediator will be available for up to three hours, if needed, for this session. Typically, the mediator will talk briefly with the parties separately. Only the named parties to the case and their attorneys (if represented) should attend the mediation.
Our mediators are volunteers; typically, they are attorneys who are taking time away from their own busy practice to mediate your case.
A $25 fee may be charged to either party (or the representing attorney’s office) that cancels less than 24 hours and/or 1 business day before the scheduled mediation time or for failing to show for the scheduled mediation session
If reasonable accommodations are required, notify us as soon as possible by email at mediationcoordinator@midlandsmediation.org or by phone at (803) 714-1176.
*Sliding Fee Scale for MMC Family Mediations (based on Gross Annual Income):
$9,999 or less = $20.00/hr
$10,000 – $19,999 = $30.00/hr
$20,000 – $29,999 = $40.00/hr
$30,000 – $39,999 = 60.00/hr.
$40,000 – $49,999 = $80.00/hr
$50,000 or $59,000 = *$100.00/hr or higher
*Midlands Mediation Center has volunteer mediators. Individuals volunteer their time at the center to assist individuals who can not afford mediated services outside of the sliding fee. Suppose individuals each make over $60K with a combined household income exceeding $120K; in those cases, we recommend contacting a private mediator. MMC can provide a list of certified/trained mediators to support their mediation needs. MMC will charge $125.00 per hour per person for individuals meeting this criterion. We will not deny anyone services.
In addition to the hourly fees for mediation services, each party typically splits MMC’s $50 administrative fee.
For information or assistance, call 803-714-1174 ext. 11