Getting Started

1) Legal Representation:

If legal representation is requested, an initial consultation will be scheduled and payment shall be rendered at the time of service based on the attorney’s hourly rate for the time spent with the client in consultation. The consultation will include a factual intake from the client, a discussion pertaining to the clients questions, interests, and goals, an overview of the laws that apply, a discussion of the process options for resolving the dispute, and (if applicable) development of a plan for proceeding. The client should allow two hours. The length of time needed will depend on the complexity of the situation.

2) Mediation:

If mediation services are requested, an initial meeting will be scheduled with both parties present. Payment shall be rendered at the time of service based on the mediator’s hourly rate for the time spent with the parties in mediation. The first meeting will begin with an explanation of the mediation process, the roles of the mediator and parties (and their attorneys, if applicable), and entering into an Agreement to Mediate. The mediator and the parties then proceed in discussing the issues, collecting and/or sharing of information, identification of interests, and development of options for resolution. The parties should allow two hours for each session. The number of sessions will depend on the number of issues and the extent of the differences between the parties.

Fee Advance:

If services are requested beyond the initial consultation or mediation session, a fee advance is required at the time of entering into a Fee for Representation Agreement or Agreement to Mediate; the amount of the advance depends on the nature of the services and the clients needs.