How much does mediation cost?
The cost of the mediation is usually shared by the parties (with the exception of employment disputes where the costs
are usually covered by the employer). The required length of a mediation depends on the nature of the dispute and the co-operation and determination of the parties seeking resolution. Anecdotal evidence indicates that most resolvable disputes are completed within
one day.
The mediation fee and costs involved in the mediation are negotiable and depend on the complexity of the dispute and the area of law involved (for
example family, commercial, employment). In certain circumstances there may be travelling and accommodation expenses and other miscellaneous expenses such as meeting room hire.
However, when compared to the price of litigation, the question is can you afford not to
mediate?
Average cost of a two day hearing:
-
Civil litigation (contractual/commercial disputes) $20,000 plus (per party) plus filing
fees;
-
Relationship Property Disputes $15,000 plus (per party);
-
Employment dispute $7,000 plus (per party) to the first level of the Employment Relations
Authority.
Although costs are often awarded to the 'winning' party, they are
usually
capped and are a fraction of the actual cost of the litigation.
