We are open for direct mediation services as of April 1, 2021.   Please reach out to us with any type of conflict or dispute, including pre- and post-litigation, to help us help you resolve the situation using mediation and mediation-related practices. Fee structure updated February 4, 2024.

2024 FEE BASIS (individual basis per party)

Level

Threshold

Income plus Cash Convertible Assets

Administrative Fee
(per qualifying party)

Mediation Fee
(per party)

I

< 125% of federal poverty individual poverty line (based on single individual, not family size)

< $15,060 x 125% = $18,750

$25

due at time of scheduling or requesting mediation

3 hour minimum

$0/hr/party for qualifying party
(pro bono)

II

> 125% and < 400% of federal poverty line (based on single individual, not family size)

> $18,750 and
< $60,024 income/year

$25

due at time of scheduling or requesting mediation

3-hr minimum

$50/hr/party up to maximum of $150/hr across all parties (low bono).

If party’s income and cash convertible assets are above 400% of individual poverty line, then $100/hr for that party.

PLEASE NOTE:

* At least one party shall meet Level I or Level II threshold requirements in order to avail of MMCC services with the exception of magistrate court mediations.

* If a party is represented by a legal aid organization under their criteria, or is designated as indigent and/or ordered by a Judge to use MMCC, then that party shall also qualify.

* If a party is qualifies for Level I but is paying for counsel, then Level II applies.

1. Fee Thresholds: *At least one party to the mediation must qualify under a lower income/asset threshold (Levels I or II). Each party will be assessed based on their individual threshold as provided for by the party or parties in court financial declarations and/or most recent income or financial asset statement(s). The center will also honor any alternate fees/fee structure advised by the court and/or stipulated by court order.

2. Selection of Mediator: The Mediation Center will select the mediator unless other arrangements are agreed to in advance by the Center.  All mediators are volunteers in service of the Center and meet SC ADR Commission mediator training requirements.

3. Cancellation Policy: Administrative fees are due at the time of request for mediation (only one party need make the request but all parties are requested to pay this fee). The Administrative fee is not non-refundable. Any party who fails to appear for mediation, or cancels mediation less than 24 hours prior to start of mediation, forfeits any advance mediation fees paid.

4. Rescheduling: Any requests to reschedule a mediation need to be made at least 48 hours prior to the start of the scheduled mediation.

5. Payments: All payments need to be made on the MMCC online payment portal unless alternate arrangements are made. Administrative fees are due from each party at the time of requesting the mediation.  Mediation fees are due 48 hours prior to the scheduled mediation. Any additional fees are due at the end of mediation but no later than 10 days after.

6. Reference case documents: All relevant documents, including financial declarations, are expected to be provided at the time of confirming the scheduled mediation but no later than 48 hours prior to the scheduled mediation.

7. Duration of Mediation: Family and probate cases are subject to a 3-hour minimum.

8. Link to Federal poverty guidelines: https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines