Sometimes a face to face mediation isn’t possible – this can be due to time zones, time available, or when only essential travel is permitted. NWMS offers a variety of options for remote mediation, namely:
- Zoom
- Skype
- Facetime
- Telephone
- Email
We would recommend Zoom as it is not only easy to use but has the added feature of virtual breakout rooms where parties can have private meetings with their lawyer (for example) even if they aren’t sat together in the same room.
We can even have joint meetings with everyone present in the same “virtual” room.
Remote mediation can be incredibly effective if used correctly and our mediators are all skilled in its use.
The mediation fee is payable in full 3 working days prior to the mediation. If the fees are not paid prior to the commencement of the mediation, the mediation will only proceed if the lawyers for all parties give professional undertakings that the fees will be paid within 28 days after the date invoiced.
The above fees include the preparation time shown, any pre-mediation telephone discussions and correspondence, any follow up work should the parties not settle on the day of the mediation, and all administration.
The fee remains payable if the parties settle before the expiration of the booked time for the mediation.
Additional preparation and mediation time (above booked hours shown above) for all mediations is chargeable as shown in table, per hour, per party. The balance of any supplementary fees shall be payable within 28 days after the date invoiced, and by signing the Agreement, the lawyers for all the parties undertake to ensure that such supplementary fees are paid within that outstanding balance will be paid within 28 days after the date invoiced.
What is not included in the fee?
Mediator travel expenses are capped at £200.00.
Mediator travel time to venues outside the North East may be charged at £75.00 per hour, per party, subject to agreement.
Mediator overnight expenses are capped at £200, and shall only be payable where the mediation proceeds beyond 7 pm and/or goes into a 2nd consecutive day.
Venue hire and refreshments
Costs of venue/accommodation and refreshments are to be provided by the parties.
Cancellation Terms
Unless cancellation takes places more than 7 working day prior to the mediation, a fee of 50% of the agreed fee shall be payable. Should the mediation be cancelled in advance of 7 working days prior to the mediation date, no fee is due.