There is no single price for divorce mediation in Florida. Fees depend on the mediator, the number of issues, how many sessions are needed and whether lawyers are involved. This page explains the common ways fees are structured and the other costs of an uncontested divorce, so you can compare quotes. It does not list prices: fees vary, so ask each mediator for current rates in writing.
How mediators commonly charge
- Hourly rates. Many private mediators bill by the hour, sometimes with a minimum per session. Half-day and full-day sessions are often available for complex cases.
- Flat fees or packages. Some mediators quote a fixed fee for a set number of hours or for the whole process, which may include drafting the agreement.
- Retainers or deposits. A deposit may be requested to reserve time. Ask whether it is refundable and how it is applied.
- Court-connected programs. Some courts and community dispute resolution programs offer mediation at lower cost. Availability differs by county, so check with the court clerk or your attorney.
Who pays
Spouses frequently split the mediator's fee evenly, but they are free to agree on a different arrangement, and the mediator's fee agreement should say how payment is handled.
Costs beyond the mediator
- Court filing fee. The Clerk of Court charges a filing fee for a divorce case. The amount is set by statute and can differ by county, so confirm it with the Hillsborough County clerk or on the clerk's website.
- Parenting course. Parents of minor children must complete a court-approved parent education course. Providers set their own fees.
- Document preparation. Court forms can be completed yourself, with an attorney, or with a non-lawyer document preparer. Preparers may type forms you supply but cannot give legal advice. Compare what each option includes.
- Attorney review. Having a family law attorney review a mediated agreement is a separate cost, and many people consider it worth it before signing.
- Specialists. Retirement plans may need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order, and business or real estate valuations may need an appraiser. These are charged separately.
Questions to ask before you hire a mediator
- What is your rate, and what does it cover? Is drafting the agreement included?
- Is there a minimum, a deposit or a cancellation fee?
- How will fees be divided between us?
- Are you certified as a Florida Supreme Court family mediator?
- What happens to the fee if we do not reach an agreement?
For help weighing mediation against other options, see the guide to kinds of help available and the steps of an uncontested divorce. This is general information, not legal advice.