Standard Mediation

Comprehensive mediation for most disputes and real-world complexity

Standard Mediation is designed for disputes that involve multiple issues, heightened emotion, or greater contextual complexity. This tier provides a more expansive and flexible mediation process while remaining efficient, human-led, and focused on resolution.

Standard Mediation is the most commonly selected option and is appropriate for a wide range of personal, professional, and legal disputes where a streamlined approach would be insufficient, but full legal proceedings are unnecessary or undesirable.

What Standard Mediation Is Designed For

Standard Mediation is appropriate when:

The dispute involves multiple overlapping issues
Emotions, history, or communication breakdowns complicate resolution
There is a need for deeper background review or document analysis
The parties have differing perceptions of facts, obligations, or fairness
Ongoing relationships (workplace, business, family) require careful handling
Resolution requires structured exploration before agreement can be reached

Common examples include:

Workplace or employment-related disputes
Business or partnership disagreements
Family or co-parenting conflicts with multiple considerations
Contract or service disputes with layered expectations
High-conflict personal disputes requiring careful facilitation

Duration and Timing

Standard Mediation includes unlimited sessions for a 30-day period, starting from the date the mediator is assigned
Sessions are scheduled collaboratively based on availability
The process may conclude earlier if resolution is reached

Speed is prioritized, but the process will never force premature resolution.

Take the first step

Cost: $1499

Fees are per participant, not combined
Payment is due prior to mediation commencing
In most cases, costs are shared equally between parties. However, if one party wishes to cover the costs for both parties this can be accommodated.
The majority of our cases conclude within 30 days. In situations where parties wish to continue working with their moderator beyond the initial period, additional time may be available at a 10% reduced continuation rate, subject to availability.

Pricing is transparent and fixed. There are no hourly charges, hidden fees, or incentives to prolong the process.

What Standard Mediation Includes

A dedicated mediator who actively leads the process
Unlimited mediation sessions during the package period
Detailed intake and issue mapping to identify core and secondary concerns
Review of relevant documents, communications, or background materials
Separate and joint sessions structured to promote progress
Flexible scheduling across video, phone, or secure messaging platforms
Clear written summaries or documentation of agreements reached

The mediator adapts structure, pacing, and format as needed to keep the process productive and forward-moving.

Eligibility and Discretion

Smarter Mediation reserves the right to:

Decline cases that are not appropriate for mediation
Recommend a different service tier if complexity exceeds scope
Terminate mediation if participation is not in good faith

Our goal is resolution—not simply proceeding when mediation is unlikely to be productive.

Scope and Limitations

Standard Mediation is intentionally limited in scope.

redo to differentiate from express and complex.

Our intake team will assess what service is the appropriate fit for your dispute. If during the mediation the dispute is determined to exceed the appropriate scope for Standard Mediation, clients will be informed and given the option to transition to a higher-tier service.

Confidentiality

All Standard Mediation sessions and communications are confidential, subject to standard legal exceptions that will be explained before mediation begins.

Mediation discussions are not part of the public record and are designed to encourage open, candid participation.