FEE INFORMATION
Transparent, accessible pricing
LMC’s fees are assessed on an individual basis using a sliding scale tied to the Federal Poverty Guidelines. At least one party must qualify under Level I or Level II for LMC services to apply.
All fees are to be paid online only (if assistance is needed, please call 843.972.3683). Please do not mail any checks or money orders to our PO Box.
* The fee schedule is subject to change based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines update.
2026 FEES
Fee levels at a glance
At least one party must qualify under Level I or Level II for LMC services to apply.
| LEVEL | THRESHOLD | ANNUAL INCOME + CASH CONVERTIBLE ASSETS | ADMINISTRATIVE FEE (PER INDIVIDUAL) | MEDIATION FEE (PER INDIVIDUAL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Pro Bono) | Less than 125% of the federal poverty individual poverty line (based on a single individual, not family size) | Equal to or less than $19,950 income/year | $40 due prior to scheduling | 4-hour minimum $0/hr for the qualifying party* |
| Level II (Reduced Rate) | Greater than/equal to 125% and less than/equal to 400% of the federal poverty line (based on a single individual, not family size) | Greater than $19,950 and less than $63,840 income/year | $40 due prior to scheduling | 4-hour minimum $50/hr for the qualifying party* |
| Level III (Reduced Rate) | Greater than/equal to 400% and less than 500% of the federal poverty line (based on single individual, not family size) | Greater than $63,840 and less than $79,800 income/year | $40 due prior to scheduling | 4-hour minimum $100/hr for the qualifying party* |
| Above Level III (Standard Rate) | Greater than/equal to 500% of the federal poverty line (based on single individual, not family size) | Equal to or greater than $79,800 income/year | $40 due prior to scheduling | 4-hour minimum $150/hr for the qualifying party* |
* the term party is synonymous with individual
If neither party qualifies for Level I, II, or III: mediation will be billed at $150/hour. LMC reserves the right to decline cases where neither party qualifies, unless court-ordered to use LMC.
If a Level I party is paying for counsel: Level II rates apply.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR LMC SERVICES
- At least one party meets Level I or Level II threshold requirements
- Magistrate court cases
- At least one party is represented by a legal aid organization that has qualified them under its own criteria
- A party is designated as indigent and/or ordered by a judge to use LMC for mediation
HOW FEES ARE ASSESSED
- Each party is assessed individually based on their own income and assets
- Income is determined from court financial declarations and/or the most recent income or financial asset statements
- The LMC will honor alternate fee structures set forth in a signed and filed court order
- The LMC reserves the right to assess additional fees upon learning that an original assessment as to qualifying level was not accurate or if a mediation session lasts longer than the time allocated.
POLICIES
Payments, cancellations,
& scheduling
Payments
Administrative fee
An upfront administrative fee payment of $40 per party is due at the time of requesting mediation to ensure participation of both parties. These administrative fees are due regardless of the parties’ income.
Pay through the online portal, whose link is found at the top of this page, or via a QuickBooks invoice.
Mediation fee
Due 7 days after scheduling, or 48 hours before the session — whichever is sooner.
Pay via QuickBooks invoice.
Additional fees
Due at the end of mediation, or no later than 3 business days after — unless other arrangements are made at the time the fee is assessed.
Cancellation & Refunds
Administrative fee
Non-refundable in all circumstances.
Mediation fee
Refunded in full (minus the $40 admin fee) if mediation is cancelled at least 24 hours before the session.
Non-appearance / late cancellation
Any party who fails to appear or cancels less than 24 hours before the session forfeits any advance mediation fees paid.
Once underway
Fees paid for a session that has already begun are non-refundable. Refunds in other circumstances are rare and solely at LMC’s discretion.
Rescheduling
Rescheduling requests
Must be made at least 5 full business days in advance. LMC reviews requests case by case. LMC reserves the right to cancel if fees are not paid on time.
Session duration
All Family and Probate cases are scheduled for a minimum of 4 hours. Please take this time allotment into account when scheduling.
Documents
Reference documents
All relevant documents are due at confirmation of scheduling and no later than 72 hours before the scheduled session.
Financial declarations
Must be submitted prior to scheduling for eligibility and fee assessment. Required for all family court cases.
SELECTION OF MEDIATOR
If there are circumstances that would strongly and negatively impact the ability to engage in effective mediation, you may request not to be scheduled with a particular volunteer mediator.
This request must be made at the time of application — prior to scheduling. LMC will do its best to honor such requests but cannot guarantee them.
OBSERVER POLICY
The LMC is dedicated to assisting in the training/mentorship of our existing and potential mediator volunteers in order to maintain a high standard of mediation services. Therefore, LMC occasionally arranges for a Charleston School of Law student or attorney mediator to observe a session as part of our training and mentorship program.
If this applies to your case, we will:
- Run a conflict of interest check
- Notify you of the observer’s name in advance
- Have the observer sign the Agreement to Mediate — a legally binding confidentiality contract
The observer will not participate in the mediation in any way.
Please let us know if you have any questions about this policy. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.
QUESTIONS ABOUT FEES
Cost should never prevent you from getting help
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or have questions about how fees apply to your situation, just reach out. We’ll walk you through it.