The R.E.E.F. LLC Mediation Policies

1. Scheduling Policy

Mediation sessions are scheduled only after:

• completed intake forms are received,

• signed mediation agreements are returned,

• and payment has been received in full from all participating parties unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the mediator.

Mediation sessions will not be scheduled or confirmed until payment has been received in full from both parties unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the mediator.

The mediator reserves the right to decline, pause, reschedule, separate, or discontinue services at any time.

2. Payment Policy

Mediation services are billed at:

• $75 per party, per hour,

• with a required two-hour minimum session fee.

Additional time or services outside scheduled sessions may be billed separately, including but not limited to:

• preparation time,

• scheduling coordination,

• written summaries,

• document preparation,

• communication outside scheduled sessions,

• or additional mediation-related services.

Accepted payment methods:
☐ Cash
☐ Card
☐ Electronic Payment

3. Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy

Cancellations or rescheduling requests should be made at least 72 hours in advance whenever possible.

Late cancellations, no-shows, refusal to participate, or repeated rescheduling may result in:

• forfeiture of some or all fees paid,

• refusal of future scheduling,

• or termination of mediation services.

Refunds are not guaranteed and may be reduced or denied based on time already allocated to scheduling, preparation, communication, document preparation, or mediation services already rendered.

4. Neutrality Policy

The mediator remains neutral at all times and does not advocate for either party.

The mediator does not:

• make decisions,

• provide legal advice,

• determine custody,

• predict court outcomes,

• enforce agreements,

• or force agreements.

The mediator may end mediation if neutrality can no longer be maintained.

5. Conflict of Interest & Document Services Policy

To maintain neutrality and avoid conflicts of interest, The R.E.E.F. LLC may not provide mediation services in matters where individualized document preparation or parenting plan support services have already been provided to one party.

If The R.E.E.F. LLC assists a party with:

• parenting plan development or structuring,

• timeline organization,

• exhibit organization,

• communication documentation,

• case-related document preparation,

• or individualized case support services,

then The R.E.E.F. LLC will be unable to later act as the neutral mediator for that same dispute or matter.

This policy exists to preserve fairness, impartiality, and the integrity of the mediation process for all parties involved.

Parties seeking mediation after receiving individualized document support services may be referred to a different neutral mediation provider.

6. Communication Policy

Communication with the mediator should remain respectful and appropriate.

Harassment, threats, intimidation, excessive communication, abusive language, manipulation attempts, or repeated disruption of the mediation process may result in:

• suspension of communication,

• termination of services,

• or refusal of future mediation services.

The mediator may limit, redirect, pause, or structure communication as necessary to maintain neutrality, professionalism, safety, and the effectiveness of the mediation process.

7. Confidentiality & Mandatory Reporting Policy

Mediation discussions are intended to remain confidential except where disclosure is required by law, including:

• abuse disclosures,

• suspected child abuse or neglect,

• suspected abuse or neglect of an at-risk or vulnerable person,

• threats of harm to self or others,

• mandatory reporting obligations,

• safety concerns,

• or court order.

Information shared privately with the mediator may be shared with the other party unless specifically identified as confidential.

The mediator may use discretion in determining whether information may be withheld if doing so would impair neutrality, fairness, safety, or the mediation process.

8. Shuttle Mediation Policy

The mediator may use separate sessions, separate calls, separate waiting areas, separate communication methods, or joint sessions at the mediator’s discretion.

The structure of mediation will be determined based on:

• safety,

• conflict level,

• communication concerns,

• scheduling,

• party participation,

• and the effectiveness of the mediation process.

9. Court Filing Policy

The mediator may assist in documenting agreements reached by the parties; however:

• the mediator does not represent either party,

• does not file documents for parties,

• does not provide legal advice,

• and does not guarantee court approval.

Parties remain responsible for:

• reviewing agreements,

• obtaining legal advice if desired,

• and filing documents with the appropriate court.

10. Safety Policy

The mediator may pause, reschedule, separate, or terminate mediation if concerns arise regarding:

• safety,

• coercion,

• intimidation,

• impaired participation,

• threats,

• or the wellbeing of any involved child or participant.

The mediator reserves the right to refuse in-person sessions if safety risks are identified.

11. Technology & Virtual Session Policy

Virtual sessions may occur through phone or video platforms.

Parties are responsible for:

• maintaining a stable connection,

• participating from an appropriate and reasonably private environment,

• and minimizing interruptions whenever possible.

Recording mediation sessions is prohibited unless all parties and the mediator provide written consent.

The mediator is not responsible for technical interruptions, internet failures, device malfunctions, or other technology-related disruptions outside the mediator’s control.

12. Children Policy

To help maintain confidentiality, minimize distractions, and support productive participation, children should generally not be present during mediation sessions or in a position to overhear mediation discussions.

Children over the age of two (2) should not be present during mediation sessions unless specifically approved in advance by the mediator.

Parents and participants remain responsible for arranging appropriate childcare during scheduled mediation sessions whenever possible.

The mediator may pause, reschedule, or terminate a session if interruptions, distractions, or confidentiality concerns significantly interfere with the mediation process.

The mediator may determine whether participation or presence of a child is appropriate based on:

• age,

• emotional wellbeing,

• safety concerns,

• confidentiality considerations,

• and the purpose of mediation.

13. Agreement Policy

Participation in mediation does not guarantee:

• agreement,

• settlement,

• reconciliation,

• or court approval.

Any agreements reached remain voluntary decisions of the parties.

The mediator is not responsible for enforcing agreements after mediation concludes.

14. Participation & Conduct Policy

Parties are expected to participate in good faith and engage respectfully throughout the mediation process.

The mediator may terminate mediation if a party:

• refuses to participate meaningfully,

• repeatedly disrupts the process,

• participates in bad faith,

• intentionally withholds necessary information,

• or otherwise interferes with the mediation process.

15. Non-Representation Policy

Participation in mediation through The R.E.E.F. LLC does not establish:

• attorney-client representation,

• therapist-client relationship,

• fiduciary relationship,

• or ongoing professional representation of either party.

The mediator remains an independent neutral facilitator only.

16. Private Mediation Services Policy

The R.E.E.F. LLC currently provides private mediation services only unless otherwise specifically identified in writing.

The mediator is not acting as a court-appointed mediator or representative of any court or governmental entity at this time.

Parties remain responsible for filing documents with the appropriate court and obtaining legal advice if desired.