Calendaring and Pre-Mediation Submissions:

Calendaring Mediations:
It is my policy and practice to schedule mediations for one half day or a full day (or longer if necessary). Half day mediations generally start at 9:00 A.M. or 1:30 P.M, however we will accommodate your schedule as necessary. When scheduling a mediation, please keep in mind that if you reserve a morning for half day and another mediation is scheduled for that afternoon, the morning mediation will have to conclude in time for the afternoon mediation to begin when scheduled. This may necessitate a continuation or adjournment of the mediation depending on how the parties and counsel wish to handle the situation.

Mediation Fees:
My mediation fees depend on the nature and complexity of the case and the number of parties involved. By way of example, for a typical two party case lasting 3 hours with one hour of preparation time, the fee, at $300 per hour, would be $1,200 total or $600 per party. I handle pre-suit homeowner association disputes for a fee of $250 per hour. These fee examples are for illustration purposes only.

As is routinely provided for in court ordered mediation, mediation fees are due and payable at the conclusion of the mediation. As a courtesy to counsel, if counsel is advancing the fee, I will invoice counsel following the mediation with the expectation that the fee will be paid within ten (10) days of the mediation. If counsel is not advancing the fee, payment is expected at the conclusion of the mediation. In the case of governmental entities, counsel will receive an invoice following the mediation. Please remember that I have no ongoing relationship with mediation parties, therefore it is my expectation that other than with governmental entities, counsel will ultimately be responsible for payment of the mediation fee.

The mediation fee is usually divided evenly between the parties, unless otherwise agreed or ordered by the Court.

My charges are in 1/4 hour increments and I have a three (3) hour minimum charge for half day and a six (6) hour minimum charge for full day mediations held in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco Counties. For your convenience, we now accept credit card payment for mediation fees.

Travel Time:
There is no charge for travel time.

Preparation Time:
I do charge for preparation time, but only if preparation time is expended. Preparation time is typically charged for review of court files and/or pre-mediation submissions and documents, premediation conferences or teleconferences with counsel or unrepresented parties, and preparation of draft mediation agreements. Typically, preparation for half day cases ranges from 1/2 hour to one hour, and one to two hours for full day cases.

Pre-Mediation Submissions:
Pre-mediation submissions including factual information about the case, legal issues, previous negotiations if any, the nature of the parties and their relationship with each other, and any information you feel would help me better understand the case to be mediated and the personalities involved, are very helpful.

In the event there is insufficient time to prepare and send a pre-mediation submission, feel free to call me before the mediation with any last minute information. Also, please let me know at the earliest possible time of any security or health related concerns so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Pre-mediation submissions can be delivered as follows:

E-mail: cnc@castagnamediation.com

U.S. Mail or Overnight/Courier:
Charles N. Castagna Mediation, Inc.
611 Druid Road East, Suite 512
Clearwater, Florida 33756
Facsimile: (727) 462-0196