Mediation in South Africa usually costs a fraction of going to trial. You pay the mediator's fee, normally an hourly or daily rate, plus the venue and your own attorney if you bring one. The parties usually split the mediator's fee equally.
What makes up the cost
- The mediator's fee, often for a half-day or full-day session
- Preparation time, if the mediator reads documents in advance
- The venue, unless it is included
- Each party's own legal representation, which is optional
Most commercial mediations are completed in one or two sessions, compared with months or years of litigation. Even when a mediation does not settle everything, it often narrows the issues, which saves cost later.
Prinsloo van der Linde Attorneys offers mediation and has purpose-built mediation facilities in Die Wilgers, Pretoria, which can also be hired for independent mediations.
Need help with this? See Mediation.
This answer is general information about South African law and does not create an attorney and client relationship. Please speak to the firm about your specific matter.