Consulting services are $150 per hour, and a retainer is required within 24 hours prior to services commencing. The retainer offers protection for all parties, and you are provided with monthly or bi-monthly invoicing that includes detailed billing. The minimum required retainer is $600 (4 hours) to contract Rosana.
Typically, the majority of the time spent on services will be directly with you, either on the telephone, virtually, or in person. At times, it may be necessary for Rosana to email or have phone conversations with your legal team or other professional support you meet with. Rosana will only speak with other parties with your expressed consent or by your request, and the time spent will be kept brief so as not to spend your money indirectly. It is always preferred that you participate in all calls or video conferences; however, sometimes this may not be possible.
Detailed billing is set at 15-minute increments, so you are not charged by the hour. Rosana does not charge for travel time, mileage, or other incidental expenses within the Victoria or Greater Victoria area. Outside of the Victoria area, in-person meetings will be billed at $75 per hour to compensate for mileage, time, and vehicle expenses.
When your retainer has one hour of consulting services left, Rosana will notify you with a final invoice, and you can opt to top up the retainer or provide notice that you are no longer in need of a consultant. Ultimately, the decision is yours if you would like to continue with a consultant on your team.
A contract will be provided to you prior to the services commencing, which will outline the process for ending services voluntarily. At times, Rosana may determine that the consultancy is not a suitable fit for your situation and will refund your unused retainer amount within 72 hours. Rosana does not use the retainer until services are rendered.
Mediation typically is a shared expense between the separated parties, and the cost of mediation is generally paid by the respective legal counsel from your trust account held by your lawyer. If you are not represented by legal counsel and are seeking mediation, the cost does not change; however, a retainer will be required by each participant before a pre-mediation interview can take place.
The amount of time required for a mediation is on a case-by-case basis and is dependent on the complexity of your situation. Typically, when there is low conflict and the parties have reached some agreements, the mediation may only take half a day, or less. In high-conflict cases, mediation may span over several full-day meetings.
Flat Rates:
Half-day mediation (4 hours): $1200.00 plus GST.
Full-day mediation (8 hours): $2400.00 plus GST.
If more time is warranted to reach an agreement and is estimated to be under two hours, the rate is billed at $200.00 per hour for up to two hours and $300.00 per hour for each additional hour.
In-person mediations will require a room to be booked by the mediator or can be offered by either party’s legal counsel. Alternatively, virtual mediation is an option if the parties are comfortable with the format. Should Rosana require booking a room, the parties will be billed for the cost of the boardroom. In accordance with boardroom bookings, cancellations must be made at least 7 days prior to the scheduled mediation date, regardless of who cancels the scheduled mediation.
If the mediation is in person and scheduled outside of the Victoria area, travel is billed at $75 per hour.
The mediation costs are inclusive of both pre-mediation interviews, subsequent follow-up as needed with legal counsel, discovery of required documents, the mediation, and the drafting of the Memorandum of Understanding or a summary if an agreement cannot be reached. There are no hidden costs or fees for flat-rate mediations.
Family Restructuring is generally a shorter-term service than High-Conflict Consulting, depending on your situation. The fees, retainer requirements, and travel fees are the same for Family Restructuring as High-Conflict Consulting. The contract for Family Restructuring is slightly different, and the required retainer is $450.00 for a three-hour session or three separate one-hour sessions. If more time may be needed because of your specific circumstances, please indicate this on your intake form. Depending on the complexity of your situation, it is essential for Rosana to be informed of the estimated time required, so that adequate arrangements can be made. Rosana takes seriously the importance of your unique family situation and endeavors to ensure regular meetings are scheduled to meet your family’s needs.
Payments are required by way of e-transfer, PayPal, or wire transfer when contracting Consulting Services or Advanced Family Mediation Services without legal counsel. Retainers cannot be remitted by credit card or personal cheque. When parties are represented by legal counsel, a business cheque is appropriate.
E-transfers and PayPal payments can be received at separationanddivorceconsulting@gmail.com. A receipt will be sent to you within 24 hours of payments being received for your records.
Consulting and Mediation services are not covered by private health insurance or workplace health insurance.