How Much Does Mediation Cost in Illinois?
Direct Answer
Illinois mediation costs depend on the type of dispute and mediator. Private mediation may be billed hourly, while free and low-cost services are available through courts, legal aid, and community mediation centers.
Private mediator fees in Chicago and the Chicago metro area for complex commercial cases typically range from $250 to $500 per hour, with daily rates of $2,500 to $6,000 for experienced neutrals at JAMS or AAA. Family mediators in private practice charge $150 to $300 per hour. Court-referred mediations are typically split equally between the parties. For low-income litigants, several free and low-cost options are available. The Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR) in Chicago provides free mediation for community, family, and minor civil disputes, with a sliding-scale fee for cases above the income threshold. The Cook County Circuit Court's Mandatory Arbitration Program provides low-cost dispute resolution for cases between $10,000 and $75,000. Legal aid organizations — including the Legal Aid Chicago, Prairie State Legal Services, and Land of Lincoln Legal Aid — provide free mediation services for qualifying clients. The Illinois Attorney General's Office provides free mediation for consumer complaints. Community mediation centers in Champaign-Urbana, Springfield, and other Illinois cities provide free or low-cost services for local disputes. The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) provides free mediation for employment discrimination charges filed with the Department.