How Much Does Mediation Cost in Texas?
Direct Answer
Texas mediation fees vary by city, case complexity, and mediator experience. Private mediators often charge hourly or daily rates, while legal aid and community centers may offer free or reduced-fee mediation.
Private mediator fees in Texas vary significantly by market and case complexity. In Dallas and Houston, experienced commercial mediators typically charge $300 to $600 per hour, with daily rates of $3,500 to $8,000 for complex cases at JAMS or AAA. Family mediators in private practice charge $150 to $350 per hour. Most private mediators charge a minimum of two to four hours. Court-referred mediations in Texas are typically split equally between the parties unless the court orders otherwise. For low-income litigants, several free and low-cost options are available. The Texas Association of Mediators (TAM) and local bar associations maintain lists of mediators who offer reduced fees for low-income parties. Legal aid organizations — including Lone Star Legal Aid, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, and Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas — provide free mediation services for qualifying clients. The Texas State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service can connect parties with mediators. Community mediation centers in Austin (Dispute Resolution Center of Travis County), San Antonio (Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center), and other cities provide free or low-cost mediation for community and family disputes. The Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center, for example, provides free mediation for cases filed in Bexar County courts.