1. All parties acknowledge that all communications between the parties, counsel and the mediator or arbitrator prior to, during, or after the conference are privileged and confidential pursuant to Chapter 44, Florida Statutes. The mediator or arbitrator is neutral, and provides no legal advice, service or representation to any participant of mediation or arbitration.

2. Mediation billing rates are as follows:  Robert Groelle - $425 per hour for two (2) party mediations; $475 per hour for three (3) party mediations, $525 per hours for mediations with four (4) parties or more.  Tyler Groelle - $325 per hour for two (2) party mediations; $375 per hour for three (3) party mediations, $425 per hour for mediations with four (4) parties or more. Galaxy charges an administrative and preparation fee of $75 per party, which is added to the mediator or arbitrator’s time, to defray costs of scheduling, confirmation process, and for related paperwork and filings.

3. A minimum of two (2) hours shall be charged for the mediator or arbitrator, for any scheduled conference time reserved for the parties. If a scheduled mediation or arbitration conference is canceled with Galaxy less than three (3) business days prior to the reserved time, a two-hour charge for the hourly rate of the mediator on the notice (mediator rates vary), and administrative fee of $75.00 per party for coordination and reservation of the session, e-filing the notice, and other related actions. If Galaxy receives written notice via its website or contact at info@galaxymediation.com cancelling a scheduled conference more than three (3) business days prior to the scheduled conference, no cancellation fee is charged.

4. Mediator and arbitrator rates at Galaxy range between $325 and $550 per hour, depending on the neutral selected, court level, number of parties, and the complexity of the matter. For any mediation and/or arbitration conference reserved in excess of four (4) consecutive hours, a non-refundable $500 deposit is required from each party to guarantee the reserved hours and date for the session. The deposit will be applied to the final billing; and must be received by Galaxy five (5) business days before the reserved date for the Mediation and/or Arbitration

5. By attending a scheduled mediation or arbitration session, the parties and their counsel agree to these terms and conditions. If a dispute arises regarding any aspect of the Mediator or Arbitrator’s fee, or collection of said fee, that necessitates the mediator or arbitrator file a motion or action with the Court or attend a Court hearing, the Parties agree that Galaxy shall be entitled to recover fees directly from the parties and their legal counsel for the related time and expense incurred by Galaxy.

Arbitration, and Arbitrator Charges:  Non-binding arbitration will be scheduled for minimum two (2) hour sessions for first party property damage disputes or tort/liability actions. The Parties shall provide copies of and all documents, images, and/or records to be presented at the Arbitration hearing to the opposing party and to the Arbitrator at least two (2) business days before the hearing. The Arbitrator will charge the usual hourly rate for the review of documents presented by the Parties. The fee charged by the Arbitrator will include the time for the hearing, document review, order/award drafting, and any consultation that a party to the arbitration requests, or the arbitrator deems necessary.

Commencement and Administrative Fee: Upon commencement of court-mandated arbitration, each party will be invoiced $1,500.00. The commencement and administrative fee shall not be refundable once the procedural order has been issued by the Arbitrator. However, if the parties agree and cancel the scheduled arbitration hearing before the procedural order is issued, $1,000 of the commencement and administrative fee shall be refunded to each party.

Cancellation Policy: If a single-day Arbitration Hearing scheduled on the merits of the case cancels or reschedules within five (5) business days of the hearing, the parties will be charged two (2) hours of the Arbitrator’s hourly rate, plus for any time spent in review of documents in the matter.    

If a multi-day Arbitration Hearing scheduled on the merits of the case cancels or reschedules within ten (10) business days of the hearing, the parties will be charged 4 hours of the Arbitrator’s hourly rate for each day reserved for the hearing, plus any time spent by the arbitrator reviewing documents related to the matter.  If the multi-day Arbitration Hearing cancels or reschedules within five (5) business days of the hearing, the parties will be charged eight (8) hours of the Arbitrator’s hourly rate for each day reserved for the hearing.