Mediation and ADR
Private mediation
Mediation the parties arrange and pay for themselves with a mediator they choose, rather than through a court program.[1][2]
In more detail
The Northern District of California encourages parties to consider private-sector ADR providers, such as lawyers, retired judges and other professionals, who generally charge a fee.[1] Maryland's courts note there are private mediators you can hire, usually paid by the hour and split among participants.[2] Parties in a court case can often use a private mediator to satisfy a mediation order, depending on local rules.
Varies by state
Whether a private mediator satisfies a court's mediation requirement depends on the state and court. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- Court-ordered mediationMediation a judge sends a pending case to, on the court's own motion or at a party's request.
- Mediator feesWhat a mediator or mediation program charges.
- Community mediation centerA local program that trains community members to mediate and offers mediation to the public at little or no cost.
Read next on MediationList
Sources
The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.
General information, not legal advice. MediationList is not a law firm. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Cite this page
MediationList. (2026, October 28). Private mediation: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/private-mediation/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.