Guide
How to collect mediation fees online
Chasing unpaid mediation fees by phone is awkward and slow. Online payment requests give parties a clear path to pay before session day — while keeping funds in your practice account, not on a platform balance. This guide covers splits, single payers, GST context, and honest limits.
General information only — not legal advice, mediation advice, or a substitute for professional judgment. Neutly is administrative software for mediator practices; it does not host live video or select court neutrals. Mediators and lawyers remain responsible for their work.
Updated
Why collect fees online before session day?
Unpaid fees are one of the most common sources of last-minute stress. When payment is unclear, parties arrive under-prepared and you start the session with admin tension.
Online requests make fee arrangements visible early. Parties know what they owe, pay on their own time, and you see status on the matter record — not in a scattered inbox.
Stripe Connect — money goes to your practice
Neutly uses Stripe Connect so party session fees go directly to your practice. The platform never holds client funds. Platform subscription (Solo or Practice) is billed separately from party fee collection.
- Connect your Stripe account in Account settings
- Send payment requests from the matter record
- Automatic reminders on outstanding balances
- Record manual or external payments when needed
Split fees, single payer, and custom amounts
Family and commercial matters rarely use a single default split. You may need equal shares, one party paying the full fee, or custom amounts reflecting agreement or referral arrangements.
- Equal split between principal disputants
- Custom amount per party
- Designate a single payer (common in commercial referrals)
- Mark fees paid by other means on the matter file
When to send payment requests
Many mediators request fees after all parties confirm participation and before session day. Neutly lets you send requests when your process requires — with reminders until paid or recorded.
Honest limits
Neutly does not provide legal advice on fee agreements. Trust billing and funder workflows may need manual recording outside standard card payments. Payment processing fees are set by Stripe, not Neutly.