My stbx and I are scheduled to start mediation in 2 weeks. The mediator emailed us the introduction email that stated typically couples split the mediation fee 50/50. She said she had no money and can't pay for it. I said I would cover the first session, save the receipt, and we can discuss how to move forward in our first session.

She's makes around 60K and I make 140K. Our after daycare and bills discretionary money is about the same.

I typically put $600 a paycheck aside every 2 weeks, so I assumed if mediation takes a few months I could cover my end. She shops a lot and orders door dash a lot. I cook all my food at home and practically never eat out.

A little bit of background, we own our house, own a rental house, I have an IRA and 401K, and some cash on hand. I have no idea how much money she has.

Has anyone had experience with this? My first thought was to say reimburse me after we sell the houses, but then I realized if we can't compromise in mediation (spoiler alert, we can't compromise on anything and that's why we're here) I'll be out all the mediation fees and then will have to pony up the big bucks for the lawyers.