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"Time booked" means the number of hours confirmed in writing in the engagement agreement or scheduling confirmation. If no specific hours are confirmed, a four (4) hour minimum per day applies. A full hearing day is eight (8) hours, inclusive of all breaks. The neutral's standard hourly rate is $300 per hour, with a four (4) hour minimum per day. For purposes of this policy, appointment occurs upon formal written confirmation of the engagement, whether by AHLA assignment or direct agreement of the parties. All cancellations and postponements are subject to the following schedule, based on the number of calendar days notice provided prior to the scheduled hearing or session date. Notice of cancellation or postponement must be provided in writing and is effective upon confirmed receipt by the neutral. Postponement of a scheduled hearing or session by either party, regardless of reason, is treated as a cancellation for purposes of this policy. The applicable fee is determined by the number of calendar days notice provided. Cancellation Fee Schedule: * 21 calendar days or more: No cancellation fee. * 6 to 20 calendar days: $600 per day booked ($300/hour x two hours per day). * 5 calendar days or fewer: 50% of total time booked at $300/hour, calculated as 50% of confirmed hours at $300/hour, but never less than $600 per day (50% of the four hour minimum per day). Study, file review, and pre-hearing preparation time completed prior to cancellation is billed at $200 per hour and is due in full regardless of when cancellation occurs. Cancellation fees under this schedule apply exclusively to scheduled hearing days and are calculated at the hearing rate of $300 per hour. If the cancelling or postponing party wishes to reschedule, 50% of the cancellation fee will be credited toward the new booking, provided both parties bilaterally confirm a new date and time within three (3) business days of the cancellation or postponement. If both parties do not bilaterally confirm a new date and time within three (3) business days, no credit is given. An agreement to reschedule without a confirmed date and time does not qualify for the credit. If a hearing or session is terminated after commencement, the full reserved time for the day of termination is billed at the standard hourly rate. All remaining reserved days are treated as a cancellation with five calendar days or fewer notice, and the applicable cancellation fee applies. A matter that resolves after formal written confirmation of the engagement is treated identically to a cancellation under this schedule, based on the number of calendar days between notice of resolution and the scheduled hearing or session date. This policy is consistent with industry standard practice for professional neutrals. All cancellation fees and reimbursement of actual expenses incurred, documented by supporting records, are invoiced through AHLA in accordance with AHLA billing procedures. Travel-Related Cancellations: In the event of cancellation after travel has been booked, the cancelling party is responsible for 100% of all costs, including any airfare that is non-refundable or reimbursed only as an airline credit or voucher. Airline credits or vouchers issued as a result of a party's cancellation are not considered reimbursement to the neutral. If both parties cancel, non-refundable travel costs are divided equally among the parties, or as otherwise agreed in writing or ordered by the court. Where one party has agreed in writing to bear all travel costs, that party remains responsible for 100% of all costs in the event of cancellation by either party. The paying party's recourse for any cancellation-related costs is solely against the cancelling party and does not affect the neutral's right to payment.