When facing a family dispute—whether over child arrangements, finances, or other separation-related issues—mediation is often a cost-effective and less stressful alternative to court. But one of the most common questions people ask is: How much does mediation cost?
The costs of mediation can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the issues, the experience of the mediator, and whether any legal aid or government support is available. Below, we break down the key costs involved in mediation and what you need to consider before making a decision.
1. The MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting)
Before mediation sessions begin, both parties are usually required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This is a preliminary session where a trained mediator explains the process, assesses whether mediation is suitable, and determines if legal aid or financial support is available.
•Cost of a MIAM: Private MIAMs typically cost around £130 per person, but prices can vary by location and mediator experience.
•Legal Aid: If you qualify for legal aid, your MIAM will be free, and if one party is eligible, the other party’s MIAM may also be covered.
2. The Cost of Mediation Sessions
Once both parties agree to proceed, the mediation sessions themselves are the main cost to consider. The number of sessions required depends on the complexity of the issues and how cooperative both parties are.
•Hourly rates: Mediation sessions are typically charged per session rather than per hour, with costs usually around £195 per person, per session.
•Total cost: Most cases require between two and five sessions, meaning total costs can range from around £390 to £975 per person.
3. The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is a government initiative designed to help families resolve disputes about child arrangements without going to court. The scheme provides a £500 voucher towards the cost of mediation for eligible cases.
Who is eligible for the voucher?
The voucher is available for cases involving disputes over child arrangements, such as:
- Where a child will live
- How much time a child will spend with each parent
- Other parenting-related issues
The voucher does not cover financial disputes, but if your case involves both financial and child-related matters, you may still be eligible.
How do I apply?
- There is no direct application process for individuals. Instead, your mediator will apply for the voucher on your behalf if your case qualifies.
- The voucher is paid directly to the mediation provider, reducing your out-of-pocket costs.
- The scheme is not means-tested, meaning you do not have to be on a low income to qualify.
As funding is limited, the scheme operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s important to check with your mediator if vouchers are still available.
4. Legal Aid for Mediation
Legal aid is another form of financial support available for family mediation. If you meet the eligibility criteria:
- Your MIAM and mediation sessions will be free.
- The other party may receive their MIAM and first session for free, even if they do not qualify for legal aid.
- Additional support, such as help with drafting agreements, may also be covered.
To check eligibility, you can use the Legal Aid Calculator on the government website or speak to a mediation provider offering legal aid services.
5. Cost of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Mediation Agreement
If an agreement is reached, the mediator can draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or a Parenting Plan (for child arrangements).
- Cost of an MOU: Around £100, depending on complexity.
- Is it legally binding? Mediation agreements are not legally binding, but they can be made legally binding through a solicitor or by applying for a Consent Order (which has additional legal costs).
6. Additional Costs to Consider
- Solicitor Fees: While mediation reduces legal costs, some people choose to have a solicitor review their agreement. Solicitor fees vary widely, but reviewing an MOU can cost between £300–£1,000.
- Court Fees (If Mediation Fails): If mediation is unsuccessful and you need to apply to court, you will need to pay court application fees, which start at £232 for child arrangements and £275 for a financial order.
Is Mediation Worth the Cost?
Compared to court proceedings, mediation is significantly cheaper, faster, and less adversarial. The cost of mediation is often thousands of pounds lower than a contested court battle, which can run into £10,000+ in legal fees.
By choosing mediation, families can reach fairer outcomes while maintaining better communication and control over decisions that affect their lives.
What To Do Now
If you’re considering divorce or separation, family mediation offers a constructive, cost-effective way to resolve disputes without the stress and expense of going to court. By working with a professionally trained mediator, you can reach practical agreements that reflect the needs and interests of everyone involved — especially children.
At We Mediate, we provide a comprehensive range of services to support you through every stage of your separation. Our experienced and accredited mediators help you navigate complex issues such as financial arrangements, child contact schedules, co-parenting strategies, and communication challenges, all in a safe and confidential setting.
We believe every family deserves a fair, respectful, and accessible path through separation. Our focus is on creating balanced outcomes that prioritise the wellbeing of all parties, and our commitment to affordability means we can support families across England and Wales, no matter their circumstances.
Before starting mediation, you will need to attend a MIAM — a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. This is a confidential one-to-one session with an accredited family mediator, where you’ll learn more about how mediation works and whether it’s suitable for your situation. We can usually arrange MIAMs quickly, often within 24–48 hours, with daytime and evening appointments available. Book your MIAM today to take the first step towards resolving matters in a more cooperative and less adversarial way.
If you’re ready to explore a more amicable approach to divorce or separation, we invite you to browse our website or contact us directly. Whether you’re just beginning to consider your options or are already in the midst of proceedings, our team is here to guide and support you at every stage. Schedule your consultation today and discover how mediation can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
You can call us on 0333 567 1676 or click here to send us a confidential email.
