Family mediation is usually quicker and more affordable than going to court. The cost will depend on the mediator you choose, the number of sessions needed, and whether you are eligible for legal aid or other support.
At Lakes Mediation, we help separating couples and parents understand the mediation process clearly, including likely costs, funding options and what to expect before mediation begins.
Is Mediation Free?
Mediation is not automatically free. However, some people may qualify for legal aid, which can cover some or all of the mediation process.
If either you or your former partner qualifies for legal aid, the MIAM may be free for both of you when using a mediator who offers legal aid mediation. GOV.UK states that if neither person qualifies for legal aid, the usual cost of a MIAM is around £120 per person, although fees can vary depending on the mediator.
Legal aid may also help with mediation sessions and legal advice after mediation, for example where an agreement needs to be made legally binding.
What If You Do Not Qualify for Legal Aid?
If you do not qualify for legal aid, you will usually need to pay privately for mediation.
Mediation fees vary depending on the mediator, the area, the issues being discussed and the amount of preparation required. The Family Mediation Council gives a general guide of around £130 to £170 per person per hour for mediation sessions and document preparation, although actual fees may vary.
It is sensible to ask about fees before booking, including:
- the cost of the MIAM
- the hourly or session rate
- whether fees are per person or per couple
- document preparation costs
- any fixed-fee options
- whether reduced fees are available for people on low income
Can the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme Help?
In some children cases, the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may provide a contribution towards the cost of mediation. The scheme is designed to help families resolve child arrangement disputes outside court where suitable. GOV.UK states that the voucher can contribute up to £500 towards mediation costs in eligible cases.
The voucher does not usually cover the MIAM itself. The mediator will explain whether your case may be eligible.
How to Keep Mediation Costs Down
You can help reduce the cost of mediation by preparing properly before sessions.
Before mediation begins, think carefully about:
- the issues you need to resolve
- what has already been agreed
- what remains in dispute
- what information you need to provide
- what outcome would be realistic
- where you may be willing to compromise
If you and your former partner have already agreed some matters, mediation can focus on the unresolved issues. For example, you may have agreed child arrangements but need help discussing finances, or you may agree on selling the family home but need help working out how debts or pensions should be handled.
You can also agree a clear agenda with the mediator so that each session is focused and productive.
Preparing for Financial Mediation
If mediation involves money, property or pensions, you will usually need to provide financial disclosure. This means sharing clear information about your financial position so that both people understand what needs to be discussed.
This may include:
- income from work, benefits or other sources
- regular living costs
- savings
- debts
- pensions
- property
- mortgage details
- bank accounts
- loans and credit cards
- business interests, where relevant
It is important that both people are honest about their finances. If financial information is hidden or inaccurate, any agreement may later break down or be challenged.
What Happens During Mediation?
The process usually begins with a MIAM. This is an individual meeting with the mediator, where they explain how mediation works and assess whether it is suitable.
If mediation goes ahead, joint sessions are arranged. These may take place in the same room, online, or through shuttle mediation where each person is in a separate room or virtual space and the mediator moves between them.
The mediator will:
- listen to both people
- remain impartial
- help identify the issues
- support calm and focused discussion
- help explore practical options
- keep the conversation child-focused where children are involved
The mediator cannot give legal advice or make decisions for you. Their role is to help both people communicate and work towards an agreement.
Is Mediation Confidential?
Family mediation is generally confidential. This allows both people to discuss options openly.
There are some exceptions, including safeguarding concerns, risk of harm, money laundering, or financial disclosure that is provided on an open basis. Your mediator will explain confidentiality before mediation begins.
What Happens at the End of Mediation?
If you reach an agreement, the mediator can record what has been agreed.
For child arrangements, this may be recorded in a Parenting Plan. For financial matters, this may be recorded in a Memorandum of Understanding, often with an Open Financial Statement.
A mediation agreement is not usually legally binding on its own. If you want a financial agreement to become legally binding, it will usually need to be drafted into a consent order and approved by the court. The current court fee for an application by consent for a financial order is £60, although fees can change.
It is usually sensible to take legal advice before asking the court to approve a financial agreement.
How Lakes Mediation Can Help
At Lakes Mediation, we help separating couples and parents resolve family issues in a clear, calm and cost-effective way.
We can help with:
- MIAMs
- child arrangements
- parenting plans
- financial mediation
- property discussions
- pension discussions
- debt discussions
- shuttle mediation
- online mediation
We will explain the process, discuss likely costs and help you understand the options available before mediation begins.
Contact Lakes Mediation Today
If you want to understand the cost of mediation or find out whether legal aid or voucher funding may be available, Lakes Mediation can help.
Contact Lakes Mediation today or call 01539 644 002 to arrange a MIAM and take the next step towards resolving your family dispute.