Family mediation fees
Clear mediation costs for MIAMs, joint mediation sessions and signed court forms. Lakes Mediation helps separating parents and couples resolve children, finance and family arrangements without immediately escalating to court.
Our 2026 prices
- MIAMs from £135 per person
- Joint sessions from £135 per hour per person
- Signed court forms from £60 per person
- Telephone, Zoom or face-to-face options
- Debit and credit cards accepted
Mediation costs for families, parents and separating couples
Mediation costs depend on the type of meeting needed and whether the matter can move into joint mediation. The first step is usually a MIAM, where the mediator explains the process, considers suitability and discusses the options available to you.
Fees are charged per person. Where mediation progresses, joint sessions are normally charged per person per hour.
Our mediation fees
MIAM
£135
Starting from, per person
For when you want to start mediation or need an individual assessment before deciding the next step.
- Telephone, Zoom or face-to-face meeting
- Conducted by an accredited family mediator
- 60-minute meeting or call
- Up to 30 minutes preparation
- Questions about the mediation process
Joint sessions
£135
Starting from, per hour, per person
For when both people are ready to work through children, finance or family arrangements with a mediator.
- Meeting with you and the other person
- Conducted by an accredited family mediator
- 60-minute session during office hours
- Structured discussion around the issues
- Review of other options, including court where relevant
Signed papers
£60
Starting from, per person
For when mediation cannot progress and a signed form is needed for a court application.
- Form A, FM1 or C100 after your MIAM
- Prepared by an accredited family mediator
- Issued where mediation is not suitable or cannot proceed
- Valid for 4 months from your MIAM
- Debit and credit cards accepted
What is included?
| MIAM | An individual meeting with a family mediator to explain mediation, assess suitability and discuss possible next steps. |
| Joint mediation | A structured session with both people, where suitable, to discuss children, finances, property, pensions or future arrangements. |
| Preparation | Time for the mediator to understand the issue, prepare for the meeting and answer reasonable questions about the process. |
| Guidance | Information about mediation, possible routes forward and when other options such as legal advice or court may need to be considered. |
| Signed forms | Where appropriate after a MIAM, the mediator can issue the relevant signed court form if mediation cannot proceed. |
Children mediation fees
Children mediation can help parents discuss arrangements for where children live, how time is shared, school holidays, Christmas, birthdays, communication and handovers.
The first step is usually a MIAM. If mediation is suitable and both people agree to continue, joint sessions can then be arranged.
Financial mediation fees
Financial mediation can help separating couples discuss property, pensions, savings, debts, income, disclosure and future financial arrangements.
Financial discussions often require preparation and full financial information before useful proposals can be explored.
Mediation can reduce cost, but it does not replace legal advice
Mediation can help people reach practical proposals without immediately escalating to court. However, where legal rights, financial settlement, pensions, property or court orders are involved, independent legal advice may still be needed.
Fees FAQs
| How much is a MIAM? | MIAMs start from £135 per person. |
| How much are joint mediation sessions? | Joint sessions start from £135 per hour, per person. |
| How much are signed court forms? | Signed papers start from £60 per person where a form is needed after a MIAM because mediation cannot progress. |
| Are fees per couple or per person? | Fees are charged per person unless specifically stated otherwise. |
| Can I attend by phone or Zoom? | MIAMs may be available by telephone, Zoom or face to face, depending on suitability and availability. |
| What payment methods are accepted? | Most major debit and credit cards are accepted. |
| Are mediation agreements legally binding? | Proposals reached in mediation are not automatically legally binding. Legal advice or a court order may be needed depending on the issue. |
| What if mediation is not suitable? | If mediation is not suitable or cannot continue, the mediator can explain the next steps and may issue the relevant signed form where appropriate. |
Start with a clear first step.
Speak to Lakes Mediation about MIAM fees, joint mediation costs, signed forms, children arrangements, financial mediation or online mediation.