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How much does family mediation cost?

Published on

January 27, 2025

Our accredited family mediator, Sam O’Dwyer, delves into family mediation costs and why it’s seen as a cost-effective alternative for agreeing financial and child arrangements during a divorce or separation.
Family mediation works by helping separating couples to talk things through in a positive, neutral environment. An accredited family mediator can keep you both on track and focused on the issues to be discussed, for example financial or child arrangements, whilst remaining impartial. There are many benefits to mediation, including how cost-effective it is when compared to going to the family court.

How much does family mediation cost?

It is important to have clarity in respect of mediation costs.

The first individual meeting is commonly referred to as a MIAM, which states for Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings. It provides a safe space to discuss how mediation works with your mediator and for the mediator to hear your story, hopes wishes and concerns. Screening will also take place during that meeting to ensure that mediation is appropriate. MIAM sessions can take place via zoom/teams or in person at our West Wickham office.

The cost of this individual MIAM appointment is £130 plus VAT (£156).

Following on from the individual sessions, if everyone wished to proceed and mediation was considered suitable, the cost of joint sessions is £150 plus VAT (£180) per person per hour. Joint sessions normally take two hours in total and the total cost would be £360 per person.

Joint sessions can take place either via zoom/teams or in person at either our Bromley or Crystal Palace offices. The number of joint sessions required all depend on your individual circumstances and this will be discussed with you after the MIAM. Every case is different, but on average, couples require between 2 and 5 sessions to discuss all issues. The costs of 4 sessions would be in the region of £2880 for both parties.

There will be additional charges in drafting Memorandum of Understanding and Open Financial Schedule at the end of the Mediation, and if you wish a Parenting Plan. These are charged normally on a time spent basis, but these charges would be explained during the mediation sessions.

Who pays for family mediation?

This depends on every individual case but normally each party to the mediation would pay their own costs.

How does this compare to the cost of resolving financial/childcare matters in other ways?

Mediation is only one way of resolving matters following separation. You can instruct a lawyer to negotiate with your ex-partner or their lawyer, consider collaborative law, explore arbitration or as a last resort issue court proceeding.
>The costs of such proceedings will vary depending on the issues in dispute however, the costs would normally range between £7,500 – £50,000 plus VAT and disbursements each. Again, you would both be responsible for your own costs.

Are family mediation vouchers still available?

Yes, the Family Mediation Voucher is still currently available but unfortunately, we do not offer this scheme.
This government scheme to encourage separating couples with children to try Family Mediation first. These vouchers entitle you to up to £500 per case to assist with the mediation fees for cases that include issues relating to children. These vouchers unfortunately do not cover the Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs) and would need to be applied for once both parties agree to participate in a joint session. If you would like to learn more about the Family Mediation Voucher scheme and if you are eligible, please visit gov.uk.

Is family mediation free?

Family mediation is not free. However, if you are on a low income or in receipt of certain benefits, you may be eligible for legal aid. If you think you might be eligible, South-East London Family Mediation should be able to let you know over the phone whether you are likely to be.

Learn more about our Family Mediation Services

If you are considering family mediation and would like more information on the service that we provide, please visit our Family Mediation page. Please also contact us via email or telephone and Sam would be happy to have a short chat with you before embarking on the mediation process.

About the Author

Sam O’Dwyer is an accredited family mediator and advanced panel family solicitor. Sam is well placed to guide clients through the whole mediation process, and can also conduct MIAMs (Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings) for people during family court proceedings.

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