Divorce Mediation Cost UK 2026 | Real Prices & Free Options

How much does divorce mediation cost in the UK? As a guide: expect £130-£170 per person per hour (the Family Mediation Council benchmark, including document drafting), a MIAM at typically £120-£150 per person first, and a typical total of £600-£1,000 per person according to National Family Mediation. Financial-issues mediation averages £500-£1,500 (FMC State of Family Mediation 2025). And it can be completely free with legal aid.

Divorce Mediation Cost Breakdown

| Stage | Typical cost per person | |-------|-------------------------| | MIAM (each attends separately) | £120-£150 | | Joint mediation session (60-90 mins) | £130-£255 | | Number of sessions (finances) | Usually 2-4 | | Memorandum of Understanding / Open Financial Statement | Often included in hourly rate; some charge £100-£250 | | Typical total (financial issues) | £500-£1,500 | | Typical total (children only) | Often covered by the £500 voucher |

Rates vary by region — London and the South East sit at the top of the range (£150-£180/hour), the North and Wales nearer the bottom. Always ask for a full quote at your MIAM; mediators must explain their charges upfront under FMC standards.

What Affects the Cost?

1. Number of issues — children only (1-2 sessions) vs finances and property (2-4 sessions) vs everything (3-5+)
2. Complexity of finances — pensions, businesses and multiple properties add sessions; complete your financial disclosure early to save time
3. Conflict level — shuttle mediation (separate rooms) can take longer
4. Location and format — online mediation often costs less and books faster
5. Documentation — a solicitor turning your agreement into a consent order typically adds £500-£1,500 plus the £62 court fee

How to Get Divorce Mediation Free or Subsidised

Legal aid

If either of you qualifies (means-tested — check on GOV.UK), the MIAM and first mediation session are free for both of you, and the eligible person's further sessions are covered. See our legal aid mediation guide.

The £500 Family Mediation Voucher

For disputes about children (or finances alongside a children dispute), the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme contributes up to £500 towards sessions — not means-tested, one voucher per family, running until 31 March 2029. It doesn't cover the MIAM. FMC data shows 69% of voucher users reach whole or partial agreement.

Other routes

Some services offer income-based sliding scales, and free options exist in parts of the UK.

Divorce Mediation vs Court Costs

| Route | Typical cost per person | Typical timescale | |-------|------------------------|-------------------| | Divorce mediation | £500-£2,000 | 2-4 months | | Solicitor negotiation | £3,000-£7,000 | 6-12 months | | Contested court proceedings | £10,000-£30,000+ | 12-24 months |

Even adding independent legal advice alongside mediation and a solicitor-drafted consent order, the total rarely exceeds £3,000-£5,000 — a fraction of contested family court costs. Divorce itself has a separate £628 court fee (the application fee since 13 July 2026), whichever route you take.

How much does a divorce mediator cost per hour?

The FMC guide is £130-£170 per person per hour, including the drafting of documents. London mediators often charge £150-£180; some regional services charge less. Fees should be confirmed in writing before you start.

How many mediation sessions does a divorce take?

Children-only issues typically take 1-2 sessions; financial settlements 2-4; both together 3-5+. Each session is usually 60-90 minutes.

Is divorce mediation worth the money?

For most couples, yes. It costs 80-90% less than contested court proceedings, takes months rather than years, and FMC data shows around 69% of publicly-funded cases reach whole or partial agreement. It's unsuitable in some situations — see when mediation is not suitable.

What happens about costs if mediation fails?

You'll have spent the MIAM plus any session fees, but the work isn't wasted — narrowed issues make any court application cheaper. You'll need the mediator's signed confirmation on your court form anyway (C100 for children, £270; Form A for finances, £321).

Sources & Further Reading

• Family Mediation Council — What does mediation cost?
• FMC — The State of Family Mediation 2025 (PDF)
• National Family Mediation — Family mediation costs
• GOV.UK — Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
• GOV.UK — Mediation when you divorce or separate
• Citizens Advice — Using mediation to help you separate

Related guides: Divorce mediation process · Mediation costs (all types) · Free mediation · MIAM cost