Mediation Costs UK: How Much Does It Cost?

Understanding mediation costs helps you plan your budget. This guide breaks down UK mediation prices, who pays, and how to access free or subsidised mediation.

Mediation Costs Breakdown

| Service Type | Typical Cost | Notes | |---|---|---| | MIAM (initial meeting) | £90 - £150 | One-off fee, required before court | | Family mediation (per session) | £100 - £200 pp | Per person, per session | | Full mediation (typical total) | £500 - £2,000 | 3-5 sessions average | | Complex cases | £2,000 - £5,000 | Financial disputes, many issues | | Workplace mediation (per day) | £1,000 - £3,000 | Usually employer pays | | Legal aid (if eligible) | FREE | Means-tested | | Voucher scheme contribution | Up to £500 | Government funded |

How Much Does a MIAM Cost?

A MIAM (Mediation Information Assessment Meeting) typically costs between £90 and £150.

This is a one-off fee for the initial 45-60 minute meeting where a mediator explains the process and assesses whether mediation is suitable for your situation.

What's Included in the MIAM Cost?

• Explanation of the mediation process
• Assessment of suitability for mediation
• MIAM certificate (if required for court)
• Information about exemptions if applicable

Who Pays for Mediation?

Usually, each party pays their own mediation costs. For a MIAM, only the person attending pays. For joint mediation sessions, costs are typically split equally.

Family Mediation

Each party pays their own share. Costs can be claimed as part of a financial settlement, or one party may agree to pay more.

Workplace Mediation

Usually paid by the employer as part of their dispute resolution process. Sometimes costs are shared with employees.

Free Mediation: Legal Aid & Voucher Scheme

Legal Aid

If you qualify for legal aid, your MIAM and mediation sessions are completely free.

You may qualify if you:

• Receive certain benefits (Income Support, JSA, Universal Credit, etc.)
• Have a gross monthly income under £2,657 (or £2,881 with dependants)
• Have disposable capital under £8,000
• Are experiencing domestic abuse

Check if you qualify on Gov.uk

Family Mediation Voucher Scheme

The government provides up to £500 towards mediation costs for eligible families.

You may be eligible if:

• Your dispute involves children
• You don't qualify for legal aid
• You haven't used the scheme before for this dispute
• The mediator is registered with the scheme

Learn more about the voucher scheme

Mediation Costs vs Court Costs: The Savings

According to research cited by Connaught Law, mediation represents 90%+ savings compared to contested court proceedings:

| Dispute Type | Mediation Cost | Court Cost | Savings | |---|---|---|---| | Child arrangements | £600-£1,000 pp | £3,000-£8,000 pp | ~85% | | Financial disputes | £1,000-£2,000 pp | £10,000-£30,000+ pp | ~90% | | Average divorce | £1,200-£2,400 total | £14,561 average | ~85% |

Court Fees (for comparison)

• C100 (child arrangements): £263 (Gov.uk EX50)
• Financial remedy application: £275
• Solicitor hourly rates: £250-£350/hour
• Court timeline: 12-18+ months vs mediation 6-8 weeks

| Aspect | Mediation | Court | |---|---|---| | Typical total cost | £600 - £2,000 pp | £5,000 - £50,000+ pp |

For a detailed breakdown of what court proceedings actually cost, see our family court costs guide. | Court fees | £0 | £232 (C100) + hearing fees | | Legal fees | Usually none | £200-£350/hour | | Timeframe | 6-8 weeks | 6-18 months | | Potential savings | 80-95% compared to court | - |

Learn more about the C100 form and court process.

How much does mediation cost in the UK?

Who pays for mediation?

Can I get free mediation?

Is mediation cheaper than going to court?

How much is a MIAM?

How to Reduce Your Mediation Costs

There are several ways to minimise what you pay for mediation:

1. Check Legal Aid Eligibility First

If you qualify for legal aid, both MIAM and all mediation sessions are completely free. Even if only one party qualifies, the first joint session is free for both.

2. Apply for the Voucher Scheme

The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme provides up to £500 towards mediation costs. Your mediator applies on your behalf - you do not pay upfront for sessions covered by the voucher.

3. Choose a Non-Profit Provider

Organisations like National Family Mediation often have lower fees than private mediators, especially if you are on a lower income.

4. Prepare Thoroughly

The better prepared you are, the fewer sessions you will need. Come with:

• Clear priorities
• Financial documents ready (for financial mediation)
• Flexibility on less important issues
• A willingness to compromise

5. Consider Online Mediation

Online mediation via video call can be slightly cheaper and saves travel costs. Many mediators now offer this option.

6. Agree What You Can First

If you and the other party can agree some issues beforehand, you will need fewer mediation sessions for the remaining disputes.

What Affects Mediation Costs?

Several factors influence the total cost of your mediation:

| Factor | Impact on Cost | |--------|---------------| | Complexity of issues | More issues = more sessions | | Financial disputes | Typically more expensive than child-only | | Level of conflict | Higher conflict = longer sessions | | Location | London/South East often higher | | Mediator experience | Senior mediators may charge more | | Provider type | Non-profit vs private vs solicitor | | Preparation | Better prep = fewer sessions |

Detailed Cost Breakdown by Provider Type

Non-Profit Providers (e.g., NFM)

Typically lower costs:

• MIAM: £90-£120
• Sessions: £90-£150 per person per hour
• Often have more legal aid availability

Private Mediators

Mid-range costs:

• MIAM: £115-£180
• Sessions: £125-£175 per person per hour
• More flexibility in scheduling

Solicitor-Mediators

Higher costs but legal expertise:

• MIAM: £150-£230
• Sessions: £175-£250 per person per hour
• Can advise on legal implications

What is Included in Mediation Fees?

When you pay for mediation, your fees typically include:

MIAM Fee Includes:

• 45-60 minute assessment meeting
• Explanation of the mediation process
• Assessment of suitability for your case
• Information about funding options (legal aid, voucher scheme)
• MIAM certificate (Form FM1) if required for court
• Contact with the other party to invite them to mediation

Joint Session Fees Include:

• 60-90 minute facilitated discussion
• Skilled mediator guiding the conversation
• Note-taking and record keeping
• Preparation of summary documents
• Follow-up administration

Final Documentation May Include:

• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
• Parenting Plan for child arrangements
• Open Financial Statement
• Summary for solicitors to draft consent order

Note: Making agreements legally binding (e.g., drafting a consent order) requires a solicitor and is a separate cost - typically £300-£800 for a straightforward consent order.

Real Cost Examples

Example 1: Simple Child Arrangements

• MIAM (each): £120 x 2 = £240
• 3 joint sessions: £150 x 2 x 3 = £900
• Total: £1,140 (£570 each)
• Less £500 voucher = £640 total

Example 2: Child + Finances (Complex)

• MIAM (each): £150 x 2 = £300
• 5 joint sessions: £175 x 2 x 5 = £1,750
• Total: £2,050 (£1,025 each)
• Still 85-90% cheaper than court

Example 3: With Legal Aid

• MIAM: FREE
• All sessions: FREE
• Total: £0

When to Expect Additional Costs

Beyond basic mediation fees, you may need to budget for:

| Additional Service | Typical Cost | When Needed | |-------------------|--------------|-------------| | Legal advice (solicitor) | £150-£300/hour | Recommended alongside mediation | | Consent order drafting | £300-£800 | To make agreement legally binding | | Property valuation | £200-£500 | Financial mediation with property | | Pension report (PODE) | £500-£1,500 | When pensions are significant | | Court fee (consent order) | £60 | To file agreed consent order |

Is Mediation Worth the Cost?

Considering mediation costs £600-£2,000 compared to court costs of £10,000-£30,000+, mediation offers:

• 85-90% cost savings compared to contested court proceedings
• Much faster resolution (6-8 weeks vs 12-18 months)
• You keep control of decisions affecting your family
• Better outcomes for children when parents cooperate
• Preserved relationships for future co-parenting

As Gov.uk states: mediation helps families "sort out disputes without involving big legal fees or going through a long drawn-out court battle."

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Official Resources & Authority Links

Government Sources

• Gov.uk - Family Mediation - Official guidance
• Family Mediation Voucher Scheme - £500 contribution
• Legal Aid Eligibility Checker - Check if you qualify
• Court Fees (EX50) - Compare court costs

Regulatory Bodies

• Family Mediation Council - Cost Guide - Official FMC costs
• FMC Find a Mediator - Compare local prices

Support Services

• National Family Mediation - Non-profit, often lower costs
• Cafcass - Court advisory service
• Citizens Advice - Free guidance on options