MIAM Cost UK 2026: How Much Does MIAM Cost?

How Much Does a MIAM Cost?

MIAM cost in the UK ranges from £85-£180 per person, with the median around £120, according to Q2 2026 evidence from Family Mediation Services, Mediate UK, and Gov.uk official guidance.

Current MIAM pricing (Q2 2026):

• Family Mediation Services: from £85
• Mediate UK: £115 + VAT online / £150 + VAT face-to-face / £180 + VAT central London
• Gov.uk official guidance: "around £120 per person"

The exact price you pay depends on several factors:

• Location - Mediators in London and the South East often charge more than those in other regions
• Mediator experience - Senior mediators may charge higher fees
• Organisation type - Non-profit mediation services may offer lower rates than private practices
• Meeting format - Online MIAMs may be slightly cheaper than in-person meetings

Important: If you qualify for legal aid, your MIAM is completely free. We explain eligibility below.

Family Mediation Voucher Scheme (Extended 2026-27) - IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION

The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme has been extended for the 2026-27 financial year, with funding confirmed by the Ministry of Justice on 27 March 2026 (FMC announcement). However, this is a common misconception that needs clarification:

What the voucher covers:

• Joint mediation sessions after the MIAM
• Up to £500 towards the cost of ongoing mediation
• Available for eligible cases involving children

What the voucher does NOT cover:

• The initial MIAM appointment (£85-£180 per person)
• Legal advice or representation
• Court application fees

Free MIAM: Legal Aid Eligibility

You may qualify for a free MIAM through legal aid if you meet certain criteria. According to Gov.uk, you may be eligible if:

Financial Eligibility

• Your gross monthly income is below £2,657 (or £2,881 if you have a partner)
• You receive qualifying benefits such as:
  • Universal Credit
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)

Domestic Abuse

If you have experienced domestic abuse, you automatically qualify for legal aid regardless of your income. You will need to provide evidence such as:

• A court order (non-molestation order, occupation order, etc.)
• Police report or caution
• Letter from a refuge or domestic abuse support service
• Letter from a GP or healthcare professional
• MARAC referral

See our guide on MIAM exemptions for more information about domestic abuse provisions.

What Does the MIAM Fee Include?

When you pay for a MIAM, your fee covers:

1. The assessment meeting - A 45-60 minute confidential meeting with an FMC-accredited family mediator
2. Suitability assessment - The mediator assesses whether mediation is appropriate for your situation
3. Information provision - Explanation of the mediation process, your options, and what to expect
4. Your FM1 certificate - The official MIAM certificate you need to apply to family court
5. Administrative costs - Record keeping and any necessary correspondence

The MIAM cost does not include:

• Actual mediation sessions (these are separate and charged per session)
• Legal advice (mediators cannot provide legal advice)
• Court application fees

Do Both Parties Pay for a MIAM?

Yes, each party pays for their own MIAM separately. You and the other person involved in the dispute each attend individual MIAM meetings and are each responsible for your own fee.

This means the total MIAM cost for both parties would be:

• Without legal aid: £170-£360 (£85-£180 each)
• With legal aid for one party: £85-£180 (only the non-eligible party pays)
• With legal aid for both parties: Free

Note: You attend your MIAM alone - the other party has a separate meeting. This is different from joint mediation sessions that may follow.

MIAM Cost vs Full Mediation Costs

It's important to understand how MIAM cost compares to overall mediation costs:

| Service | Typical Cost | |---------|-------------| | MIAM only | £85-£180 per person | | Full mediation (4-6 sessions) | £600-£1,500 per person | | Total mediation journey | £685-£1,680 per person |

While the MIAM has an upfront cost, mediation is generally much cheaper than going to court, where legal fees can run into thousands of pounds.

MIAM Cost Comparison: Online vs In-Person

| Type | Typical Cost | Pros | Cons | |------|--------------|------|------| | Online MIAM | £85-£130 | More convenient, no travel costs, wider choice of mediators | Requires good internet connection | | In-Person MIAM | £100-£180 | Face-to-face interaction, some find it more personal | Travel time and costs, limited to local mediators |

Many mediators now offer both options, allowing you to choose what works best for your situation.

How to Find an Affordable MIAM

If cost is a concern, here are strategies to find a more affordable MIAM:

1. Check Legal Aid First

Always check if you qualify for legal aid before paying privately. Use the Gov.uk eligibility checker.

2. Compare Mediator Prices

Prices vary significantly between mediators (£85-£180 range). Contact several in your area or nationally (for online MIAMs) to compare fees.

3. Consider Non-Profit Services

Organisations like National Family Mediation may offer lower rates than private mediators.

4. Ask About Payment Plans

Some mediators offer payment plans or reduced rates for those on low incomes who don't quite qualify for legal aid.

5. Choose Online

Online MIAMs are often slightly cheaper and save you travel costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a MIAM cost in 2026?

A MIAM typically costs between £85 and £180 per person in the UK, with median around £120. If you qualify for legal aid (due to low income, benefits, or domestic abuse), the MIAM is completely free.

Does the Family Mediation Voucher cover the MIAM cost?

No. The £500 voucher is for joint mediation sessions only. The MIAM itself (£85-£180) is not covered unless you qualify for legal aid. This is a common misconception that needs clarifying.

Is the MIAM fee per person or per couple?

The MIAM fee is per person. Each party attends their own separate MIAM meeting and pays their own fee. So for both parties, the total cost would be £170-£360.

What does the MIAM cost cover?

Your MIAM fee covers the 45-60 minute assessment meeting, the mediator's time to assess whether mediation is suitable, information about your options, and your FM1 certificate for court.

Can I claim the MIAM cost back?

You cannot claim the MIAM cost back from the other party or from the court. However, if you later proceed to mediation and reach an agreement, the overall cost savings compared to court can be significant.

Summary: MIAM Cost at a Glance

| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Standard MIAM (private) | £85-£180 | | MIAM with legal aid | Free | | Online MIAM | £85-£130 | | Both parties' MIAMs | £170-£360 | | Voucher scheme coverage | Does NOT cover MIAM |

The MIAM is a worthwhile investment in resolving family disputes. While there is an upfront cost, it opens the door to mediation which is typically faster, less stressful, and far cheaper than court proceedings.

Official Resources

Government Sources

• Gov.uk - Legal Aid Eligibility - Check if you qualify for free MIAM
• Gov.uk - Family Mediation Voucher Scheme - Extended to 2026-27 (for mediation sessions only)
• FMC Voucher Scheme Announcement - 2026-27 extension details

Find a Mediator

• FMC Mediator Search - Compare local FMC-accredited mediators
• National Family Mediation - Non-profit service, often lower rates
• Resolution - Solicitor-mediators