MIAM Cost UK 2026 | How Much Does a MIAM Cost?

How Much Does a MIAM Cost?

A MIAM typically costs £120–£150 per person in England and Wales:

• GOV.UK: "The cost of a MIAM depends on the mediator you choose. The usual cost is around £120."
• Family Mediation Council, State of Family Mediation 2025: the cost of a MIAM is "most commonly around £150 per person".

Mediators set their own fees, so always confirm the price when booking. You and your ex-partner attend separate MIAMs, so each of you pays your own fee. The signed confirmation for court (the "MIAM certificate") is included — there is no extra charge for it.

When a MIAM Is Free

You do not pay for a MIAM if either you or your ex-partner qualifies for legal aid (GOV.UK). Legal aid for mediation is means-tested:

• Both eligible: legal aid covers the MIAMs and the mediation sessions.
• Only one eligible: legal aid still covers the MIAM for both of you, plus the first mediation session for both parents.
• Check eligibility: gov.uk/check-legal-aid.

The Full Cost Picture

| Stage | Typical cost | Notes | |-------|--------------|-------| | MIAM | £120–£150 per person | Free with legal aid | | Mediation sessions | £130–£170 per person per hour | FMC guide, includes document drafting | | £500 voucher | −£500 per case | Voucher scheme: children cases, not means-tested, doesn't cover the MIAM, runs to 31 March 2029 | | C100 court fee (if court is needed) | £270 (up from £263 on 13 July 2026) | GOV.UK fees update; Help with Fees available |

Most families resolve matters in a handful of sessions, and around 69% of voucher-scheme mediations reach whole or partial agreement (FMC 2025) — which is why GOV.UK says mediation is "usually cheaper and quicker than going to court".

Ways to Reduce the Cost

1. Check legal aid first — it makes the MIAM free for both of you (gov.uk/check-legal-aid).
2. Use the £500 voucher — your mediator applies for it; no upfront payment for covered sessions.
3. Compare mediators — fees vary; the FMC directory lists authorised mediators, and online MIAMs let you shop nationwide.
4. Ask about reduced rates — some services offer lower fees for people on low incomes.
5. Arrive prepared — fewer, more focused sessions cost less. Miam's free preparation chat can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some sites quote £90 or £200+?

Because mediators set their own fees and prices vary by region and provider. The best-evidenced range is £120–£150: GOV.UK cites around £120 and the FMC's 2025 report around £150. Treat quotes far outside that range with care and always ask what's included.

Does the £500 voucher pay for my MIAM?

No. GOV.UK is explicit that the voucher cannot be used towards the MIAM — it only covers mediation sessions (usually a minimum of two), in disputes involving children.

Is the MIAM certificate an extra cost?

No — the mediator's signed confirmation is included in the MIAM fee. See our MIAM certificate cost guide.

What does court cost if mediation fails?

The C100 application fee is £270 (since 13 July 2026). Legal representation is the real cost driver — contested children cases commonly cost thousands per person. The Help with Fees scheme can reduce or waive court fees for people on low incomes.

Sources & Further Reading

• GOV.UK — Making child arrangements: mediation and costs
• FMC — What does mediation cost?
• GOV.UK — Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
• FMC — State of Family Mediation 2025 (PDF)
• GOV.UK — Court and tribunal fees updates from July 2026

Content fact-checked against GOV.UK, the Family Procedure Rules and the Family Mediation Council: July 2026.