The cost of mediation varies depending on whether you are paying privately or qualify for government assistance. On average, private mediation costs between £135 and £200 per person, per hour. A standard MIAM (the initial assessment) usually costs between £135 and £150.
If you proceed to full mediation, you can expect to pay for each session as you go, and there may be additional flat fees for drafting documents like the Memorandum of Understanding or a Parenting Plan.
While this might seem expensive, it is significantly cheaper than going to court, where solicitor fees can easily reach several thousands of pounds.
The good news is that many people can access mediation for free. If you are on a low income or receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for Legal Aid, which covers the cost of the MIAM and all subsequent mediation sessions.
Furthermore, if even one party is eligible for Legal Aid, the other party’s MIAM and their first joint mediation session are often covered for free as well. Additionally, the UK government occasionally runs a Mediation Voucher Scheme that provides up to £500 toward the cost of mediation for families resolving disputes about children, regardless of their income level.
There are two primary ways to fund mediation in the UK: Legal Aid and the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme. Legal Aid is available if you are on a low income or receive certain benefits (such as Universal Credit, Income Support, or ESA).
It covers the full cost of the MIAM, all mediation sessions, and some legal advice from a solicitor. To apply, you must choose a mediation service that holds a “Legal Aid Contract.”
During your initial contact, they will ask you to provide proof of your financial situation, such as bank statements or benefit award letters, and they will perform the assessment for you right then and there.
If you don’t qualify for Legal Aid, you may still be eligible for the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which provides a one-off contribution of up to £500 toward the cost of mediation sessions concerning children. This is not means-tested, so your income doesn’t matter.
To apply, you simply need to find a mediator who is registered with the Family Mediation Council (FMC).
Your mediator will handle the application for you; they will ask for your consent to apply for the voucher during your MIAM, and if your case is eligible, the voucher amount is deducted directly from your mediation bill.
Mediation is not universally free, but it can be entirely free of charge depending on your financial circumstances or the type of dispute.
If you are on a low income or receive certain benefits, you may qualify for Legal Aid, which covers the cost of the initial MIAM and all subsequent sessions.
A significant benefit of Legal Aid is that if only one person qualifies, the other person—regardless of their income—will usually get their MIAM and the first full mediation session for free as well.
This is a common way the government encourages parents to settle out of court.
For those who do not qualify for Legal Aid, there is often a Family Mediation Voucher Scheme available for cases involving children.
This scheme provides a contribution of up to £500 per family toward the cost of the mediation sessions themselves (though it usually does not cover the initial MIAM fee).
If you don’t qualify for either of these, you will have to pay privately at the mediator’s hourly rate. While private mediation involves an upfront cost, it is almost always significantly cheaper than hiring a solicitor and paying the court fees associated with a contested legal battle.
Mediation costs significantly less than the court process. A full series of sessions and paperwork typically costs £500 to £1,500 per person. Sharing one professional’s cost and seeking a quick resolution keeps mediation affordable.
Conversely, Family Court cases can cost each parent between £5,000 and £20,000, depending on the hearings required. Court fees start at £255. Final hearings often require a barrister, adding thousands of pounds daily.
Mediation avoids hidden costs found in court proceedings. Court cases often last 6 to 12 months. During this time, legal fees accumulate for every call, email, and document. Conversely, you can complete mediation in 6 to 8 weeks.
Court processes often damage co-parenting relationships. This damage triggers future disputes and additional costs. Mediation delivers bespoke agreements for a fraction of the price. You keep more resources for your children’s needs.
Your Legal Aid eligibility determines if you receive free legal advice. Qualifying for Legal Aid grants you “Help at Court” and “Legal Help.” This funding provides free solicitor advice alongside your mediation sessions.
Mediators stay neutral and cannot provide legal advice. A Legal Aid solicitor reviews your Memorandum of Understanding. They advise whether the deal is fair before you sign.
Without Legal Aid, you must pay private solicitors for their services. Most charge hourly or fixed rates. However, many solicitors offer a free 30-minute initial consultation.
The £500 Family Mediation Voucher Scheme covers mediation sessions only. You cannot use this funding for solicitor advice. Charities like Advocate or Citizens Advice provide some free guidance. However, they rarely offer full, ongoing legal representation.