Frequently Asked Questions

How much does family mediation cost?

Family mediation costs do vary, according to the number of appointments you need and depends on the range of issues you are looking to resolve.

For example, if you are looking to mediate agreements over money, parenting and property, you are likely to need more sessions than if your case relates only to money, which will affect mediation costs.

Generally, you can expect to pay in the region of £600- £1,000 per person in mediation fees. However, as above this will vary. Nonetheless, most people find using family mediation to settle post-separation issues is much cheaper and quicker than heading straight to a solicitor and taking issues through the courts.  

You could also be eligible for the government’s £500 voucher scheme and Legal Aid is available for family mediation – click here for more information about Legal Aid for mediation.

The initial MIAM costs in the region of £95-£120 per person depending on the mediation service you use, and if the cost of the MIAM certificate, which is required before you can submit an application to court, is included in the fee, or if this is a separate charge. You should check the cost with your mediation service provider before you start.

If you are eligible for Legal Aid then this will cover all your individual mediation costs, including your MIAM and your ex-partner’s MIAM if they do not qualify in their own right.

If you’re a charity, why is there a fee?

NFM is the leading non-profit provider of family mediation but we do not receive any government funding for our mediation work. Our fees reflect the time and expertise of our experienced professional mediators.

Official figures have shown that making settlements using family mediation is up to five times less expensive than doing so by going through the family court, as well as being faster and less stressful for all involved. 

How many family mediation sessions will I need?

There is no strict rule about how many family mediation sessions are needed before a settlement is reached. That’s because each case is very different. The length of the process also depends on the nature of the issues being mediated. As an example, an ‘All Issues Mediation’ case is one involving sorting out property, finance and parenting arrangements. And this will tend to be more complex than one in which only the finances or parenting need to be mediated.  Typically, however, couples will find they attend between three and five sessions before the process concludes.