Fees and funding

What mediation costs and what help is available.

All families, regardless of income, are eligible for £500 off joint sessions via the government voucher scheme.

If you are on a low income, receive benefits, or have under £8,000 in savings, you may also qualify for full or partial coverage of your mediation fees via legal aid.

The cost of mediation can vary depending on your circumstances. Even if you do not qualify for legal aid, mediation costs much less than taking family disputes to court. See below for more information on legal aid, the government voucher scheme, and our private mediation fees.

Government voucher scheme

£500 off joint sessions between you and your ex-partner.

You’ll need to attend a mediation information and assessment meeting (MIAM) to have your eligibility for the voucher assessed. We may determine during the MIAM that your situation is not suited to family mediation.

Your mediator will apply for the voucher with your consent via email. Your email must confirm that you’ve asked your mediator to apply, neither of you have already applied for the voucher, and that you consent to any necessary personal information being provided to the Family Mediation Council.

Once your mediation sessions have finished, the voucher goes directly to your mediator. Once your £500 has been spent on sessions, you can choose to continue mediation privately.

Legal aid

Full or partial coverage of your fees, funded by the government.

You must be on a low income, have limited savings (under £8,000), or receive certain benefits. Depending on the combined monthly income between you and your ex-partner, minus any allowances, you could receive full or partial coverage. Our team will help you assess your eligibility.

You must tell us if you own a property, have savings over £8000, or you’re living with a partner.

You’ll need to e-mail us the following documents ahead of your meeting: 

If you receive Universal Credit, please provide a screenshot evidencing that you’re in receipt of Universal Credit and showing your name, address and the date you received your last payment. 

 If you receive Income Support, income-Based Job Seeker’s Allowance, Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance or Guarantee Credit please provide a copy of a letter showing your name and confirmation of what benefits you currently receive. This must be dated within six months and every page of the letter must be included. 

If you receive Tax Credits, or any other benefit not listed please provide a letter dated within six months confirming what amount you currently receive, and every page of the letter must be included. Or provide a four-week bank statement.

If you receive a wage and do not receive Universal Credit please provide your most recent wage slip dated within the last month, or your four most recent wage slips if you’re paid weekly , or  a four-week bank statement.

If you’re self-employed and do not receive Universal Credit please provide:  

  • proof off your income over the last four weeks 
  • last year’s tax return 
  • 12 months bank statement directly prior to your appointment 
  • if possible, a letter from your accountant confirming your income for the last year 

Private mediation fees

If you don't qualify for full coverage via legal aid.

£125 per person (£35 non-refundable deposit)

Meetings last up to an hour.

 

£200 per person (£50 non-refundable deposit)

Sessions each last up to an hour and a half.

£67 per person

£100 per parent or guardian

Sessions last up to an hour.

£135 per person

£135 per person