Family Mediation Fees UK | Transparent Mediation Costs & Legal Aid – Pax Mediation
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MEDIATION FEES

At Pax Mediation, we believe in providing transparent, affordable, and accessible family mediation services to support families during challenging times. Whether you’re navigating child arrangements, financial disputes, or separation issues, our cost-effective pricing ensures mediation remains a viable alternative to lengthy and expensive court proceedings.

We are committed to keeping our fees simple and transparent. Below is a breakdown of our charges for family mediation services:

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1. Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)

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  • ONLINE - £140

  • FACE TO FACE - £150

  • OUT OF HOURS - £200

  • C100/FORMA - Court Form - FREE

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A MIAM is a required step for most court applications and at Pax Mediation, we ensure you receive the signed C100 form or Form A on the same day, so there’s no delay in proceeding with your application if mediation isn’t suitable.

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2. Mediation Sessions

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  • CHILD ONLY - £200 per person

  • PROPERTY AND FINANCE - £250 per person

  • ALL ISSUES - £200 per person

  • C100/FORMA - Court Form - FREE

 

As a guide, Children Arrangements usually take two sessions, each of about an hour and a 30 minutes duration. Property and Finance mediation or All Issues usually takes three to five sessions, each of about 1 hour 45 minutes duration. You decide on the timing of the sessions, so you can stage the sessions with your ability to pay.

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3. Drafting Agreements

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  • OPEN FINANCIAL STATEMENT - FREE

  • MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING - £250 per person

  • ACTION PLAN - FREE

  • PARENTING PLAN - FREE

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These documents summarize the agreements reached during mediation, providing clarity and a foundation for legal formalities if required.

LEGAL AID

Legal Aid is available for family mediation. If you are eligible mediation is completely FREE for you. The mediator will assess your eligibility before proceeding and if you are not eligible you do not have to proceed with the meeting if you do not want to.

 

If the other party is eligible for Legal Aid, the Legal Aid Agency will pay for the MIAM and mediation for both of you.  If you are eligible for Legal Aid, you will also be eligible for the Help with Mediation scheme, which provides for some free legal advice alongside mediation. We can tell you more about this at your initial meeting.

 

For more details please see this information. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us.

Pax Mediation Office Fees

WHY CHOOSE PAX MEDIATION?

Pax Mediation Room
  1. Affordable PricingOur straightforward pricing structure ensures no hidden fees, and our mediation services are designed to save you money compared to court proceedings.

  2. High-Quality Service. With over 50 years of combined experience, our mediators provide expert guidance to help families find fair, lasting solutions.

  3. Fast and Flexible Options. We offer next-day MIAM mediation appointments and flexible online mediation services, ensuring you receive support when you need it most.

  4. Legal Aid Accessibility. Our commitment to accessibility means that eligible clients can benefit from free mediation services, removing financial barriers.

HOW MEDIATION FEES ARE USUALLY PAID

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Mediation fees are normally:

  • Paid per session

  • Both liable for own costs, unless you both agree otherwise

  • Paid in advance of each appointment

 

If one participant is eligible for Legal Aid, this may cover:

  • Their MIAM

  • Their mediation sessions

  • The other participant’s MIAM.

 

Eligibility depends on financial circumstances and will be assessed individually.

THE VALUE OF MEDIATION

Mediation is not just an affordable alternative to court; it’s also a faster and more effective way to resolve disputes.

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  • Cost Savings. Court fees for family matters can exceed £232 per application, plus solicitor and barrister costs. Mediation costs UK offers significant savings by reducing the need for prolonged legal battles.

  • Time Savings. While court proceedings can take months or even years, mediation sessions often resolve disputes within weeks.

  • Better Outcomes. Mediation fosters open communication and collaboration, leading to agreements that work for everyone—especially children.

British Pound Notes

WHO PAYS FOR MEDIATION COSTS IN THE UK?

Mediation costs UK can vary depending on the service provider, but at Pax Mediation, we keep our fees transparent and affordable. Who pays for mediation cost UK depends on the arrangement between both parties. In most cases, mediation costs are shared equally, but one party may agree to cover the full cost. If one person qualifies for Legal Aid, the Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is covered for both parties, reducing financial pressure.

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WHY FAMILY MEDIATION IS MORE AFFORDABLE THAN COURT

Family mediation is widely recognised as a cost-effective alternative to court proceedings. Rather than paying for lengthy solicitor correspondence and court hearings, mediation focuses on resolving issues collaboratively in a structured setting.

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Key reasons mediation costs less than court:

  • Sessions are time-limited and focused

  • You only pay for the meetings you attend

  • There are no court fees or barristers’ costs

  • Agreements can often be reached in far fewer sessions

 

Many families are able to resolve arrangements for children or finances in mediation for a fraction of the cost of litigation, while maintaining greater control over outcomes.

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HOW TO GET STARTED

  1. Book a MIAM

    • Start with a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to understand how mediation can work for your family.

  2. Schedule Mediation Sessions

    • Work with one of our trained mediators to resolve disputes during joint or shuttle sessions.

  3. Finalize Agreements

    • Once agreements are reached, we’ll draft the necessary documents to make your arrangements clear and actionable.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is mediation cheaper than court?
Yes, mediation is significantly more affordable than going to court. With fees starting at £130 for a MIAM and £200 for joint sessions, mediation offers a cost-effective way to resolve disputes.

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Can I get free mediation?
If you qualify for Legal Aid, you can access free MIAMs and mediation sessions. Contact us to check your eligibility.

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How are mediation fees split?
Mediation fees are typically shared between both parties, making the process more affordable for everyone.

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How are mediation fees split?

Mediation fees are usually shared equally between both participants. This reflects the joint nature of the mediation process. However, you are free to agree a different arrangement between yourselves if you wish, for example where one person chooses to meet a greater share of the cost.

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Fees are typically paid per session and in advance of each appointment.

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Can mediation fees be covered by Legal Aid?

Yes. Mediation fees may be covered by Legal Aid if you are financially eligible.

 

If one participant qualifies for Legal Aid, this can cover:

  • Their MIAM

  • Their mediation sessions

  • The other participant’s MIAM.

 

Legal Aid eligibility is assessed individually and confidentially during the MIAM. Being eligible does not affect the neutrality of the mediation process.

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What is included in the MIAM?

A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is a private, one-to-one meeting with a accredited family mediator.

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During the MIAM, the mediator will:

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  • Explain what mediation is and how it works

  • Discuss the issues you wish to resolve

  • Assess whether mediation is suitable in your circumstances

  • Provide information about costs and Legal Aid eligibility

  • Discuss possible next steps, including whether to proceed with mediation.

 

The MIAM is confidential and does not commit you to taking part in mediation.

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What happens if mediation doesn’t resolve our issues?

Mediation is a voluntary process and does not always result in full agreement. If mediation does not resolve all issues, the mediator can discuss alternative options with you, which may include taking a break from mediation, narrowing the issues in dispute, or exploring other forms of support.

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If court proceedings are being considered, the mediator can confirm that mediation has been attempted and discuss the appropriate next steps. Any partial agreements reached in mediation can still be helpful and may reduce the time, cost, and stress involved in resolving remaining issues elsewhere.

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Can I get a fee estimate before booking?

Yes. During the MIAM, the mediator can discuss your situation and give an indication of how many mediation sessions are typically required in similar cases.

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While it is not possible to guarantee the number of sessions needed, this discussion allows you to make an informed decision about likely costs before committing to mediation. Fees are paid per session, so you remain in control of how the process progresses.

Contact Us

Take the first step toward resolving your family disputes with affordable, professional mediation services from Pax Mediation. Contact us today to book your MIAM or learn more about our mediation fees.

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Contact Us Today

Pax Mediation Ltd

Appointments available online and offices in Newcastle Quayside, Ashington, Sunderland, Gateshead, Berwick, North Shields and Durham

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©2024 by Pax Mediation Ltd. Registered in England and Wales. No: 8087620 VAT Ref. No: 141 8273 22

Wansbeck Workspace, Rotary Parkway, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 8QZ

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