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How much does Family Mediation cost?

View profile for Claire Knight
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The cost of Family Mediation will depend on your own personal circumstances as that will determine how many sessions you need.  There are three separate costs to consider; the first for the Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM), the second cost for the Mediation sessions themselves and the third cost for the preparatory work involved.  Claire Knight, Resolution trained and Law Society accredited Family Mediator, explains more about the costs involved and why Mediation can be more cost effective than going to Court.

What is a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting?

If you have recently separated or divorce and you and your former partner are trying to resolve arrangements for your children or regarding your family home and finances, Family Mediation can be a more cost effective and amicable route than going to Court.  Before even considering going to Court to reach a resolution, all individuals in most cases must show that they have considered Family Mediation as an option by attending, or applying to attend, a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM).

It is at this meeting that the mediator will explain to you fully what mediation involves and will also asses if mediation is appropriate for your circumstances. If deemed suitable you can proceed with mediation sessions and discussions. If you case is not suitable you may wish to consider alternative ways to resolve matters such as through solicitors or via an application to the Court. For this initial meeting, we charge £100 + VAT.

How much do Family Mediation sessions cost?

If you wish to participate and your case is suitable for Family Mediation, then we charge an hourly rate of £220 + VAT.  This is also the charge for any additional preparatory or follow up work outside of your sessions, and the cost for this will be agreed with you in advance.  The cost for the sessions would normally be shared between you and your former partner, rather than you each paying separate legal advisors.  In these sessions, you will have the opportunity to share your views, concerns and explore options that might work and be acceptable to you both.

“One of the many benefits of Family Mediation opposed to going to Court is that you are given the time and space to communicate your thoughts and wishes,” explains Claire.  “During the session, you will be in the room with me or my colleague, Sam Miles, as well as your former partner if you are comfortable with that.  Both of you will be given your chance to explain your views, consider each others suggestions and position and what you would like to achieve.  We then work together to explore a compromise that is acceptable and workable for each of you and your family.”

Do you offer Legal Aid for Family Mediation?

While we do not offer Legal Aid for Family Mediation, we will still assess your eligibility and discuss alternative options for you if you do qualify.

“The total cost of Family Mediation can never be guaranteed, as it will depend on how many sessions you require,” concludes Claire.  “Ordinarily, a couple will need between two and four sessions, meaning that to resolve your differences through Mediation could cost you between £1,000 to £2,500 depending on the length of your sessions and any additional preparation work.  Going to Court can easily cost you twice if not three times as much as this, without considering the additional stress of putting your family through the Court process, as well as the Court rather than you both deciding the outcome.  We would recommend booking a MIAM to discuss how Mediation could be helpful, not only to resolve any current disagreement but also to improve communications to assist with any necessary future decisions.”

To find out more about how Family Mediation could help you, contact Claire or the Family team today on 023 8071 7431 or email familyenquiries@warnergoodman.co.uk.  Alternatively, you can find out more about the service we offer on the following links:

ENDS

This is for information purposes only and is no substitute for, and should not be interpreted as, legal advice.  All content was correct at the time of publishing and we cannot be held responsible for any changes that may invalidate this article.