If you’re separating or divorcing, it’s natural to wonder how much family mediation will cost before deciding how to move forward.
In 2026, most people can expect to pay between £150 and £250 for a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) and between £120 and £250 per person for each joint mediation session, depending on whether the appointment is online, in person or outside normal working hours.
The total cost of mediation depends on your individual circumstances, including the issues you need to resolve, the number of sessions required and whether any additional documents are needed.
Although every case is different, family mediation is usually significantly less expensive than resolving disputes through solicitors and the courts, while giving you greater control over the outcome.
Looking for our current fees? Visit our Family Mediation Services page for Crowther Mediation’s latest pricing and to book an appointment.
Family Mediation Costs Broken Down:
Below we cover the main factors that influence the total cost of family mediation. Every mediation session starts differently, but most begin with a MIAM before progressing to joint mediation sessions.
How Much Does a MIAM Cost?
| Appointment | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Online MIAM | £120–£180 |
| In-person MIAM | £150–£200 |
| Evening or Weekend MIAM | £180–£250 |
A MIAM usually includes:
- A confidential one-to-one assessment
- Discussion of your family situation
- Advice on whether mediation is appropriate
- Information about the mediation process
- Court MIAM certificate (where required)
Learn more about What is a MIAM?
How Much Do Joint Mediation Sessions Cost?
If mediation is suitable and both parties agree to participate, you’ll move on to joint mediation sessions.
Typical costs are:
| Session Type | Typical Cost (per person) |
|---|---|
| Online | £120–£200 |
| In-person | £150–£250 |
| Evening or Weekend | £180–£275 |
Sessions generally last 60–90 minutes, although longer appointments are available for more complex matters.
Online mediation has become increasingly popular because it offers greater flexibility and removes travel time while providing the same professional service.
Find out more about Online Family Mediation.
Additional Costs
Some cases require additional services to help formalise agreements or support the mediation process.
Shuttle Mediation
Shuttle mediation is often appropriate where communication is difficult or there has been a high level of conflict.
Our current fee as of July 2026 is £280 per person plus VAT for shuttle mediation.
Rather than meeting together, each person remains in a separate room (or virtual room), with the mediator moving between them. Because these appointments generally take longer, they may carry this additional fee.
Summary of Proposals and Other Documents
When agreements have been reached, your mediator may prepare formal documents such as:
- Memorandum of Understanding
- Open Financial Statement
- Parenting Plan
- Summary of Proposals
These documents help record what has been agreed and may be used by your solicitor when preparing a legally binding consent order.
Document preparation is usually charged separately where applicable.
Typical Total Cost of Family Mediation in 2026
The overall cost of family mediation depends on how many issues need resolving and how quickly agreements are reached. Below are some situations that may apply to you and the typical costs you can pay.
Child Arrangements Only
Many parenting disputes can be resolved within two to four mediation sessions.
Typical overall cost:
£600–£1,200
Financial Settlement Only
Financial mediation often requires additional discussions and financial disclosure.
Typical overall cost:
£900–£2,000
Child Arrangements and Financial Matters
Where mediation covers both parenting and finances, additional sessions are usually needed.
Typical overall cost:
£1,500–£3,000
Even at the upper end of these estimates, mediation usually costs only a fraction of contested court proceedings.
What Factors Affect Family Mediation Costs?
Several factors influence the total cost.
Complexity
Straightforward matters involving parenting arrangements alone are often resolved quickly.
Cases involving:
- pensions
- businesses
- multiple properties
- complex finances
- relocation
generally require more time.
Number of Sessions
Most families reach agreement within two to five sessions, although every case is different.
Documentation
Preparing professional mediation documents takes additional time and may involve separate fees.
Additional Services
Costs may also increase where clients require:
- shuttle mediation
- extended appointments
- evening appointments
- weekend appointments
- additional document preparation
Family Mediation Costs Compared to Court
For many separating couples, mediation represents one of the most cost-effective ways of resolving family disputes.
Court proceedings often involve:
- Court application fees
- Solicitors’ costs
- Barristers’ fees
- Expert reports
- Multiple hearings
- Delays lasting several months – or even longer
Mediation, by contrast, enables couples to work towards practical solutions with the support of an impartial family mediator.
Besides reducing legal costs, mediation can also preserve working relationships, particularly where parents need to continue co-parenting after separation.
Read our guide: Family Mediation vs Court – Which Is Right for You?
Is Family Mediation Worth the Cost?
For most families, the answer is yes.
Mediation offers benefits that extend beyond financial savings.
It allows people to:
- resolve disputes more quickly
- maintain greater control over decisions
- improve communication
- reduce conflict
- protect children from ongoing disputes
- avoid lengthy court proceedings wherever possible
Many clients also find mediation less stressful than formal litigation because discussions take place in a structured and supportive environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does family mediation cost?
Most people pay between £150 and £250 for a MIAM, followed by £120–£250 per person for each mediation session.
How many mediation sessions are usually needed?
Most families reach agreement within two to five sessions, although more complex financial matters may require additional meetings.
Is mediation cheaper than solicitors?
Yes. Because mediation involves one impartial professional helping both parties negotiate together, it is usually much less expensive than each person instructing separate solicitors throughout the dispute.
Is mediation cheaper than court?
Almost always.
Court proceedings can cost many thousands of pounds once legal fees, court fees and representation are taken into account.
Can family mediation be free?
Yes. If you qualify for Legal Aid, your mediation costs may be covered. In some cases, Legal Aid can also pay for the other person’s MIAM, even if they don’t qualify financially themselves.
Do both parties pay?
Usually, mediation costs are shared equally, although couples are free to agree a different arrangement if they wish. Learn more in our who pays for mediation guide.
Does Legal Aid cover mediation?
Yes. If you’re eligible, Legal Aid may cover:
- your MIAM
- mediation sessions
- certain mediation documents
Your mediator can assess your eligibility before your first appointment.
Ready to Get Started?
At Crowther Mediation, we believe that resolving family disputes should be straightforward, transparent and cost-effective.
Whether you need help with child arrangements, financial matters or both, our experienced family mediators will explain the process clearly and provide transparent pricing from the outset.
Contact Crowther Mediation today to book your MIAM or discuss your options with one of our accredited family mediators.
