When separating couples begin family mediation, one of the first questions they ask is: who pays for family mediation costs?
The answer depends on your circumstances. Family mediation in the UK can be funded in several different ways, including Legal Aid, the Government Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, or private payment. In many cases, different funding arrangements apply to each person taking part in the mediation.
Whatever funding option is available, family mediation is almost always significantly more affordable than resolving disputes through court proceedings. It can also save considerable time and reduce the emotional stress that litigation often creates.
Before exploring the different funding options, it’s important to understand that mediation costs are usually charged per person, rather than per case. This means each individual is responsible for their own fees unless another arrangement has been agreed. As a result, it is entirely possible for each party to have their mediation funded in different ways depending on their eligibility.
Legal Aid for Mediation
If you are on a low income or receive certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, you may be eligible for Legal Aid.
If you qualify, Legal Aid covers the full cost of your family mediation, including your Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), with no financial contribution required from you.
Where only one person qualifies for Legal Aid, there is still significant financial support available:
- Legal Aid pays for both parties’ MIAMs.
- Legal Aid also covers the cost of the first joint mediation session for both parties.
- The person who does not qualify for Legal Aid is responsible for funding any further mediation sessions through another funding method.
This arrangement ensures that financial circumstances do not become an immediate barrier to starting mediation.
Not every mediator offers Legal Aid
Only mediation providers with a Legal Aid contract from the Ministry of Justice can provide Legal Aid-funded mediation.
In addition, only mediators who have achieved the highest level of accreditation through the Family Mediation Council are authorised to conduct Legal Aid mediation. This provides reassurance that clients receiving Legal Aid continue to receive a high standard of professional service.
Government Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
The Government introduced the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme to encourage more separating families to resolve disputes through mediation rather than court.
Eligible families can receive up to £500 (including VAT) towards the cost of mediation sessions. Visit our family mediation voucher scheme page for more information.
If neither party qualifies for Legal Aid, the voucher is normally shared equally between both people. In many cases, this covers the cost of the first joint mediation session, with any remaining sessions paid privately.
If one party receives Legal Aid
Where one person qualifies for Legal Aid, the position changes slightly.
As Legal Aid already covers the first mediation session, the person who is not eligible for Legal Aid can use the full value of the £500 voucher towards future mediation sessions. In many cases, this is enough to fund approximately two additional mediation sessions.
What the voucher covers
The Government Family Mediation Voucher Scheme can only be used for disputes involving children.
It cannot be used to pay for:
- MIAM appointments
- Memoranda of Understanding
- Open Financial Statements
- Parenting Plans
- Other outcome documents
The voucher only contributes towards the cost of mediation sessions themselves.
The Government Mediation Voucher Scheme has proved to be highly successful in encouraging more families to resolve disputes outside of court. The scheme has now been extended until March 2027, allowing more eligible families to benefit from up to £500 (including VAT) towards the cost of family mediation.
Privately Funded Family Mediation
Many people fund mediation privately.
Reputable family mediation providers are transparent about their fees, making them easy to find before booking an appointment.
Across the UK, mediation fees typically range between £120 and £170 per hour, per person, although prices vary depending on location and the provider.
Charging each participant individually encourages both people to engage equally in the process and work constructively towards reaching an agreement.
Even when paid privately, mediation is generally considerably less expensive than contested court proceedings. Visit our family mediation vs going to court guide for more comparisons.
Who usually pays for family mediation?
There is no single rule about who pays for mediation. The payment arrangement is often agreed between the parties before mediation begins.
The most common arrangements include:
Sharing the costs equally (50/50)
The majority of couples split mediation costs equally.
This reflects the fact that mediation benefits both parties and gives each person an equal opportunity to participate in finding solutions.
One person pays all the costs
Sometimes one person agrees to pay the full cost of mediation.
This may happen where there is a significant difference in income, one person wishes to progress matters more quickly, or it forms part of a wider financial agreement.
Paying the full cost does not give either person any greater influence over the mediation process.
Unequal contributions
Some separating couples agree to divide costs in different proportions, such as 60/40 or 70/30.
This can be appropriate where incomes differ substantially or one party has greater financial resources available.
Different funding for each person
It is also common for each participant to fund mediation differently.
For example:
- One person receives Legal Aid while the other pays privately.
- One person benefits from the Government Family Mediation Voucher Scheme while the other pays the remaining costs.
- Both parties pay privately after using available government support.
Every case is different, and your mediator can explain which funding options are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my ex refuses to pay for mediation?
If your former partner refuses to contribute towards mediation costs, there are still several options available.
You may choose to:
- discuss alternative payment arrangements;
- see whether either of you qualifies for Legal Aid;
- check whether the Government Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is available;
- agree for one person to pay more or all of the costs temporarily.
If mediation cannot proceed because payment cannot be agreed, you may need to consider other dispute resolution methods, including making an application to court where appropriate.
Your mediator can explain your options based on your circumstances.
Can family mediation be free?
Yes, family mediation can be completely free for some people.
If you qualify for Legal Aid, your mediation, including your MIAM, will be fully funded.
Even if only one person qualifies for Legal Aid, both parties benefit because the MIAMs and first joint mediation session are covered.
If Legal Aid is not available, the Government Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may reduce the cost of mediation for eligible cases involving children.
Some families are also able to combine Legal Aid and the voucher scheme, significantly reducing the overall cost of resolving their dispute.
Does paying more give one party more control?
No.
Family mediation is an impartial process. Regardless of who pays, the mediator remains completely neutral and works equally with both participants.
The person paying more, or even covering all of the costs, does not receive preferential treatment, greater influence, or additional decision-making power.
The mediator’s role is to help both parties communicate effectively and work towards mutually acceptable outcomes.
Crowther Mediation Family Mediation Fees
At Crowther Mediation, we believe in being open and transparent about our fees. There are no hidden costs, and we will explain all charges before mediation begins.
Please visit our Family Mediation page for a full breakdown of our fees. If you would like to find out whether you may be eligible for Legal Aid or discuss the Government Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, please contact our team. We will be happy to explain your options and help you understand the most cost-effective way to access family mediation.
