Family Mediation Staffordshire | Costs

What Does Mediation Cost?

We understand that costs for any process can be scary especially when you don’t have any idea, when you haven’t been through this process before. We want to reassure all our clients that we will be clear and transparent with regards to any costs you will incur. We will explain fully and apply for any funding available to you both such as legal aid and mediation vouchers. We will contact you to pre-authorise your card prior to any meeting if you have to pay and we will get your authority before any final documents are written up. You therefore don’t have to worry, there are not any hidden surprises.

Legal Aid – Free
If you are on a low income or claim the following:

• Universal Credit
• Income Support
• JSA
• ESA

Then you might qualify for legal aid but we need to speak to you first before confirming this, call 01785 747322 to be assessed by our team.

MIAM – £150
Mediation information and assessment meeting – the first one to one meeting you will have with the mediator.
Price includes

• 1 hour appointment with the mediator
• Making contact with the other party by telephone, text, email and writing to them
• Issuing the Court page if mediation doesn’t proceed

Mediation Sessions – £250 per session per person
Mediation sessions are allocated 1.5 hours. On average you can expect to attend at least 2 to 3 sessions. If you use less time in the session you are charged less, the hourly rate is £166.67 per person.

Child Inclusive Meeting with child – £75 per person
The appointment with your child or children is allocated 1 hour and the time is split between you both or if you are legally aided it is free of charge.

Child Inclusive Feedback Session – £150
The feedback session takes place with both parents and is allocated 1 hour, if you qualify for legal aid this is free.

Exchanging Documents – £75 each
Exchanging your financial disclosure booklet and evidence between sessions.

Documentation – £75 each per document
If you reach an amicable agreement and would like the mediator to put this into writing, we can.
Documents:

• Summary of Proposals/Open Financial Summary
• Outcome letter/Parenting Plan

Mediator’s certificates/Court page – no additional fee
C100, Form A FM1 form.

Mediation Voucher Scheme

We are registered under the government mediation voucher scheme which is available for anyone as long as there is a topic to discuss regarding children.

If we are awarded this one off voucher, you will receive your first mediation session free of charge if you are both private or if one of you qualifies for legal aid then the private payer will receive the whole of the £500 voucher and this means the 1st, 2nd & 3rd session will be completely free of charge.

Are There Any Hidden Costs?

No, we do not charge extra for simple letters or telephone calls. The only extra charge is if we prepare final documents as outlined above but we will check with you both before preparing these documents to ensure you are happy to pay.

With our service you pay as you go, so if you have to pay for a session then we will let you know and request payment before the session takes place.

Example 1 Budgeting for Mediation

Emma and Richard have separated and need to start the process of divorce, they have two children and need to resolve how the money is going to be split and how the children are going to spend their time. Neither would qualify for legal aid so both are privately paying.

They needed three sessions to conclude mediation successfully and asked the mediator to write up their agreements in mediation.

Example 2 Budgeting for Mediation

John contacted mediation to discuss child arrangements for their son Joshua aged 11. John’s friend had recommended child inclusive mediation, John didn’t qualify for legal aid but his ex-partner and Joshua’s mother Barbara did qualify, she was on Universal Credit.

They had three full sessions and Joshua had a child inclusive meeting.

John Paid and Barbara Received Everything for free under legal aid.