This page explains our fees for mediation. We want to be clear and open about what you will pay.
What does each step cost?
Your first meeting with the mediator (MIAM)
£140 per session
Each family mediation session after the Miam
£140 per person per hour (sessions last 90 minutes)
Each family mediation session costs £140 per person per hour and is expected to last for 90 minutes. So each session costs £210 per person and £420 in total between both people.
ℹ️ Most cases take 2 to 4 sessions to reach an agreement. This means the total cost per person is usually between £560 and £980 including the MIAM.
A simple example
Your MIAM
£140 per person paid once, at the start.
two to four family mediation sessions
£420 to £840 per person (£210 × 2–4 sessions)
typical total per person
£560 to £980 Including your MIAM and 2 to 4 sessions of 90 minutes.
Are there any other costs?
Sometimes, extra support can help. We will always talk to you before arranging anything that costs more.
Co-mediator
Sometimes a second family mediator joins to help. This can be useful for complex cases. We will let you know the cost when it applies.
Child inclusive mediator
A specialist child inclusive mediator can meet with your children separately, to make sure their wishes are heard. We will confirm costs for this service.
Your own legal and financial advice
We recommend that you take legal advice once before, once during and once after the mediation session to update your lawyer and have help to ensure that the agreements you have made will be approved by the court.
If you have financial matters to settle we advise that you take financial advice, this could include advice regarding your potential for a mortgage offer, or to assess you pension circumstances.
How does family mediation compare to going to court?
Divorce and separation can be very expensive without mediation. Here is a rough comparison.
With mediation
£560-£980 per person on average
Without mediation
£14,000+ per person on average
Court cases cost much more
When couples cannot agree and go to court, the average cost to each person is around £14,000 to £20,000 in legal fees. Some cases cost far more.
Court cases take much longer
Going to court can take 12 to 18 months or more. Family mediation usually takes a few weeks to a few months.
✅ Family mediation is not just cheaper; it is also faster, more private, and puts you in control of the outcome.
Can I get help paying for family mediation?
✅ If you receive legal aid, your MIAM and family mediation sessions may be free of charge.
✅ If one person qualifies for legal aid, the other person’s first session is also free.
ℹ️ Ask us about legal aid when you book your MIAM. We can help you find out if you qualify.
ℹ️ Antworks Family Mediation is a small business and not currently VAT registered, this means we don’t have to pass VAT costs on to you.
The Government’s £500 family mediation voucher
The Government offers up to £500 off the cost of your family mediation sessions if your case involves children.
You do not need to apply for it
We apply for the voucher on your behalf. The money is paid directly to us, there are no forms for you to fill in and nothing extra for you to do.
Who can get the voucher?
You may qualify if your case involves arrangements for children, for example, where they will live or when they will see each parent. Financial disputes can also qualify if they are linked to a children’s case.
It does not depend on your income
The voucher is not means-tested. You do not need to be on a low income to qualify. It is available to any eligible family regardless of what you earn.
It does not cover the MIAM
The voucher can only be used towards your family mediation sessions, not your first MIAM appointment. The MIAM fee of £140 is paid separately.
💡 With a £500 voucher and a typical cost of £210 per session, the voucher could more than cover the cost of the first session for both people, significantly reducing your total bill.
ℹ️ Vouchers are limited and may not always be available. We will let you know at your MIAM whether a voucher can be applied for your case.
💬 Have a question about our fees?
Please get in touch and we will be happy to explain anything. There are no hidden costs — we will always be clear about what you will pay before you commit to anything.
Ready to find out more?
We are confident that family mediation can be a safe, successful, lasting, and cost-effective alternative to a court-only process. Small things really can make a big difference.
When you’re ready to talk to someone about family mediation use our contact page to email enquiries@antworksfamilymediation.co.uk or call us on 01706 813 280 for an informal, no-pressure conversation about what mediation could do for you.
Antworks Family Mediation — serving Todmorden, the Calder Valley, East Lancashire, West Yorkshire, and online.