FROM 1 APRIL 2021
If a client is eligible for Legal Aid all mediation is FREE of charge for them plus the MIAM and the first mediation session is FREE for both parties.
Mediation is a two-stage process:
-an initial Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) of up to 45 minutes
-and, if deemed suitable, one or more joint mediation sessions of 90 minutes each.
(The average number of mediation sessions needed is: 1 to 2 for child only, 2 to 4 for property and finance and 3 to 5 for all issues).
All fees are payable in advance and should be made at the time of booking. (Clients assessed as eligible for Legal Aid will receive a refund for any advance payment)
The cost of the MIAM includes a non-refundable administration fee of £35.
If clients attend a MIAM together and wish to make a start on mediation (time permitting) a planning session fee of £55 per person will be charged for those not eligible for Legal Aid.
Please note that we do not charge VAT and our fees include all administration.
| Session | Eligible for Legal Aid | Not Eligible for Legal Aid |
| MIAM (per person) | FREE | £95 |
| Mediation Session (per person) | FREE | £150 |
| Preparation of Memorandum of Understanding (per person) | FREE | £150 |
| Child Consultation (per person) | FREE | £50 |
In the event of a cancellation, with at least three full working days’ notice; the appointment can be re-booked at no charge.
If the appointment is not attended or is cancelled with less than the required notice the following administration fees apply:
If you are on low income, are not working, and have minimal capital assets you maybe eligible for Legal Aid. If you are eligible your initial meeting (MIAM) and any subsequent mediation will be free. You would also be eligible for free legal advice to support your discussions in mediation, from a legal aid solicitor.
If you have savings of less than £8,000 and are on certain benefits* you can have a provisional assessment in advance. Alternatively we will charge in advance for the initial meeting (MIAM) which will be refunded if you are assessed as eligible for Legal Aid at that meeting.
We can assess you to see if you are eligible for Legal Aid at your Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).
Since November 2014, where one client is eligible for legal aid, the other person’s first mediation session is also paid for by the Legal Aid Agency.