Costs

We charge £80 per hour per person if one mediator is to conduct the mediation and £120 per hour if two mediators will be required. This will depend on a number of factors, including the complexity of the issues and the level of antagonism between the parties. This will be determined once we have met with both parties. Fees are payable at the end of each session, which will last between 1 ½ and 2 hours. Further fees will be charged for the preparation of paperwork recording the discussions. All fees are subject to VAT.

However, we would usually hold a free preliminary meeting with each person individually at which the issue of public funding and costs can be discussed.

If you are on a low income it may be possible to obtain public funding so that you do not have to pay any fees. Under current Legal Services Commission rules, if you earn less than £30,000 per annum and pay a mortgage or rent, you may be eligible. If you are in receipt of Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance you are automatically entitled to Public Funding.

Even if you are not eligible for Public Funding, our fees are significantly less than those charged by solicitors, approximately half the hourly rate per person, but, more importantly, because matters are resolved much more swiftly, your total bill is likely to be less than £600, whereas to take financial issues to Court could easily cost £10,000 - £15,000.

We do suggest you seek independent legal advice during the mediation and you should ask a solicitor to draw up a formal agreement at the end of the mediation and deal with implementation of any financial arrangements. However the cost of this work will be minimal by comparison with their costs to deal with the dispute.