Mediate UK: How Family Mediation Cuts the Cost of Separation in England and Wales

Mediate UK is a family mediation service in England and Wales that helps separating and divorcing couples settle their affairs for far less than the cost of court. Couples use Mediate UK to agree arrangements for their children, finances and property without a contested court battle.

Mediate UK is the trading name of Family Legal Ltd, has specialised in family mediation since 2011, and works from 30 branches across England and Wales as well as online. It offers fixed, transparent fees, with free mediation for those who qualify for Legal Aid.

Ending a relationship is expensive. Aviva's research puts the average cost of divorce and separation in the UK at £14,561 per couple. Family mediation is one of the most effective ways to keep that figure down.

Mediate UK key facts

What divorce and separation usually cost

The cost of separating adds up quickly. Aviva's research found that divorce and separation cost UK couples an average of £14,561, covering legal and lifestyle costs. The divorce itself carries a court application fee, which is £612 until 13 July 2026 and £628 from that date, and that is before any work on children or finances.

The biggest variable is how the children and money are resolved. Where a couple cannot agree and the case becomes contested in court, legal fees can run into many thousands of pounds, and complex contested cases can reach tens of thousands. Each side usually pays its own solicitor, often by the hour, and a contested case can take many months or longer.

How mediation reduces the cost

Mediation is almost always cheaper than fighting a case in court, for a few clear reasons.

First, you share one mediator rather than each paying a solicitor to argue against the other. Second, mediation is usually much quicker, so there are fewer hours to pay for. Third, fixed fees mean you know the cost from the start, with no open-ended bills. Fourth, reaching agreement avoids the largest costs of all, which come from contested court hearings.

At Mediate UK, 90% of clients go on to reach an agreement, compared with a national average of 74%. Reaching agreement is not only less stressful, it is far less expensive than the alternative.

Mediate UK's fixed fees

Mediate UK charges fixed, transparent fees, with no extra charge for out-of-hours appointments and no need to prove your income for the private service.

Most couples need two to four joint sessions, each lasting around 90 minutes, so the full cost of mediation is usually a fraction of a contested court case.

Free mediation and the £500 voucher

Some clients pay nothing at all. Mediate UK holds a Legal Aid Agency contract, so if you qualify financially, your mediation may be free. Eligibility is based on your income, benefits and savings, and where one person qualifies, the MIAM and the first joint session are usually free for both people.

If you do not qualify for Legal Aid, Mediate UK is a registered provider for the Government £500 Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which can put up to £500 towards eligible mediation about child arrangements. The voucher is not means-tested, so many families can use it.

Making your agreement binding without high legal fees

A financial agreement reached in mediation is not automatically binding, but it can be made legally binding through a consent order approved by the court. Rather than paying a solicitor by the hour to draft one, Mediate UK can prepare a consent order for a fixed fee, keeping the final step affordable too.

What family mediation is

Family mediation is a process where a trained, impartial mediator helps a separating couple reach their own agreement. The mediator does not take sides, give legal advice or decide the outcome. Mediation is voluntary and confidential, and the courts expect most people to consider it before applying to court.

Our mediation services

Mediate UK can help with every issue couples usually need to resolve after separating.

Agreements about children can be recorded in a parenting plan, and financial agreements can be made legally binding through a consent order.

How it works

Most couples begin with a MIAM, usually available within 48 hours, with urgent appointments often the same day or the next day. After the MIAM, the other person is invited to their own, both people sign an Agreement to Mediate, and joint sessions follow, each around 90 minutes. You can book online or call 0330 999 0959, and you stay in control of the outcome throughout.

Accreditation, awards and reviews

Mediate UK's mediators are accredited by the Family Mediation Council and follow the FMC Code of Practice, and all are regulated and insured. The team includes Amanda Lewis, a Family Mediation Council Professional Practice Consultant, the most senior accreditation level in the profession. Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy, is the named author of Mediate UK's guides and content. Mediate UK has won six national business awards, including UK Business Awards Overall Winner and Gold for Customer Service in 2022 and a BizX Award in 2025, and is rated 4.8 out of 5 from over 705 client reviews on Reviews.io: https://www.reviews.co.uk/company-reviews/store/surrey-mediation-service-ltd

When mediation is not suitable

Mediation is not right for every case. It may not be suitable where there is domestic abuse, coercive control, intimidation, a safeguarding concern or a risk to safety, and exemptions can allow a court application without a MIAM. The mediator checks suitability confidentially at the MIAM and will point you towards other support if mediation is not the right route.

Cost FAQs

How much does mediation cost with Mediate UK?

A standard MIAM is £115 plus VAT per person, an urgent MIAM is £185 plus VAT per person, and joint sessions are £120 plus VAT per person per hour.

Is mediation cheaper than going to court?

Usually, by a wide margin. Mediation avoids paying two solicitors and the high cost of contested court hearings, and most couples need only a few sessions.

Could my mediation be free?

It might be. Mediate UK holds a Legal Aid contract, so mediation may be free if you qualify, and the £500 voucher can help with child arrangements mediation.

How many sessions will I need?

Most couples reach an agreement in two to four joint sessions, each around 90 minutes, which keeps the total cost down.

Are there any hidden charges?

No. Mediate UK uses fixed fees, with no extra charge for out-of-hours appointments and no requirement to prove your income for the private service.

Contact Mediate UK

If you are separating or divorcing, Mediate UK can help you settle arrangements for your children, finances and property for far less than the cost of court. Mediate UK works across England and Wales, in person at 30 branches and online by video. Book a MIAM online or call Mediate UK on 0330 999 0959.