If you’re going through a separation and you’ve started researching your options, you might have already had a conversation with a solicitor, or at least considered it. Solicitors have an important role to play in many separations. But a growing number of couples are choosing to start with mediation and saving themselves significant time, money, and stress in the process.
The real cost of going straight to solicitors
Instructing a solicitor and making an application to court in relation to child arrangements can cost in the region of £10,000 each. For financial arrangements, costs of £10,000 to £20,000 each are not uncommon, with some people being quoted as much as £40,000. Those figures add up quickly, and the process can take months and even years.
Beyond the financial cost, court proceedings are adversarial by nature. They can entrench conflict rather than resolve it, which is particularly damaging when children are involved and you will need to maintain some kind of co-parenting relationship for years to come.
What does mediation actually cost?
At Vollans Mediation we charge fixed fees, so you always know exactly what you are paying at each stage. There are no hidden charges and no open-ended hourly billing.
A typical private mediation for child arrangements might cost around £950 per person in total. A case involving both child and financial arrangements might cost around £1,500 per person. Compare that to the solicitor route and the difference is significant.
If you are eligible for the Government’s Mediation Voucher Scheme, you may also receive up to £500 towards your mediation costs. And for those who are financially eligible, Legal Aid is available.
Why do couples choose mediation?
- It is significantly cheaper than court proceedings
- It’s faster. Sessions can usually be arranged within weeks rather than months
- You stay in control of the outcome rather than having decisions made by a judge
- It’s less adversarial, which matters when you will continue to co-parent
- It’s confidential
- It works around your schedule, with face-to-face and online options available
Does mediation work?
In the majority of cases, yes. Mediation does not guarantee agreement, but it gives couples the best possible environment to reach one. And because agreements reached in mediation are made by you (rather than imposed by a court), they tend to be more durable.
Mediation is not right for every situation. If there are concerns about safety or significant power imbalances, we will discuss this honestly at your initial meeting. But for most separating couples, including those with complex finances or strongly held disagreements about children, mediation is worth exploring as a first step.
Where to start
The starting point is a MIAM, a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. This is a one-to-one meeting with your mediator, with no obligation to proceed. It gives you the information you need to make the right decision for your family.
Ready to find out more? Call us on 0113 213 3662 or email info@vollansmediation.co.uk