Costs & Charges

CFFM is a “not for profit” service and registered charity. We are pledged to make mediation available to all regardless of ability to pay. However we must cover our costs to remain financially viable.

Our charging policy is as follows:

a. Free telephone consultation and any letters to other party

b. Application fee(free if legally aided) of £40 +VAT(£50) once your case is proceeding to meetings to avoid wasted appointments

c. Initial free individual meetings – Generally lasting around half an hour giving information about mediation to help you decide whether this would help in your particular situation.

d. Mediation sessions are then free or chargeable

a. Free throughout if you meet the criteria (low income, limited savings)
We will help you assess whether you are eligible for legal aid at or before your first meeting.

b. First joint session free for both of you if one of you qualifies for Legal Aid (later sessions chargeable).

c. Chargeable for everyone else – see scale opposite. This aims to keep charges as low as possible with most on a sliding scale.

• If mediation is not going ahead and you are applying to court then you will normally have to attend a “Mediation Information and Assessment meeting (MIAM) and have a form completed by the mediator to show you have considered mediation. The charge for this meeting and completing the form is £90 including VAT but free if you qualify for legal aid.

Unfortunately despite being a charity we have to pay 20% VAT on all our income.

Initial Introductory meeting: Free.

Child only sessions.
Sliding scale PER PERSON as follows:

• Gross income Up to 20k – £75 + VAT (£90)
• 20-30k – £100 + VAT (£120)
• Above 30k – £120 + VAT (£145)

Property and finance/All issues £125 +vat (£150) Sessions range between 1 and 1.5 hours

Drafting of Memorandum of Understanding and Open Financial Statement £85 +VAT (£100)

Mediation Information and Assessment meeting: £75 +VAT(£90) (MIAM) if mediation is not going ahead (payable in advance to secure appointment) 

Payment is by cash or debit card
You pay a fixed fee for the session and nothing more. No charge is made for letters or telephone calls.

Booking Fee A non-refundable fee of £50 per person is payable in advance by telephone to secure your joint session. This change has sadly become necessary due to failed/cancelled appointments.

Mediation improves communication, reduces conflict/acrimony and it can also considerably reduce legal fees.

Mediation is usually less than half the cost and twice as quick as only using a solicitor

It is estimated that solicitors’ costs in relation to negotiation and court proceedings in respect of child only issues can be around £1500-£3000 and for financial and property matters between £3000 and £6000.