Affordable Mediation, here to support you
We understand that separation and family disputes can be challenging, and we aim to make our mediation services as accessible as possible. Below, you’ll find information about our fees and eligibility for legal aid.
How much will Mediation cost?
Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM) costs
Mediation
Sessions
per person, per document
Clients will be advised on how much their mediation process is likely to cost once our mediator has assessed their individual circumstances.
Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
The family mediation voucher scheme is a time-limited scheme designed to support people who may be able to resolve their disagreements or disputes outside of the court process. You may qualify for the government Family Mediation Voucher Scheme; this offers a contribution towards the cost of mediation for child arrangements.
Please contact us for further details or visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/family-mediation-voucher-scheme
Worried About the Cost? We’re Here to Help
We understand that finances can be a barrier when you need support the most. At Relate Birmingham, we believe that everyone deserves access to counselling, even when facing difficult financial situations.
Call 0121 643 1638
Frequently Asked Questions
No – mediation is a voluntary process and both parties must agree to attend. If you attend a MIAM on your own, it will take approximately 45 minutes.
You cannot be forced to mediate with your former partner. The purpose of a MIAMS is to give you information regarding the non-court processes such as mediation and to make an assessment as to whether your case would be appropriate for mediation if mediation was something you wanted to explore.
A mediation session will take 1.5 to 2 hours but is guided by you. This will depend on the complexity of the issues involved and how quickly an agreement is reached. Some clients come to an agreement in a single session whereas others can take a number of sessions to depending on the matters raised.
If a agreement is reached the mediator will prepare a memorandum of understanding which sets out the terms of the agreement and provides a clear understanding and record of what has been agreed between you. This can be passed to your solicitor, who can draft any relevant Court Order or agreement, based on that documentation. Or You or your ex-partner need to apply for a court order to get your consent order approved.
There is usually no court hearing. A judge will approve your consent order to make it legally binding if they think you have made decisions in your children’s interests It will at that point become legally binding.
If you cannot reach an agreement in mediation, you can still negotiate directly with each other or via your solicitor and make an application to the courts.
Both parties will be offered a MIAM but if one party does not want to attend the mediator will assess as not suitable.
No – mediation is a voluntary process and both parties must agree to attend. If you attend a MIAM on your own, it will take approximately 45 minutes.
You cannot be forced to mediate with your former partner.
The purpose of a MIAM is to give you information regarding the non-court processes such as mediation and to make an assessment as to whether your case would be appropriate.
A mediation session will take 1.5 to 2 hours but is guided by you. This will depend on the complexity of the issues involved and how quickly an agreement is reached. Some clients come to an agreement in a single session whereas others can take a number of sessions to depending on the matters raised.
If an agreement is reached the mediator will prepare a memorandum of understanding which sets out the terms of the agreement and provides a clear understanding and record of what has been agreed between you.
Your solicitor, can arrange to draft any relevant Court Orders or agreements, based the MOU. You or your ex-partner can then apply for a consent order approved.
There is usually no court hearing. A judge will approve your consent order if they think you have made decisions in your children’s interests, at that point it will become legally binding.
If you cannot reach an agreement in mediation, you can still negotiate directly with each other or via your solicitor and make an application to the courts.
Both parties will be offered a MIAM but if one party does not want to attend the mediator will assess as not suitable.
Who We Support
We believe everyone deserves access to relationship support. Our services are inclusive and open to individuals, couples, and families – regardless of your relationship status, sexual orientation, or background.