Mediation - who pays?

[gracehedley]

Hi all, can anyone advise please - divorced for 9 months and I am main carer of our 8 yr old. Received a letter today from ex h's solicitor advising me that he wants to become the primary carer, and as he knows it is unlikely I will agree to this, I will be contacted by a mediation firm to arrange a preliminary discussion. If the case is "suitable" for further mediation, then this will take place. Who pays for the mediation - him because it's his initiative ? Can't afford to start paying big legal bills again - still recovering from cost of divorce. Thanks all.

Normally you both pay, but if you are on a low income you should get a reduced rate.

Mediation is much cheaper than using solicitors and there are normally a fixed, small number of sessions so it won't drag on for months.

The problem with mediation is that unless you qualify for LA you can't get out of paying your half. At least if it goes to court you can self rep so you have the choice of it costing you or not.
Say you'll go to mediation if he meets the cost?

Thanks Collaborate, I can do that as I don't qualify for legal aid but also don't have spare money to throw at this. If it goes to court and I represent myself, are there still charges to be met? And is there the possibility that I have to pay any of his charges - sincerely hope not!

From what I gathered If he takes you to court and you self rep you shouldn't pay a cost unless he orders drug/alcohol test to be taken in which you'll have to pay at least 50/50 for. I don't think you'll have to pay his cost though

hope that helps OP

Just gone through mediation so that we have agreed every thing to avoid court costs.

Not quite sure i got the fairest deal, but you are in control, not the lawyers.

Sessions were £150 each for each session.

I agree with checkedpjs, but the best solutions are agreed ones, so try and give it a go.