Who pays for mediation???? Urgent

[thinking54]

If you take the other parent to mediation (over reduced contact) does only the parent who initiated the mediation pay for it? Both parents work full time

Both parents pay separately. If you are eligible for legal aid you can use it for mediation. One parent shouldn't be paying for both.

Both parents pay for it unless there is an entitlement to legal aid. In my experience each parent pays approx £100 per session.

Thank you. The other parent seems to think she won't have to pay for it that's all and I couldn't find any info

Both parties have to agree to mediation and the cost should be shared.

She's willing to go but has sent dh a load of 😂😂😂 saying he will have to pay for it. She's literally just moved her new partner in and has gone from working part time to full time so I'm guessing she won't be eligible for legal aid either

Costs depend on whether you are going to a private or charitable mediation service and where in the country you are. It can be anything between £20 and £120 per person per session.

He needs to send a formal letter or email summarising the situation and that he is offering to go to mediation. Research and outline the costs and state that these will need to be shared between both of them. He can propose a particular mediator or offer that she propose someone. Ask for a response within 7 or 14 days.

Refusal to pay will constitute a refusal to agree to mediation and your Dh will then be able to say that it was offered.

@Comefromaway thank you. We are all new to this and don't really know what we are doing. We will do that thank you

helpwithchildarrangements.service.justice.gov.uk/professional-mediation-other-parent

www.advicenow.org.uk/guides/survival-guide-using-family-mediation-after-break

You both pay separately unless you qualify for legal aid. Ours cost £100, good luck! x

That's a great link thank you! Anyone know what happens if you refuse mediation? She was all for it until she found out she would have to pay. Now she's gone very quiet and we also assume she won't be able to afford it.

You could offer to pay for her. It could be cheaper than going to court.

The way dh is feeling right now, I don't think there will be much chance of that but I totally understand what you are saying!

If you refuse to attend the other parent can ask to go to court (which usually ends up costing more)

Thanks all. We just need to find out if we are entitled to legal aid as I'm a carer for my child and I didn't realise my carers allowance would be taken into consideration

Thanks to all who's replied, very helpful x

It’s not looked on favourably by a Court to refuse mediation unless there is good reason.

Yes I have read that. Like I say, she was all up for going and thought it was funny we would be paying for it. She had no idea she would have to pay herself. Dh sent her a link and not heard from her since.

She has just gone working full time and has had her latest bf move in so I suppose the timing couldn't be worse for her really as I doubt she will be entitled to any help financially.

However she has cut the contact down dsd has with dh because of the new bf. Dh isn't going to fight for joint custody as that isn't in the best interest of dsd. All he wants is his usual time back with her that he's had for the past 3 years

You could offer to pay for her

Many mediators might refuse this. It tends to give the "payer" a sense that they have more sway in mediation if they are paying.

Thank you, we have got the ball rolling this morning. Just feel so anxious about it all but will support dh the best I can

Mediation is entirely voluntary, so if she says she won't or can't pay the thing to do is pay her half as the alternative of going to court is much more expensive, unless you consider it's likely to be unsuccessful in which case it would just be a waste of money.

Personally, I'd do it.

you each pay for it yourselves.

we paid for our share and dps ex because she was a twat about it and we wanted it over with.

Court costs for c100 child arrangement order is £215. Self representing without solicitor is the norm and very straightforward.
If she refuses to pay I would go straight to court.
The difference on average is negligible. If she does agree it's £100 for you plus 215 for court. Or if she doesn't it 215 for court. By refusing she saves you 100. !!