The high cost of court proceedings
Family disputes are often emotionally challenging, but they can also be financially draining if they escalate into lengthy court proceedings. For many separating couples and families, family mediation offers a cost effective and constructive alternative to resolving disputes, while still allowing parties to retain control over outcomes.
Traditional litigation can be expensive. Legal fees, court costs, expert reports, and the time spent preparing for hearings can quickly accumulate. In addition, court timetables are often slow, meaning disputes can take months, or even years, to resolve, further increasing costs and stress. It is not uncommon for each person in a traditionally litigated case to incur legal fees running into tens of thousands of pounds.
In contrast, mediation focuses on early resolution, helping families reach agreements before positions become entrenched and legal costs escalate. The costs of resolving family disputes through mediation will typically be in the region of £1,000 to £1,500 (per person), depending on the number of sessions required and the matters involved.
Family mediation webinar
Join our lunchtime webinar, Divorce without Court: How Family Mediation Protects Families, Finances and Children, to learn how mediation can reduce conflict, improve communication and help achieve practical, long‑lasting outcomes.
Date: 26 February 2026
Time: 12:00 - 13:00
Via Zoom
Why mediation is more cost-effective
Family mediation typically involves a trained, independent mediator who helps both parties discuss and resolve issues such as finances, property, and arrangements for children. The process is structured but flexible, allowing discussions to focus only on the issues that matter most.
Key cost saving benefits include:
- Lower professional fees: Mediation sessions are usually charged at a fixed hourly rate and shared between the parties
- Fewer sessions required: Many disputes can be resolved in a small number of meetings, rather than multiple court hearings
- Reduced reliance on court: Agreements reached in mediation can often be formalised through solicitors without contested proceedings
- Less time off work: Mediation appointments can be scheduled around the parties’ availability, reducing indirect financial impact
Maintaining control and avoiding escalation
In court, decisions are imposed by a judge. In mediation, the parties retain control over the outcome. This often leads to more practical and sustainable agreements, reducing the risk of future disputes and further legal costs.
Mediation also promotes cooperative communication, which is particularly valuable where children are involved. By avoiding adversarial proceedings, families can preserve working relationships, limiting the likelihood of repeated legal intervention later on.
Legal support alongside mediation
Mediation does not replace legal advice. Parties are encouraged to obtain independent legal guidance alongside the process, ensuring they understand their rights and the implications of any agreement. This targeted use of legal advice is typically far more cost effective than full representation throughout a court case.
A sensible first step
In England and Wales, mediation is widely recognised as an appropriate first step in resolving family disputes, and in many cases individuals are expected to consider it before applying to court. For those willing to engage constructively, mediation can deliver significant financial savings, faster resolution, and better long term outcomes.
If you are facing a family dispute and are concerned about costs, exploring mediation at an early stage may be one of the most practical decisions you can make.
Divorce without court: How family mediation protects families, finances and children
If you would like to learn more about why mediation is often a calmer, faster and more cost-effective alternative to court, join our upcoming lunchtime webinar, Divorce Without Court: How Family Mediation Protects Families, Finances and Children on 26th February.
In this webinar we will explore how mediation supports better communication, reduces conflict, and helps create long-lasting workable solutions.
This session will guide you through the benefits and practicalities of using mediation, so if you are looking to learn more about how you can move forward from your separation in a more dignified, collaborative way, reserve your place today!
Limited‑time fixed‑price family mediation package
To mark National Family Mediation Week, we are offering a fixed‑price mediation package for a limited time only. From 26 January to Friday 27 February, all new mediation clients can access our complete mediation service for a fixed fee of £1,995 (inclusive of VAT).
The package includes individual MIAMs for each party, three joint mediation sessions of up to 90 minutes each, and the preparation of a Parenting Plan and/or Memorandum of Understanding recording the proposals and agreements reached.
For more information please get in touch with a member of our family law team.
The content of this page is a summary of the law in force at the date of publication and is not exhaustive, nor does it contain definitive advice. Specialist legal advice should be sought in relation to any queries that may arise.
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