Both parties need to pay for mediation services and both parties need to be in agreement that they want to enter mediation. In this latest post, I cover all things related to mediator costs, including what both parties pay, how much mediation costs, plus a range of other questions.
What Is Mediation?
Disputes and disagreements are unfortunately a part of life that many of us will experience at some point in our lives. For disagreements that have proved difficult to settle – usually where there is money or property at stake, a mediator can help.
A dispute can be between two individuals, families, couples, an individual and a company, and can commonly occur in the workplace too where people tend to spend a lot of time together.
During mediation, a professional mediator will facilitate discussions between the two disputing parties and help guide the individuals towards a mutual agreement. What mediators don’t do is come up with ‘fixes’ for disputes or offer advice on a resolution, it’s better to think of a mediator as an impartial friend who helps you and the other side have productive discussions.
Although all disputes aren’t financial, many cases are and in circumstances where money or property is involved, people automatically assume that a solicitor or court are their only options.
However, a mediation service can usually help settle a dispute faster, and in a more cost-effective manner than going to court or taking part in solicitor-led negotiations. A mediation process away from the legal system can also be much less stressful and help parties settle their matter and move on faster.
How Much Does A Mediation Service Cost?
Costs for mediation services may vary around the country, and be based on a mediator’s experience, or the complexity of the dispute, and some mediators use standardised fees.
At Rossendale Mediation, my prices are as follows:
| Amount being claimed | Fees per party | Length of session |
|---|---|---|
| £5000 or less | £75 | 1 hour telephone/video mediation only |
| £5000 or less | £125 | 2 hours telephone/video mediation |
| £5000 to £15,000 | £320 | 3 hours |
| £15,000 – £50,000 | £445 | 4 hours |
For additional hours, each party is charged at a rate of £100 per hour. For disputes over £50,000, 1% of the claim per party is charged. This will be agreed upon in advance so it’s clear exactly what both parties need to pay.
Smaller disputes are usually carried out over the phone or via video call but in circumstances where you would prefer an in-person discussion, I can arrange the use of a venue and refreshments. This is chargeable though.
Do Both Parties Have To Pay For Mediation?
Yes, typically both parties do need to pay for mediation services. The fee is also usually split evenly between the two parties. A mediator will set an upfront fee per party in advance, as seen above.
It’s also important to remember that both parties need to agree to mediation – mediation services can’t take place if both parties aren’t motivated to settle a dispute.
Do I Have To Pay For Workplace Mediation?
When an external mediator is brought into a workplace to resolve disputes between employees, it is the employer who should cover mediation fees, not the employees.
Unfortunately, disputes do happen in the workplace and a great way to restore harmony and ensure teams can work together more effectively is to bring individuals together in mediation. A workplace mediator can help resolve conflicts and help with long-term staff retention.
Affordability Of Mediation Services
Access to mediation may be unobtainable for some people, so there are options out there for help with costs. If your dispute is under £10,000 and you have already claimed, you may be entitled to use the small claims mediation service provided by HM Courts and Tribunals Service. You can find details here.
If you are involved in a landlord/tenant disagreement, you may also be able to find help through the Government’s Rental Mediation Service.
Although I don’t provide family mediation, it’s worth mentioning here that there are vouchers available for family mediation. The voucher, worth £500 is provided by the Government and is solely for couples involved in a dispute where children are involved. You can read more about the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme here.
Finally, and the most relevant information on mediation affordability, is the Civil Mediation Council (CMC) Fixed Fee Scheme. Mediators, such as myself, who sign up for this scheme agree to fix our prices for disputes under £50,000 at very reasonable rates.
This ensures that no matter where you are in the country, you should have access to affordable mediation services.
I work from my base in Rossendale, Lancashire but work with clients from around the country. If you have any questions about mediation, costs, or anything else, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
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