Is Family Mediation cheaper than going to court?
Is it cheaper to go to court or mediation and why?
Family mediation is generally a more cost effective way to find resolution of fmaily law issues than court proceedings for several reasons:
- Lower Legal Fees: Mediation involves fewer legal professionals and a simpler process, reducing overall costs compared to court cases that can require solicitors, barristers, and lengthy preparation.
- Faster Resolution: Mediation typically resolves disputes in a matter of weeks/a few months, while court cases can take many months or years, increasing associated costs like legal fees and lost time. Most mediation cases are resolved within 3-6 sessions, with each session lasting 90 minutes to 2 hours. Legal proceedings typically take 8-12 months or longer due to court schedules, the disclosure process, and trial preparations. Complex cases can extend over several years.
- Transparent Costs: Mediation fees are often predictable, with fixed packages or hourly rates, whereas court proceedings can incur unpredictable expenses.
- Shared Costs: Mediation fees are usually split between the people attending the mediation, making it more affordable.
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- The Mediation Voucher Scheme If children arrangements are being discussed in mediation, there is currently a MOJ voucher than can be applied for offering £500 towards the cost of joint mediation meetings (non-means tested).
- Legal Aid Availability : Legal aid is sometimes available for mediation, covering initial sessions for eligible participants, unlike most court cases.
Overall, mediation minimises financial strain while fostering amicable solutions. The flexibilityand collaborative nature of mediation can aslo make it a quicker option compared to the timelines of the court processes.
Contact us to learn more about how mediation can help hello@familymandm.co.uk