Fees and Expenses

Our standard fees for straightforward mediations are set out below. Fees should always be discussed with the mediator directly and agreed with all parties and the mediator in advance of the mediation. They will be recorded in a mediation agreement. Ensure you understand if the fee is per party or in total.

Complex cases

Many of the cases in which our civil/commercial mediators are involved arise from disputes which might otherwise have to be resolved through the litigation process. They can involve substantial sums of money, many different parties, conflicts of expert evidence or substantial volumes of documents. They may involve issues other than just money or compensation, such as boundaries, rights of way, intellectual property rights, or any other rights, duties, claims, disputes and conflicts. In most of these cases, particularly those in which the courts have become involved, the fees will need to be agreed with the mediator but we will generally be able to give an indication once we know the details.

Simpler cases

At the other end of the scale, in very straightforward cases, the recommended Mediator's fee for a mediation involving two parties is broadly as follows, although individual mediators may charge more or less. Many of these cases can be very successfully managed remotely using appropriate video conferencing technology.

Amount in dispute

£0 to £5,000*

£75+ VAT

£125 + VAT

1 hour

Up to 2 hours

£5,000 to £15,000**

£320 + VAT

Up to 3 hours

£15,000 - £50,000 ***

£445 + VAT

Up to 4 hours

Extra hours £100 + VAT

Fees (per party)

Length of session

Extra hours (per party)

* For cases where a telephone/video mediation is appropriate and both parties agree. The one-hour rate option is available to facilitate settlement remotely, if appropriate, and if the parties agree.

** Often carried out remotely, but the mediator may meet with the parties in suitable cases.
*** If the claim is simply about money and nothing else.

Grant Funding Available

The Association is pleased to announce that grants are now available to subsidise the cost of some mediations in which the value of the dispute is relatively modest. If you would like to find out whether you are eligible for this subsidy, please contact the registrar at enquiries@aswm.org.uk when giving full details of your enquiry.

Small Claims Mediation Service

If your dispute is for a sum of less than £10,000 you may be able to access the county courts in-house small claims mediation service, which is free. However, in order to do so you must issue proceedings, for which there is a fee, unless you are approved to be 'court fees exempt' by the courts. The court-appointed mediator will try and help you find a solution but will not generally have access to the court papers.

Travel and accommodation costs

Mediator's expenses (including travel where chargeable) will be charged at cost.

Venue
If it is necessary for a venue to be sourced by the ASWM then the costs of the venue and any refreshments will be in addition to the mediation fee and is payable by the parties.

Multiple Parties
The above fees are based on a two-party mediation. If there are more than two parties, the length of the mediation session may need to be increased, and the fee increased. The ASWM or the mediator will discuss this matter with you when organising the mediation.

Time for Payment
(a)The Mediator's fee must be paid before commencement of mediation.
(b)The Mediator's fees for any additional time and any expenses will be invoiced after the mediation is completed and are payable within 14 days of the Mediator's invoice. The Mediator is entitled to require the provision of suitable undertakings or other security in relation to fees and expenses.

Family and Workplace Mediation Cases

In all cases, please discuss fees and expenses in these cases with the Mediator directly.