As a family mediator in Perth I am often asked “who pays for family mediation”?

There are a few options when it comes to who pays for family mediation, so read on to find out more about our family mediation fees at Move On Mediation (pricing correct as of March 2025).

Other family mediators may have a different fee structure so, if you are getting quotes from different mediators, make sure the fees cover everything you expect.

Who Pays For Family Mediation?

In most cases parties agree to share the costs, but you can decide that for yourselves. You may choose to split the cost 50-50, or a different percentage.

You can also agree that one party pays the full fee.

When Do You Need To Pay Family Mediation Fees?

Once both parties have agreed to mediate, they will need to sign an Agreement to Mediate, upon which the mediation date is set. Your mediation fees must be paid at least one week prior to the set family mediation date. If you have agreed to share the costs, separate invoices will be sent to each party.

If you instruct the family mediator to initiate mediation with your ex-partner, you’ll be asked to pay a commitment fee of $250 (plus GST), which will be credited against your share of the fixed mediation fee, once that has been established.

How Much Does Family Mediation Cost?

Fees may vary between family mediators. Our fees for family mediation are as follows:

• $2,500 for parental matters OR financial settlement.
• $2,750 for parental AND financial settlement.

Are There Any Other Fees Associated With Family Mediation?

There may be other fees including:

• $350 for a Section 601 Certificate. In children’s matters where a party refuses to mediate, we are authorized to issue a Section 601 Certificate enabling you to take your matters to Court.
• Although we assist both parties to complete the documents for the Family Court, if they wish, we can introduce them to independent lawyers to complete and file the documents to the Family Court. The lawyer fees are $750 (or $950 where superannuation splitting is involved).
• If one party wants independent legal advice, we can introduce them to lawyers who would charge a fixed fee of $950.

Are Family Mediation Fees Fixed?

At Move On Mediation the answer is “Yes”. Unlike most lawyers who charge for the time they spend on matters, we focus only on results and offer a once-off, upfront fixed fee. This way you know what you’re in for from the very start which ensures that you don’t receive any nasty surprises at the end.

What Do Family Mediation Fees Include?

Family mediation fees cover everything from the very first discussion up to the point where the documents are to be prepared for submission to the Family Court for consent orders. They include the following:

• Discussions on the process and arrangement of the mediation sessions.
• Setting the dates and venue for the mediation.
• Holding separate pre-mediation intake meetings with each party to identify the issues and offering possible solutions.
• Preparing all documents such as assets and liability schedules.
• Carrying out the required mediation sessions and facilitating suggestions and agreements between the two parties.
• Drafting the agreements in a format that can be submitted to the Family Court.
• Providing general legal guidance to both parties on Family Court requirements and procedures on obtaining consent orders.

Is Family Mediation Cheaper Than Going Through The Courts?

Absolutely! When one considers that the average cost of a litigated divorce in Australia may be between $75,000 and $100,000, family mediation fees are but a small fraction. The money spent on litigation comes out of the family’s asset pool that could be better shared between the two parties.

Not only is family mediation the cheapest way to divorce or separate in Australia, but is also the quickest, most confidential, and the least stressful for the whole family.

Get in touch with me today to start your family mediation in Perth now!