MEDIATION FEES

Mediation fees, clearly explained.

You should know what mediation is likely to cost before you commit. Your initial consultation is free. If you decide to proceed, we confirm the applicable fee before the mediation is booked.

In short: How fees work depends on your dispute type. For family and property matters, the fee is usually shared equally between the two participants — $1,500 + GST each for a 3.5-hour session, or $2,250 + GST each for a 6.5-hour full-day session. For workplace matters, the fee is typically paid entirely by the employer — employees do not pay. For commercial disputes, the arrangement is confirmed before proceeding. The initial consultation is always free.

Select your dispute type to jump straight to the right information.

Family Law & Property

Family & Property Mediation Fees

Covers parenting arrangements, property settlement, superannuation splitting, de facto disputes, estate matters, and separation agreements. The standard fee is divided equally between the two participants — you each pay your own share.

Who paysThe fee is shared equally between the two participants. A 50/50 split is standard — each person pays their own share. You may agree to a different split, but no arrangement gives either party greater influence.
Session 3.5 hours
$1,500 + GST
per participant
$3,000 + GST total when shared equally
Covers pre-mediation administration, preparation, and the scheduled session.
Session 6.5 hours
$2,250 + GST
per participant
$4,500 + GST total when shared equally
Appropriate for complex, multi-issue matters requiring a full day.

What the fee covers

  • Pre-mediation contact, administration and intake
  • Mediator preparation for your matter
  • The full scheduled mediation session
  • Post-mediation administration and summary
  • Free initial consultation — no obligation to proceed
Making the agreement binding. An agreement reached in mediation is not automatically enforceable. To give it legal force — and close off future claims — it should be formalised as consent orders or a binding financial agreement. We explain both options at your free consultation. See consent orders →

Can’t comfortably afford the standard fee?

You may qualify for Access Mediation — a reduced-contribution pathway for people who would experience genuine difficulty paying the standard fee.

From $495 + GST per person
Each participant is assessed separately and privately.
See Access Mediation →
Takes about 60 seconds · No obligation · No documents required
Workplace

Workplace Mediation Fees

Covers conflicts between employees, manager-staff disputes, team breakdowns, bullying or harassment complaints, and employment relationship difficulties. The employer or organisation arranges and funds the mediation — employees do not pay to participate.

Who paysThe employer or organisation pays. A single invoice is issued to the business. Employees participating in the mediation are not expected to contribute anything toward the cost.
Session 3.5 hours
$3,000 + GST
invoiced to the employer
Suitable for straightforward two-party matters — most early-stage workplace disputes
Includes individual intake meetings, preparation, and the mediation session.
Session 6.5 hours
$4,500 + GST
invoiced to the employer
Suitable for complex or entrenched disputes requiring a full day
Includes individual intake meetings, preparation, and a full-day session.

What the fee covers

  • Individual intake meetings with each party (confidential)
  • Mediator preparation and case review
  • The mediation session (joint or shuttle format as appropriate)
  • A written record of any agreed commitments
  • Initial confidential consultation with the employer — free
Employees do not need to agree to cost-sharing. Participation in workplace mediation should be genuinely voluntary. Asking employees to share the cost creates a power imbalance and undermines that principle. The employer bears the cost; both parties benefit from the process.
Multi-party or team matters. Where more than two employees are involved, or where the matter requires additional sessions, we provide a separate quote after the initial consultation. There is no charge for that assessment.
Commercial & Other

Commercial & Other Dispute Fees

Covers business partner disputes, contract disagreements, shareholder matters, neighbour disputes, estate and inheritance conflicts, and other civil matters not covered above. The same fee schedule applies — who pays is agreed before you proceed.

Who paysArrangements vary by matter. The fee may be split equally, weighted by agreement, or paid by one party. We confirm the payment structure at the free consultation — before anything is booked.
Session 3.5 hours
$3,000 + GST
total — payment split confirmed upfront
Suitable for focused disputes between two parties
Covers preparation, intake, and the scheduled session.
Session 6.5 hours
$4,500 + GST
total — payment split confirmed upfront
Suitable for complex matters with multiple issues
Covers preparation, intake, and a full-day session.

What the fee covers

  • Mediator preparation and case review
  • Individual intake contact with each party
  • The mediation session
  • Post-session administration
  • Free initial consultation to assess suitability
Three or more parties. Matters involving three or more parties, or those of exceptional complexity, are quoted individually. Contact us for an assessment — there is no charge for that conversation.

Additional costs — all dispute types

All costs below are optional, conditional, and always confirmed before they are incurred. There are no hidden charges.

ItemWhen it appliesFee
Room hireWhere a suitable private venue is required for in-person sessions.Approx. $200–$400 + GST
Additional session timeWhere both parties agree to continue beyond the booked session length.$400 + GST / hour
Interstate / regional travelWhere the mediator travels outside the standard service area for an in-person session.At cost, confirmed beforehand
Invitation to MediateA formal written approach to a party who has not yet agreed to participate. Includes follow-up and documentation of their response.$400 + GST
For Access Mediation participants, the Invitation to Mediate fee is included in the confirmed Access contribution — the $400 standard charge does not apply separately.

Access Mediation

Private mediation when the standard fee is out of reach

We believe financial circumstances should not determine whether someone has a meaningful opportunity to resolve a dispute. Access Mediation is a reduced-contribution pathway for eligible participants — people who can contribute toward private mediation but would experience genuine difficulty paying the standard fee.

Contributions start from $495 + GST per person. Your contribution is based on your own financial circumstances. The other participant is assessed separately. Access Mediation is available for family, property and personal disputes — not workplace matters (where the employer pays).

Indicative result in about 60 seconds · No obligation · No documents required

How your contribution is calculated

Access Mediation does not reduce the quality or professional standard of the service — it reduces the amount you personally contribute.

Standard individual contribution$1,500 + GST
Access assistance (example, Band 1)−$1,005
Your contribution$495 + GST

Access contributions — session 3.5 hours

Gross personal incomeIndicative contribution
$0 – $50,000$495 + GST
$50,001 – $75,000$695 + GST
$75,001 – $100,000$895 + GST
$100,001 – $125,000$1,095 + GST
$125,001 – $150,000$1,295 + GST
More than $150,000Standard contribution, subject to exceptional hardship review

Accessible financial resources, dependants and exceptional hardship may affect the final contribution.

If the matter needs longer — full day (6.5 hours)

Where complexity requires more time, eligible participants may be offered up to six hours. Duration is determined by the matter, not the income band.

Gross personal incomeIndicative 6-hour contribution
$0 – $50,000$745 + GST
$50,001 – $75,000$995 + GST
$75,001 – $100,000$1,295 + GST
$100,001 – $125,000$1,595 + GST
$125,001 – $150,000$1,895 + GST
More than $150,000Standard contribution, subject to exceptional hardship review

How Access Mediation works

1

Check your indicative contribution

Complete a short private questionnaire about your individual financial circumstances. Takes about 60 seconds.

2

Each participant is assessed separately

One participant’s financial circumstances do not determine what the other pays. Both may receive Access assistance.

3

We confirm your contribution

The calculator is indicative. We primarily rely on self-declared information and may request limited clarification where genuinely required.

4

We arrange the appropriate pathway

Financial eligibility does not determine suitability. Normal intake, safety, suitability and availability requirements apply.

Your financial assessment is private

We do not provide the other participant with your:

  • income band;
  • asset information;
  • concession status;
  • hardship information;
  • reasons for your contribution;
  • Access assistance amount.

Participants may have different contributions. The financial basis for each assessment remains private.

Section 60I certificates are not automatically included with Access Mediation. If obtaining a certificate may be important to you, tell us before booking so we can identify the appropriate service. Talk to our team about FDR →

Free initial consultation · Clear fees before you proceed · Online or in person · Australia-wide

Questions & answers

Our Fee Structure FAQs

How much does mediation cost?+

A half-day session (3.5 hours) is $3,000 + GST total, usually $1,500 + GST per participant when shared equally. A full-day session (6.5 hours) is $4,500 + GST total, usually $2,250 + GST per participant. The initial consultation is always free.

Is the initial consultation free?+

Yes, completely free with no obligation. It is how we assess your matter, explain your options, and give you an honest view of whether mediation is right for you.

Is the fee shared between participants?+

It depends on the dispute type. For family law and property matters, a 50/50 split between participants is the most common arrangement — though participants can agree to divide the fee differently. For workplace matters, the fee is typically paid entirely by the employer or organisation; employees are not expected to fund their own participation. For commercial disputes, the arrangement varies and is confirmed before proceeding. Paying a larger share does not give any participant greater influence over the mediator or outcome.

Do you charge the same fees for all dispute types?+

The same standard fee schedule applies across family law, property, workplace and commercial disputes. What changes is who pays: family and property matters are usually shared equally between the two participants; workplace matters are typically invoiced to the employer or organisation; commercial arrangements vary. Matters with three or more parties or exceptional complexity may be quoted individually after the initial consultation.

Are there any hidden fees?+

No. All fees are fixed and agreed upfront. If room hire, travel or additional mediation time may apply, we discuss the cost before it is incurred.

What is Access Mediation?+

Access Mediation is a limited reduced-contribution pathway for eligible participants who would experience genuine difficulty paying the standard fee. Contributions are assessed individually based on personal income, assets, dependants and hardship circumstances, starting from $495 + GST per person for a 3.5-hour session.

Can I qualify if the other participant earns more?+

Yes. Each participant is assessed individually. One participant's financial circumstances do not determine what the other pays.

Can both participants qualify for Access Mediation?+

Yes. Both participants can be assessed separately and may both receive a reduced contribution if eligible.

Will the other participant know I receive Access assistance?+

No. Your income band, asset information, concession status, hardship circumstances and contribution are never disclosed to the other participant. The financial basis for each assessment is kept private.

Do I need to provide bank statements?+

Not ordinarily. The Access assessment is primarily self-declared. Limited supporting information may be requested where clarification is genuinely required. Please do not send financial documents unless asked.

Does Access Mediation change the quality of the service?+

No. Access Mediation does not reduce the professional standard of the service, mediator qualifications, or our obligations. It reduces the amount an eligible participant personally contributes.

Is a section 60I certificate included with Access Mediation?+

Not automatically. A section 60I certificate is issued following a recognised Family Dispute Resolution process. If obtaining a certificate may be important to you, tell us before booking so we can help identify the appropriate service and practitioner.

What if the other participant will not agree to mediate?+

Mediation requires the voluntary participation of all parties. If the other participant declines, we can issue a formal Invitation to Mediate and, if they still decline, provide documentation confirming a genuine attempt was made.

Is mediation cheaper than going to court?+

For most people, yes. Mediation involves a fixed, known fee agreed before you proceed. Court proceedings involve ongoing legal costs that are difficult to predict and can extend for months or years. We recommend obtaining independent legal advice about your specific circumstances.

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