By Lisanne Iriks, Life Mediation
One of the first questions people ask when they’re separating is simple.
How much is this going to cost?
Divorce and separation can be expensive, especially if things go through the court system. But the good news is, mediation is almost always a more affordable, faster, and less stressful option.
Let’s walk through what mediation usually costs, and why it can save you not just money, but time and energy too.
What Does Mediation Cost in Australia?
Costs vary depending on who you work with, how complex your situation is, and how many sessions you need. At Life Mediation, here’s what most clients can expect:
Pre-mediation intake sessions
- One-on-one meetings to prepare for the process.
$440 inclusive GST per person
Joint mediation sessions
- These are the main sessions where you and your former partner work through parenting, property, or both.
$ 715 inclusive GST per person, per session The session is 3 hours. - Lawyer assisted mediation has the same price for the intake sessions but the mediation is normally a full day mediation or at least a half day 4 hours so this costs more.
Agreements and documentation
- If you reach agreement, we can prepare a parenting plan or summary of outcomes. Normally I type this up during the session and there is no extra cost. If the agreement is very complicated and I need more time after the session I will tell you in the session what it would cost but this is rare. If it is a lawyer assisted mediation the lawyers normally draft the agreement in the session but if they need time outside of the session they will let you know what their cost is for doing this. Most clients complete mediation in one to three sessions. In many cases, people are able to reach clear agreements for under $2,000 per person.
Why Private Mediation Can Be the Better Choice
There are government-funded services across Australia that offer free or low-cost mediation, mostly for parenting matters. These centres play an important role and can be a good option if your budget is tight.
But it’s also important to know how public mediation compares to private mediation. Here’s what we often hear from clients who have tried both:
Longer wait times
Public services are in high demand, which means it can take weeks or months just to get your first joint mediation session. If your matter is urgent or you’re ready to move forward now, this can be frustrating.
No choice of who you get
WHen you come to Life Mediation you pick which mediator you work with. When you go to a public service you get who is available. It might be an experienced mediator, it might be someone who has just started. You just don’t know.
Less consistency
In public services, you may deal with a different mediator at each stage. It can feel like starting from scratch every time, especially when emotions are already high or you feel very vulnerable.
Time-limited sessions
Some public mediation services are limited to short sessions. When I used to work there the session was only 2 hours. That means there’s often less time to unpack the real issues and work toward meaningful agreement and you have to have more sessions and because of the waiting times there might be a longer period between sessions.
Parenting only
Government services usually focus only on parenting. Some public services do handle property but there are less of them around. If you need support with property, finances, or both, you might need to go elsewhere or hire a lawyer to complete the process.
No flexibility
Most services give you the time that you need to attend. You get sent a letter with the time that you need to turn up. They have a lot of clients and it is understandable that they work that way. It feels more like a take it or leave it service as you do not pay for it or do not pay a lot for it. When you come to us we do our best to organise times for mediation sessions that work for everyone.
What Private Mediation Offers
At Life Mediation, we give families more flexibility and support:
- Quick appointment times, so you can start right away
- One consistent very experienced mediator who gets to know your family and your goals
- Support with both parenting and property matters
- Child-inclusive options when appropriate
- More time per session, with a focus on clear, lasting outcomes
- Experienced mediators and you get the choose who you work with
- Mediation sessions booked in in consultation with you so it works for you
- Written agreements you can review with a lawyer or submit to court if needed
This approach helps reduce stress, avoid delays, and protect your children and you from prolonged uncertainty.
Court Costs vs Mediation Costs
Court costs can quickly spiral:
- $5,000 to $10,000 per person just to get started
- $20,000 to $40,000 and probably way more if your case goes to trial
- Additional costs for barristers, expert reports, and legal delays
By comparison, mediation is usually a fraction of the cost. You share the cost of the sessions, resolve things faster, and avoid the drawn-out stress of litigation.
Is It Worth It?
In most cases, yes. Some cases do not settle. We cannot promise it will work out but we can tell you that mediation has a high success rate.
Mediation helps you:
- Take control of your own outcomes
- Save money on legal fees
- Protect your children from ongoing conflict
- Avoid the backlog and formality of court
- Reach agreements that reflect real life, not just legal rules
You don’t need to spend tens of thousands of dollars to move forward. You just need the right kind of support.
Written by Lisanne Iriks, Life Mediation. Helping families through separation with clarity, calm, and care.