Mediation costs...

After 7+ years of trying to work with my ex, see my child as much as possible i had enough and went to a solicitor, we applied for mediation i went to my initial meeting, she dragged hers out for 3 months but finally showed, i then get a phone call from the Mediation service to say she is willing to attend but wants me to pick up her costs for it.... what are the options here? i will not be picking up any of her costs willingly, me and my fiancee work hard while she does not and the fact she thinks shes entitled to this when she is the reason it's got to this stage is laughable, if i refuse and proceed with court who will (i think) recommend mediation, can they force me to pay for her costs?

Generally in family proceedings each party will bear their own costs. However, parties can look to the matrimonial pot to pay those costs in the first instance (or run up a debt of legal costs that could be paid from the matrimonial pot).

As the matrimonial pot is joint, technically you would each be paying each other's costs. There are many other factors to take into consideration e.g. if somebody acts like a colossal ahse, the court could make an order for costs against them, but that's about the size of it.

Charles

They weren't married, he had known her a relatively short time when she became pregnant, stupid on both parts as now in this mess.
She funnily enough just had a trip to Iceland for the week which he was not told about and not asked to help with Son's care during her absence.

For me it's a delay tactic she shows shes's willing by saying she will attend mediation incase it should got to court but she is saying she can't pay so knows it will stop any immediate action as far as setting up meetings etc.
I just want to know there's no way we will be forced by anyone to pay her costs for mediation?