Family mediation funding support
Legal aid mediation.
If you are on a low income, receive certain benefits, or cannot afford mediation privately, you may be able to get legal aid for family mediation.
Can’t afford mediation privately?
On Universal Credit or low income?
Need parenting arrangements?
Ask about legal aid mediation
Will I qualify for legal aid?
Eligibility depends on your financial circumstances and whether the mediation issue falls within legal aid rules.
Legal aid and family mediation
Legal aid can help cover the cost of family mediation.
Legal aid mediation is designed to help eligible people resolve family disputes without the full cost of private mediation. It can be relevant where you need help with children arrangements, parenting plans, financial issues after separation, or other family matters.
A mediator can discuss your situation, explain whether mediation may be suitable and help you understand whether legal aid might be available.
What legal aid may cover
If you qualify, mediation may cost you nothing.
The MIAM and mediation sessions that follow can be free if you qualify for legal aid through an approved provider. If one person is eligible for legal aid, the total MIAM attendance cost may be covered by the Legal Aid Agency, whether the parties attend together or separately.
MIAM assessment
A first meeting where the mediator explains the process and assesses whether mediation is suitable.
Mediation sessions
Legal aid may cover the mediation sessions that follow if you qualify and the provider can carry out legal aid work.
Other party’s first meeting
Where one person qualifies, the other person’s MIAM may also be covered, subject to the legal aid rules and provider process.
Checking eligibility
What you may need for a legal aid assessment.
Income details
You may be asked for evidence of wages, benefits, Universal Credit or other income.
Savings and capital
Legal aid assessment can look at savings, capital and financial resources as well as income.
Mediation issue
The mediator will also need to understand the family dispute, such as children arrangements, finances or separation issues.
Legal aid and the voucher scheme are different
Legal aid can fund the MIAM and mediation sessions if you qualify. The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is separate and provides a contribution of up to £500 towards eligible mediation sessions, usually in child-related cases.
Why use mediation?
Mediation gives both people a structured way to discuss issues without immediately moving into contested court proceedings. The mediator is impartial and does not make decisions for either person.
What can be discussed?
- Children arrangements and parenting plans.
- Communication after separation.
- Financial arrangements after relationship breakdown.
- Property, savings, debts or future arrangements.
Legal aid mediation questions
What is legal aid mediation?
Legal aid mediation is family mediation where some or all of the mediation cost is covered for people who qualify under the legal aid rules.
How do I know if I qualify?
Your eligibility depends on your income, benefits, savings, capital and the nature of the family dispute. A mediator who offers legal aid work can help assess this.
Is there any cost if I qualify?
If you qualify for legal aid through an approved provider, the MIAM and mediation sessions that follow may cost you nothing. Your mediator should confirm what is covered before you proceed.
Does legal aid guarantee a resolution?
No. Mediation can help people discuss options and reach agreements, but it does not guarantee that agreement will be reached. The mediator cannot force either person to accept an outcome.
Are mediation agreements legally binding?
Agreements reached in mediation are not automatically legally binding. If needed, a solicitor can advise on turning proposals into a formal consent order or other legal document.
Before you enquire
- Gather details of your income and benefits.
- Check whether you have recent bank statements available.
- Be ready to explain the family issue you need help with.
- Tell the mediator if there are safety or domestic abuse concerns.
Want to check legal aid mediation eligibility?
Contact Solent Family Mediation to discuss whether legal aid mediation may be available for your family dispute.