Solent Family Mediation can be financially supplemented or even free to those qualifying. Solent Family Mediation Bournemouth has accredited mediators that work with the Legal Aid Agency to provide mediation services for families that are paid for with public funds. The Legal Agency offers publicly-funded mediation through mediators accredited by the Family Mediation Council (those who possess FMCA) and have a contract with the Legal Aid Agency.
If you think you or your former partner may be eligible for legal aid support, contact our team and find out more here. Out team will be able to verify your eligibility and advise on how to apply.
When you come down to your first session we will want you to. information to verify you are qualified
Evidence necessary for Legal Aid Evaluation
If you believe you might obtain Legal Aid for Mediation Bournemouth because you are on benefits, or working but on a low income, we can work out for you if you qualify. If you supply to your mediator at the initial appointment the proof below, the mediator will most likely be able to inform you there and then whether you qualify for Legal Aid. If you are married to or living with another person as a husband or wife, we will also need to review the same information for them.
For people in receipt of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance that is Based on Income (JSA)
- Employment and Support Allowance, which is based on a person’s income (ESA)
- Credit for the Guarantee of Pensions
DOCUMENTS NEEDED
We will need to see the original notification letter, and if it is older than six months, we also need to see a recent bank statement for the full month leading up to the date of your appointment (the statement can’t be older than one month). If you are receiving Universal Credit, we need to see proof that you received a Universal Credit payment in the month prior to your consultation in order to schedule an appointment with you. In addition to it, you will need to supply your National Insurance (NI) number.
IF YOU ARE EMPLOYED
- Your most recent payslip, when you are paid monthly or your most recent four consecutive pay slip, in the case that you are paid weekly.
- if you are currently receiving Tax Credits or Universal Credit, the most recent notification of award. A more current bank statement is required if this document is older than six months (no less than one month old).
- Payment history for a rental or mortgage payment.
- Proof of any childcare costs
- Bank statements for the month before to the date of your appointment, for any accounts held either in your own name or jointly with someone else, whether the accounts are in your own name or in both of your names.
IF YOU ARE SELF EMPLOYED
- Statements from all of your personal and/or joint bank accounts, as well as those held in the name of your company, for the month immediately before the date of your appointment. These statements should be in the name of your firm.
- All of the financial details from the previous year.
- Tax return for the most recent year based on one’s own self-assessment.
- If you are currently receiving tax credits or Universal Credit we will need evidence of the most recent notification of award. A more current bank statement is required if this document is older than six months (no less than one month old).
- Payment history for a rental or mortgage payment.
- Proof of any childcare costs
IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY OUT OF WORK OR RETIRED
- Documentation of any private or state pensions
- Proof of any state benefit (Universal Credit etc)
- Bank statements for the month before to the date of your appointment, for any accounts held either in your own name or jointly with someone else, whether the accounts are in your own name or in both of your names.
Solent Family Mediation Bournemouth offers mediation for both privately and funded cases. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions regarding whether or not you qualify.