Legal Aid for Family Mediation: Are You Eligible?
- Sarah-Jane Turnbull
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
Resolving family disputes can feel overwhelming, especially when financial concerns add to the stress. However, if you're eligible, Legal Aid for family mediation can make the process more accessible by covering the cost of family mediation, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to resolve disputes in a fair and child-centred way.
In this blog, we’ll explain who qualifies for free family mediation, how the process works, and how Legal Aid can help you focus on finding solutions rather than worrying about costs.
What is Legal Aid for Mediation?
Legal Aid is government funding that covers the cost of mediation for those who meet specific financial criteria. It helps individuals resolve family disputes, such as child arrangements, financial settlements, or property matters, without the need to go to court.
At Pax Mediation, we hold a Legal Aid contract, which means eligible clients can access free mediation services, including:
Your initial Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).
Subsequent joint mediation sessions.
Documentation to record any agreements reached, such as Parenting Plans or a Memorandum of Understanding.
Who is Eligible for Legal Aid for Family Mediation?
Eligibility for Legal Aid for family mediation depends on your financial circumstances.
Financial Eligibility
You may qualify if:
You are on certain benefits, such as:
Universal Credit.
Income Support.
Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Employment and Support Allowance.
Your income and savings fall below the required threshold.
To confirm eligibility, you will need to provide:
Proof of income or benefits, such as payslips or recent benefits statements.
Details of any savings, property ownership, or investments.
Your National Insurance number.
How to Apply for Legal Aid for Family Mediation
At Pax Mediation, we aim to make the process as straightforward as possible:
Initial Assessment
When you contact us, we’ll ask some basic questions to determine whether you might be eligible for Legal Aid.
Document Submission
You’ll need to provide evidence of your income, savings, and benefits before attending your MIAM. Our team will guide you through the process and explain what’s required.
Verification During the MIAM
During your initial MIAM, the mediator will double-check your eligibility and confirm whether Legal Aid can cover your mediation costs.
Free Mediation Services Begin
If you’re eligible, your MIAM and any subsequent mediation sessions will be funded, ensuring you can focus on resolving your dispute without worrying about fees.
What if Only One Parent Qualifies for Legal Aid?
If one parent qualifies for Legal Aid but the other does not, the eligible parent’s costs will still be covered. Additionally, the initial MIAM for the other parent may also be free, as well as the cost of the first mediation session. Mediation sessions can still proceed with only one party receiving funding.
This ensures that families can access the support they need, regardless of differing financial circumstances.
Why Choose Legal Aid for Family Mediation?
1. Cost-Free Resolution
Legal Aid ensures that financial concerns don’t prevent families from accessing mediation services, making the process more inclusive.
2. Faster and Less Stressful than Court
Mediation is often quicker, less stressful, and more collaborative than court proceedings, helping families reach agreements amicably.
3. Child-Focused Solutions
Mediators prioritise the needs of children, ensuring that agreements are child-centred and in their best interests.
4. Professional Support at No Cost
Working with a FMCA-accredited family mediator ensures you receive high-quality, professional guidance throughout the process.
Client Feedback: Real Stories of Success
“I didn’t think I could afford mediation, but with Legal Aid, all my sessions were covered. Mediation helped us create a parenting plan that really works for our family.”
“Knowing the costs were taken care of with Legal Aid made it easier to focus on what mattered: finding a solution for our children.”
How Pax Mediation Can Help
At Pax Mediation, we are proud to offer free mediation services through Legal Aid for those who qualify. Our team will guide you through the eligibility process, ensuring everything is clear and straightforward.
📞 Call us: 0800 058 4303
📧 Email us: admin@paxmediation.co.uk
💻 Book your MIAM today to check your eligibility.
Take the First Step Towards Resolution with Legal Aid
Legal Aid can make mediation accessible to everyone, removing financial barriers and ensuring you have the support you need to resolve family disputes. If you think you might qualify, Pax Mediation is here to guide you through the process and provide expert support every step of the way.
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