Legal Aid &
Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
Legal Aid
* Legal aid is available in the UK to help eligible individuals cover the costs of family mediation. Eligibility is primarily means-tested, meaning it depends on your financial circumstances. Both your income and capital (savings and assets) are assessed.
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* You will automatically qualify for legal aid for family mediation if you receive certain qualifying benefits, such as Universal Credit, Income Support, income-related Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or Guarantee Credit, and you do not own property or have savings above £8,000. You will need to provide proof of these benefits.
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* If you are on a low income or receive other benefits, you may still be eligible, even if you own property. A full financial assessment will be required, taking into account your gross monthly income (with a threshold), disposable income (after essential deductions, with a cap), and capital. There are specific allowances and disregards, such as for mortgage amounts and the subject matter of the dispute in financial cases.
* Even if only one party in the mediation is eligible for legal aid, the initial Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) and the first joint mediation session may be free for both parties.
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* You can use the online legal aid eligibility checker on the government website to get an initial indication, but a full assessment will be carried out by a mediator who has a legal aid contract. You will need to provide documentary evidence of your income and capital to support your application.
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Family Mediation
Voucher Scheme
* The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme offers eligible separating families a one-off contribution of up to £500 towards the cost of mediation. The primary aim is to encourage out-of-court dispute resolution, particularly concerning child arrangements, thereby reducing pressure on the family courts.
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* To be eligible, the dispute must involve a child, or financial matters connected to a child arrangement dispute. The voucher cannot be used for the initial Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).
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* The mediator assesses eligibility during the MIAM and applies for the voucher on the client's behalf. The funding is paid directly to the mediation service. It's a limited scheme, so availability isn't guaranteed. The voucher helps cover the costs of joint mediation sessions, but may not cover the full amount.
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* Legal aid eligibility doesn't automatically exclude someone from the scheme.
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For more information
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