Is legal aid available for family mediation?

How do I know if I qualify?

We will assess that with you at your first individual meeting, when we complete a form showing your income and any savings. Your savings include the value of any properties, including the family home, but there are quite generous allowances for property.

Your gross income (wages, tax credits, child benefit, child maintenance and so on) before any deductions has to be £2,657 per month or less.

There are then allowances for the children and any childcare costs if they live with you, and for your housing costs, plus a small allowance of £45 for the cost of going to work. After these are taken from your gross income, you need to end up with £733 or less. If you are on an income based benefit such as Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance, you will automatically qualify.

Getting your first meeting free

If you want the first meeting to be free, send us information about your finances in advance so that we can assess you for legal aid. This includes wage slips, bank statements, letters about benefits, and proof of rent or mortgage.

What about legal costs if we agree in mediation?

Some legal aid is still available for a solicitor to draw up documents, such as a consent order, if matters have been agreed in mediation and you qualify on financial grounds. Ask your mediator about this at the end of your sessions. They will complete a form called a CW5 (Help with Mediation) for you to take to your chosen solicitor.