Legal Aid for Family Mediation

Worrying about cost should not stop you from getting help. If you are eligible, Legal Aid can cover the cost of family mediation, helping you resolve child arrangements and family issues without unnecessary upfront expense. We will explain the process clearly, assess whether Legal Aid may be available, and help you take the next step. Legal aid for family mediation is available subject to financial eligibility and case suitability.

Check whether you may qualify for Legal Aid
Child-focused family mediation
Fixed-fee private options if you are not eligible
Clear guidance from the first conversation

Fill in the form or call 0330 010 1571
Our team is available Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm

Why choose Legal Aid for family mediation?

For many families, cost is the main reason they delay getting support. Legal Aid can remove that barrier and help you start mediation sooner, with a clear, structured process focused on practical solutions.

If you qualify, Legal Aid may help pay for:

your first meeting with a mediator
your mediation sessions
legal support connected to mediation in some cases

This can make it much easier to start resolving child arrangements and other family issues in a calmer, more constructive way.

The “both people benefit” advantage

One of the strongest reasons to enquire is that if one person qualifies for Legal Aid, both people can still benefit from funded first steps.

Usually, this means Legal Aid can cover:

your initial mediation meeting
the other person’s initial mediation meeting
the first joint mediation session for both of you

That gives both people the chance to begin mediation without the usual upfront cost of getting started.

What family mediation can help with

Family mediation can help separated families work through practical issues such as:

child arrangements
communication between parents
parenting plans
time spent with each parent
holidays and special occasions
some family financial issues linked to wider family disputes

GOV.UK specifically lists family mediation, for example where you are deciding on child arrangements, as a category where legal aid may be available.

Who may qualify for Legal Aid?

Legal Aid is usually based on financial eligibility, including your income, capital, and whether you receive certain qualifying benefits. In general, you need to show that your income and assets are below the relevant limits, although the rules vary by circumstance and some situations are treated differently. Each person is assessed separately.

We can help you understand:

whether your case may be suitable for mediation
whether Legal Aid may be available
what documents or information may be needed
what your next step should be if you are not eligible

How it works

1. Contact us

Tell us a little about your situation and we will explain how family mediation works.

2. We assess whether Legal Aid may apply

We will talk through the financial and practical issues that affect eligibility and suitability.

3. If you qualify, mediation can begin without the usual upfront cost

If you are eligible, the cost of the initial steps and ongoing mediation may be covered. If only one person qualifies, both people can still benefit from funded first meetings and the first joint session.

4. Work towards a practical agreement

Mediation helps you focus on workable, child-focused solutions in a more constructive setting than a court dispute.

5. If mediation is not suitable

The first meeting is also used to assess whether mediation is appropriate. If it is not suitable, the mediator can explain other options and next steps.

What if I do not qualify for Legal Aid?

If you are not eligible for Legal Aid, there may still be other ways to make mediation more affordable. For eligible child-related cases, the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme can provide a one-off contribution of up to £500 towards mediation costs. That scheme is separate from legal aid, and the mediator applies for the voucher if the case qualifies.

Frequently asked questions

What does Legal Aid cover for family mediation?

It may cover the MIAM, mediation sessions, and may include legal help in support of mediation. If you qualify, mediation sessions following the first meeting can also be covered.

If only one of us qualifies, can we still both benefit?

Yes. If one person is eligible, both people’s first meetings and the first full mediation session can usually be covered.

Is Legal Aid based on income?

Usually yes. Legal Aid is generally means-tested and looks at income, capital, and in some cases whether you receive qualifying benefits.

What if mediation is not suitable for my situation?

The first meeting helps assess suitability. If mediation is not appropriate, the mediator can explain other options and what to do next.

Take the next step

If cost has been stopping you from getting help, speak to us today. We can explain how Legal Aid works, assess whether you may qualify, and help you move forward with family mediation.