Can You Get Legal Aid for Family Mediation?
Published by Children First Family Mediation (CFFM) | childrenfirstfamilymediation.org.uk
One of the most common reasons people don’t pursue mediation is cost. Which is a shame, because in many cases family mediation is either completely free or significantly subsidised, and most people simply don’t know that.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s available, who qualifies, and how to find out if you’re eligible.
Does Legal Aid cover family mediation?
Yes. If you’re on most benefits or have a low income, you may qualify for Legal Aid, which means your mediation sessions are fully funded. You pay nothing.
You will usually qualify if you receive what is termed a “passported benefit” i.e., Income Support, income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance, Income related Employment and Support Allowance, Guaranteed Pension Credit or Universal Credit.
For those, the main additional check is that you have savings less than £8,000
There are also some extra checks if you bare a homeowner, but with generous discounts most will still qualify – your mediator will explain this more fully
For all others Legal Aid for mediation is means-tested, which means it’s based on your income and capital. The assessment takes into account your monthly income, savings, and any property you own.
| If one person in a mediation qualifies for Legal Aid, the other person’s first session — their MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) — is also free, regardless of their own income. This is worth knowing, because it removes the cost barrier for getting started. |
What is the Government Voucher Scheme?
For families who don’t qualify for Legal Aid, the Government Voucher Scheme offers up to £500 off the cost of mediation — provided the case involves arrangements for children.
The scheme was introduced to reduce pressure on the family courts and has helped thousands of families access mediation who would otherwise have had to fund it entirely themselves. The voucher is applied directly by the mediator — you don’t need to apply separately or fill in extra forms.
| The £500 Government Voucher Scheme is per family, not per person. It’s applied automatically by CFFM when your case is eligible — just one less thing to worry about. |
What if neither of us qualifies for Legal Aid or the Voucher Scheme?
As a charity, CFFM keeps its fees as low as possible. We have a discounted rate of £135 an hour if you earn less than the living wage (£26,436.80 gross).
To put it in perspective: even without any funding, mediation typically costs between £500 and £1,500 for a full case. Solicitor-led negotiations usually run to £3,000–£10,000. Court proceedings? £10,000–£30,000, and often much more by the time it’s done.
What does Legal Aid actually cover?
Legal Aid for family mediation covers:
- Your MIAM (initial individual assessment meeting)
- Joint mediation sessions
- The preparation of written records of any agreements reached
It does not cover solicitor fees, court applications, or any legal advice you take alongside the mediation process. But those are separate to mediation itself — the mediation element can be entirely free.
How do I find out if I qualify?
The quickest way is to contact us directly. At CFFM, we can usually confirm your Legal Aid eligibility within a few minutes of your first call or enquiry. You don’t need to wade through government websites or fill in lengthy forms before speaking to someone.
If you’re not sure, it’s always worth asking. Many people assume they won’t qualify and don’t bother — and they’d have been entitled to free mediation.
| “I had no idea I could get Legal Aid. CFFM sorted it all within a week and it didn’t cost me anything.”
— CFFM client |
A quick comparison
Book your free eligibility check
Give us a call or fill in our enquiry form online. We’ll let you know straight away whether you qualify for Legal Aid or the Voucher Scheme — and if you do, we can usually get your first appointment booked within a week.
