Leicestershire family mediation legal aid & Voucher

---

If you are facing separation, divorce, or a dispute about children or finances in Leicester, Loughborough, Hinckley, or the wider county of Leicestershire, family mediation offers a practical and less confrontational path to resolution.

This guide provides an overview of family mediation services available locally and how you can access them, particularly through Legal Aid.

1. What is Family Mediation?

Family mediation is a structured process where an impartial, professionally-trained mediator helps you and the other party (e.g., your ex-partner) discuss and agree on important issues.

It is a crucial step for almost all separating couples, as you are legally required to consider mediation by attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before you can apply to the family court.

Key Issues Handled in Mediation - Leicestershire Examples

Children's Arrangements

Establishing parenting schedules, contact time, schooling, and holiday arrangements, Christmas Birthdays and Birth Certificate and name changes.

Financial Settlement

Division of the family home (e.g., in Leicester or Market Harborough), savings, debts, and pensions.

Other Family Issues

Disputes involving grand parents' contact or resolving  issues for cohabiting couples.

2. Accessing Mediation with Legal Aid (Free Service)

Legal Aid is government funding that covers the cost of family mediation for those who cannot afford to pay. If you live in Leicestershire and believe you are on a low income, you should explore this option first.

How to Qualify for Legal Aid

Eligibility is determined by a means test focused on your income and capital:

• Benefits:  You will typically qualify if you receive certain benefits like Universal  Credit, Income Support, or Income-based JSA/ESA.
• Income: Your monthly disposable income (after deductions for tax, rent, and childcare) must be below a certain threshold (around per month, though this can vary).
• Capital/Savings: You must generally have less than in savings and assets (not including the  property under dispute).

What Legal Aid Covers (Benefits for Both Parties)

The great advantage of Legal Aid is that if one party in the dispute is financially eligible, the other party benefits too:

Service                                                                                                                             Cost Coverage (If ONE Party is Eligible for Legal Aid)

MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting)               Free for both parties.

First Joint Mediation Session                                                                             Free for both parties.

Subsequent Sessions                                                                                                Free for the Legal Aid-eligible party only 

To use Legal Aid, you must select a mediator or mediation service in Leicestershire that holds a Legal Aid Agency (LAA) contract. You will be asked to provide evidence of your financial situation (e.g., bank statements, benefit letters) at your MIAM to confirm eligibility.  

3. The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme ( Contribution)

Regardless of your income or eligibility for Legal Aid, you may be able to access a financial contribution from the government through this scheme.

• What it is: A contribution of up to towards the cost of your mediation sessions.
• Who Qualifies: Any family with a dispute involving arrangements for a child (or a child issue alongside a financial issue).
• Local Use: Amity FMC-accredited mediators serving Leicestershire are authorised to use this scheme. They will apply for the voucher for you.

4. Finding a Mediator in Leicestershire

Amity Mediation mediators in the Leicester, Loughborough, or Hinckley area,  are properly accredited:

• FMC Accreditation: The mediator should be registered with the Family Mediation Council (FMC).
• LAA Contract: Amity Mediation have a contract with the Legal Aid Agency (LAA). 

Areas We Cover

Ashby-de-la-Zouch Aylestone Drayton Earl Shilton Eaton Fosse Park Goadby Groby Ibstock Leicester Loughborough Lutterworth Market Bosworth Market Harborough Melton Mowbray Oadby Wigston Hinckley

Amity Mediation Leicestershire

Leicestershire is a landlocked county in the East Midlands known for its rich industrial heritage, particularly in textiles and engineering, and its central location. The county's major city and administrative centre is Leicester, a large, diverse, and dynamic urban hub with a strong history dating back to Roman times, famous for its cultural diversity, renowned university, and the King Richard III visitor centre. While Leicester is the only city, the county is characterized by several large market towns. These include Loughborough, home to the highly regarded Loughborough University; Hinckley, a traditional manufacturing centre; Melton Mowbray, nationally famous as the home of the pork pie and Stilton cheese; and Ashby-de-la-Zouch, known for its historic castle ruins. Leicestershire blends the busy commercial and high-tech atmosphere of its major urban areas with extensive rural areas and historic market town charm. 

Or to find out more about the mediation services we can offer, click below.