Leicestershire family mediation legal aid & mediation

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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.

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).
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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: Many 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

When looking for a mediator in the Leicester, Loughborough, or Hinckley area, ensure they are properly accredited:

• FMC Accreditation: The mediator should be registered with the Family Mediation Council (FMC).
• LAA Contract: If you need Legal Aid, you must confirm they have a contract with the Legal Aid Agency (LAA). Services often state this on their websites.
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Need to check your eligibility immediately?

I can find the official UK government tool that allows you to check your potential eligibility for Legal Aid for family mediation. Would you like me to do that now?

Areas We Cover

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

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