LIncolnshire family mediation legal aid & Voucher scheme.

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 If you're dealing with separation, divorce, or disputes over children and finances across Lincolnshire, including Lincoln, Grantham, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, or Boston, family mediation offers a practical, structured, and constructive way to find agreement without going to court.

This guide details how to access mediation services in the county and specifically how to use Legal Aid to cover your costs.

1. What is Family Mediation?

Family mediation uses an impartial, professionally-trained mediator to help separating couples discuss and agree on vital issues. It is often required as a first step—you must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before you can apply to the family court in most cases.

Key Areas for Mediation in Lincolnshire

Area of Dispute - Lincolnshire Focus

Children's Arrangements

Setting up parenting plans, contact schedules, and making  decisions about schooling, name changes and birth certificates.

Financial Settlement

Division of property, savings, debts, and pensions, which is especially relevant for homeowners or business owners in the county.

Co-Habitation Issues

Resolving financial and property disputes for couples who were not married or in a civil partnership.

2. Accessing Mediation with Legal Aid (Free Service)

Legal Aid is government funding designed to ensure individuals on low incomes can access essential legal services, including family mediation. If you reside in Lincolnshire and meet the financial criteria, your mediation costs can be fully covered.

Legal Aid Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility is based on both your income and capital(savings/assets):

• Automatic  Eligibility: You are generally eligible if you receive certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, Income Support, or Income-related Job Seekers Allowance/ESA, AND your capital is below the £8,000 limit.
• Low Income: If you are on a low income but not on the benefits listed above, a full financial assessment of your disposable income (after housing costs and tax) and capital will be carried out by a Legal Aid mediator.

The Advantage for Both Parties

If one party in the dispute is financially eligible for Legal Aid, the other party benefits significantly:

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.

 Action Point: To use Legal Aid, you must work with an accredited mediator or service in Lincolnshire that holds a Legal Aid Agency (LAA) contract. They will conduct the formal financial assessment and process the application for you.  Amity Mediation can provide you with both of these things.

3. The Government Mediation Voucher Scheme £500 Contribution.

An alternative source of funding is the government's Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which is not means-tested (meaning it is available regardless of your income).

• Voucher Value: Up to £500 towards your joint mediation costs.
• Eligibility Focus: The dispute must involve arrangements for a child (even if financial issues are also discussed).
• How to Access: Your chosen Amity Mediation Council Accredited mediator in Lincolnshire will assess whether your case qualifies and apply for the voucher on your behalf.

4. Amity Accredited Mediator in Lincolnshire

Amity Mediation services in areas like Lincoln, Grimsby, or Scunthorpe, provide mediators with the following:

Accreditation:  We use  mediator's who are registered with the Family Mediation Council (FMC).

• Legal Aid Contract:Amity Mediation has a Legal Aid contract, for mediation  services in Lincolnshire, Lincoln and Scunthorpe.

Areas Covered

Gainsborough Grimsby Lincoln Scunthorpe Skegness Sleaford Spalding Cleethorpes Boston Grantham, Stamford

Amity Mediation Services Lincolnshire

 Lincolnshire is a large, predominantly rural county in the East of England known for its flat topography, vast agricultural plains, and extensive coastline bordering the North Sea. The historic county town and primary centre is the cathedral city of Lincoln, famous for its magnificent medieval cathedral and castle, which dominate the skyline. The largest urban area, however, is often considered to be the coastal conurbation featuring the popular resort of Grimsby, historically a major fishing port, and Cleethorpes. Other key market towns include Boston, a historic port with strong links to the Pilgrims; Grantham, the birthplace of Margaret Thatcher and Isaac Newton; and Spalding, known for its flower industry. Lincolnshire combines its strong, flat agricultural identity in the fertile Fens with a major tourist economy along the eastern coast and the historical significance centered around the city of Lincoln. 

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