Mediation Services in Leicestershire
Mediation services near you in Leicestershire
Family Mediation and Legal Aid in Leicestershire
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.
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.
Choose Local Expertise and Flexible Services personally tailored to your situation.
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 |
|---|---|
| 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.
Local Use: Amity FMC-accredited mediators serving Leicestershire are authorised to use this scheme. They will apply for the voucher for you.
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:
LAA Contract: Amity Mediation have a contract with the Legal Aid Agency (LAA).
Our Leicestershire Locations
We work with Citizens Advice in the Leicestershire area who can offer advice and guidance alongside the mediation progress.