Mediation Services Nottinghamshire

Family Mediation and Legal Aid in Nottinghamshire

If you are separating, divorcing, or have disputes concerning children and finances in Nottinghamshire—including Nottingham, Mansfield, Worksop, or Newark—family mediation is a cost-effective and constructive alternative to going to court.

1. What is Family Mediation?

Family mediation uses a neutral, professionally-trained mediator to help you and your former partner discuss arrangements and reach mutual agreements. It is a mandatory first step before applying to court for most family matters.

The Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)

Legal Requirement: Before you can apply to the Family Court (for issues like Child Arrangements or Financial Orders), you must first attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) with an accredited mediator.

Purpose: The MIAM is an individual, confidential meeting where the mediator explains the mediation process, assesses whether it is suitable for your situation, and checks your eligibility for Legal Aid.

Issue to be Resolved

Children’s Arrangements

Creating a workable parenting plan, including where the  children live and when they spend time with each parent.  Christmas arrangements and school holidays.

Financial Matters

Dividing assets, property, pensions, and discussing  spousal or child maintenance.

2. Accessing Free Mediation with Legal Aid

In Nottinghamshire, Legal Aid is available to cover the costs of family mediation if you meet the financial eligibility criteria set by the government’s Legal Aid Agency (LAA).

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Legal Aid for family mediation, you must satisfy a means test (income and capital) and demonstrate that your case is suitable for mediation.

Income Test

You must be on a low income, or in receipt of certain   benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Income Support, Income-based Job Seekers Allowance/ESA)

Capital Test

Your savings and capital must generally be below £8,000.

Key Point: Your mediator will conduct the full financial assessment at your MIAM. You must choose a mediator or service in Nottinghamshire that holds a Legal Aid Agency (LAA) contract to qualify such as Amity Mediation Services.

The ‘Passporting’ Benefit

If one person involved in the dispute qualifies for Legal Aid, the other person receives significant financial support:

• The MIAM is free for both parties.
• The first joint mediation session is free for both parties.

If you are the eligible party, all your mediation costs will be covered by Legal Aid.

3. Government Financial Support (Voucher Scheme)

If you do not qualify for Legal Aid, you may be able to use the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme to reduce your costs.

• Financial Contribution: The scheme provides a financial contribution of up to £500 towards your joint mediation costs.
• Eligibility: The key requirement is that the dispute must involve a child’s issue (including arrangements for children).
• How to Apply: Your Amity Mediation, Family Mediation Council Accredited (FMCA) mediator will check if your case qualifies for the voucher and apply for it on your behalf.