MEDIATION IN worcestershire and LEGAL AID

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Family mediation in Worcestershire provides a confidential and constructive way for separating couples (in towns like Worcester, Redditch, and Bromsgrove) to resolve disputes over child arrangements, property, and finances. It is a mandatory first step—requiring a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)—before applying to the Family Court, unless specific exemptions apply. Amity Accredited mediators in the county can also determine if you are eligible for Legal Aid or the government's £500 voucher scheme, making the process significantly more affordable than litigation. 

What's a MIAM?

A MIAM is an individual, confidential meeting with an accredited mediator.

Why it's necessary

It is a mandatory legal step (unless an exemption applies).

What happens

The mediator explains your options, assesses whether   mediation is suitable for your situation, and checks your eligibility for Legal Aid.

In Worcestershire, many mediation providers offer the MIAM both in-person across the county and conveniently via video call.

2. Resolving Disputes in Worcestershire

Family mediation is highly effective for resolving key issues following a relationship breakdown, keeping the decisions in your hands rather than a judge's.

• Arrangements for Children: Creating a detailed Parenting Plan that covers  where the children live, when they spend time with each parent, holidays,  education, and health matters.
• Financial  & Property Matters: Reaching an agreement on the division of shared assets, the family home, pensions, savings, and debts, as well as  spousal or child maintenance. This can be documented in a Memorandum of  Understanding (MOU) to be made legally binding by your solicitors.

Benefit: Mediation is generally faster, cheaper, and less adversarial than court. It focuses on communication and future-focused solutions, which is essential when co-parenting.

3. Financial Support and Legal Aid

The cost of mediation should never prevent you from finding a resolution. Several financial assistance options are available for families in Worcestershire.

A. Legal Aid for Mediation

Legal Aid can cover all the costs of your family mediation if you meet the financial eligibility criteria set by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA).

• Eligibility Check: You must pass a means test (income and capital) to qualify. If you are on certain benefits (like Universal Credit or Income Support), you are often eligible.
• The Shared Benefit: If only one person qualifies for Legal Aid, the      other party still benefits greatly: the MIAM and the first joint mediation session are free for both of you.
• How to Apply: You must use an Worcestershire-based mediator or service that holds a Legal Aid Agency (LAA) contract. They will conduct the official assessment for you.  Amity Mediation is able to provide this for you.

B. The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme

If you do not qualify for Legal Aid, the Government's voucher scheme may still significantly reduce your costs.

• Up to £500: The scheme offers a financial contribution of up to £500 towards your joint mediation costs.
• Focus  on Children: This is available for cases that involve or include discussions about arrangements for children.

4. Taking the Next Step

To start the mediation process, you need to contact an  mediator accredited by the Family Mediation Council (FMCA) in Worcestershire. They will arrange your initial MIAM.  Click the Contact s Button below to start.

Area covered

Malvern Common Malvern Link Malvern Wells Redditch Smallwood Stoulton Stourport-on-Severn Kidderminster  Worcester Evesham Bewdley Droitwich Spa, Bromsgrove

Amity Mediation Worcestershire

 Worcestershire is a picturesque county in the West Midlands, characterised by the rolling Malvern Hills in the west and the fertile Vale of Evesham in the south, both of which are traversed by the River Severn and River Avon. Its single city and administrative centre is Worcester, an elegant place of great historical significance, famous for its magnificent Cathedral, its role as the site of the final battle of the English Civil War, and as the home of both Royal Worcester Porcelain and Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce. Outside the city, the county features important towns like the industrial and former carpet-making hub Kidderminster; the new town of Redditch, known for its historical needle and fishing-tackle industries; the Victorian spa town of Malvern, nestled at the foot of its namesake hills; and charming market towns such as Droitwich Spa, famed for its salt industry, and the historic riverside towns of Evesham and Bewdley. 

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