If you are divorcing or separating, there will undoubtedly be many aspects of your lives that will need to be considered in the separation, as well as assets to be divided between you. Aside from the financial side of things, there will be arrangements for the children and many other things to consider. If you decide that you would like to make use of a family mediation service to resolve issues with your ex-partner, you may find that you are eligible for legal aid for your mediation sessions.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is when an independent and impartial person (the mediator) discusses with you both the issues surrounding your separation such as property, finances and children. With a degree of compromise on both sides a solution can often be reached where both parties are happy with the outcome. It is now compulsory for separating couples to show that they have considered mediation before going to court. This can be assessed by a MIAM (mediation information and assessment meeting). Mediation can be a better solution than court as it often results in a more beneficial outcome for both parties. 

What is Legal Aid for Mediation?

Legal aid is a government service providing you with funding to cover mediation costs. You will need to produce evidence of your financial circumstances to prove you can’t afford to pay. If one or both people are eligible for legal aid, Progressive Mediation can offer a complete mediation service, covering the Bristol area, at no charge. 

Am I eligible for legal aid for mediation?

Legal aid is based on the amount of income you have, including wages, benefits, savings and properties you own. Certain financial circumstances might make you eligible for legal aid which can be used to cover one or more of the following services;

• The mediation information and assessment meeting (these are provided free to everyone at Progressive Mediation).
• Mediation sessions.
• Legal help in support for mediation.
• If your case isn’t suitable for mediation in some circumstances you might get legal aid for other sorts of legal help

You are likely to be eligible if you are on any of the following benefits:

• Job seekers allowance
• Income based employment and support allowance
• Guarantee credit or universal credit

However, you will not be financially eligible if:

• Your gross income (income before tax) was more than £2,435 in the last month
• You have more than £8,000 disposable capital 

What Paperwork will I need? 

There are certain documents you will need to present in order to assess whether or not you are eligible, these include:

• National insurance number
• Proof of your benefits
• Wage slips covering the month up until your next meeting
• Bank statements which cover the month up until your meeting
• Evidence of any other income
• Proof of your rent
• Proof of mortgage payments, recent mortgage statement
• Approximated value of any property you own
• Proof of any childcare payments

Once this information is provided we will be able to go through the documents to assess whether or not you are eligible for legal aid.

Free Family Mediation through Legal Aid

If you are in the Bristol area and would like more information on our Legally Aided mediation services, please call us with any questions you may have on 0117 924 3880.