Legal Aid Mediation
When going through divorce or separation, sometimes the hardest parts are finding suitable arrangements for your children, finances and property. When separating couples work together, this can be possible, however the worry of Mediation costs can be an added pressure.
If you are eligible, Legal Aid makes it possible for you to access Mediation services if you do not have sufficient financial means.
Book your MIAM
Our Family Mediation team are here to take the worry off your hands. We offer a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to discuss whether ongoing mediation is appropriate for your circumstances.
To ensure we are able to deal with your enquiry efficiently, please contact us for further information via email at enquiries@midlandsdove.co.uk, or you can complete a referral form here.
What is Legal Aid or Public Funding?
Legal Aid is where public funds are used in order to pay for legal advice, family mediation and court or tribunal representation. In England and Wales it is the Legal Aid Agency who are responsible for providing legal aid to citizens.
The purpose of Legal Aid is to provide individuals who do not have sufficient financial means, access to various legal services, such as family Mediation.
How can I find out if I am eligible for Legal Aid / Public Funding?
You may be eligible to access Legal Aid Mediation if you are receiving certain benefits (such as Universal Credit, income based JSA, income based ESA or Income Support), are on a low income, or not working and do not have savings or other financial assets.
The Legal Aid Agency determine who is entitled to Legal Aid and what evidence a person is required to provide to support their claim for it. They have a calculator on their website to assist people who think they may be entitled to Legal Aid. http://civil-eligibility-calculator.justice.gov.uk or www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid.
If you require Family Mediation services and believe you may be entitled to Legal Aid, it is important to discuss this with a trained Mediator, who will be able to assess your eligibility for this.
What happens if only one party is eligible for Legal Aid Family Mediation?
A person who is eligible for Legally Aided Family Mediation, will not be required to pay for any part of the Mediation process (as long as they remain eligible throughout the process). In addition, they will be entitled to claim Legal Aid from an independent Family Solicitor.
When working through the process of Family Mediation, if one party is eligible for Legal Aid, the cost of an individual MIAM will be covered for all parties. In addition, all parties will be entitled to one free joint Mediation Session, if Mediation is something all parties wish to engage in and the Mediator feels that it is suitable to take place.
Please contact us, in order to find out how Legal Aid can support your mediation process.
How we can help
Our specialist Mediation team are able to provide impartial support during what may be a difficult and distressing time.
The level of help you would like from us is entirely up to you. Our team members all have experience of helping people at difficult times in their lives and we are committed to delivering to you a professional and confidential service.
Location
Our specially trained Mediators are able to provide impartial support across the country. We have a network of offices based in: Chesterfield, Nottingham, Mansfield and Derby. Additionally, we can undertake Family Mediation services remotely, using video and can therefore offer their services across England and Wales.
How to make contact
Our team are on hand to help you and can assist wherever you are based. Please email enquiries@midlandsdove.co.uk for further information, or complete a referral form.
