Free Mediation UK: What You Need to Know
At Family Mediation Services, we understand that cost is often a concern when separating couples consider mediation. The good news is that free mediation is available in many cases.
On average, at Family Mediation Services, you will receive two free sessions of mediation. These can be obtained either through legal aid, the government voucher scheme or sometimes a combination of both.
How Can You Access Free Mediation?
Available via Legal Aid
If you are eligible for legal aid, your mediation sessions may be fully covered. This is often referred to as legally aided mediation. Eligibility depends on your financial circumstances and an Accredited mediator will assess this with you at your first meeting.
Available via the Government Voucher Scheme
You may also qualify for funding through the government voucher scheme for child-related disputes. This form of government funded mediation can contribute towards your mediation sessions, particularly in child arrangements matters.
Together, these schemes form part of the free mediation services UK families can access when they meet the criteria.
Is Free Mediation Always Straightforward?
Sometimes, mediation may be free for one person but not for the other. This can create a potential power imbalance.
An experienced Accredited mediator will usually manage this carefully. However, in some cases, the imbalance may become too great. For example, one person may use delay tactics in the session. This can happen when one person is not paying, but the other is. In that case, the mediator may decide the matter is not suitable. The mediator may then close the case.
This means free mediation services can be extremely helpful, but occasionally they can be a double-edged sword.
How Many Free Sessions Are Available?
There is a limit to the number of free mediation sessions available under funding schemes.
However, if both parties remain focused and willing to engage constructively, you can often resolve:
- Child arrangements matters within two free sessions
- All issues cases (children and property) within three or four sessions
Many families are pleasantly surprised at how much can be achieved when everyone commits to the process.
Why Consider Free Mediation?
Free mediation services UK families can access provide:
- A safe and structured environment
- Professional guidance from an Accredited mediator
- A quicker and more cost-effective alternative to court
- The opportunity to reach workable agreements together
At Family Mediation Services, we aim to help you make the most of any legal aid funding available so you can resolve matters efficiently and with dignity.
Take the Next Step
If you would like to know whether you qualify for free mediation, or to explore free mediation services UK families can access, contact Family Mediation Services today.
Speak to an Accredited mediator and find out how we can help you move forward. Call us on 0300 365 2700 or email at admin@familymediationservices.co.uk
FAQs – Free Mediation
Free mediation is mediation funded through legal aid or the government voucher scheme, meaning you may not have to pay for some or all of your sessions. At Family Mediation Services, eligible clients often receive two free sessions.
Eligibility for free mediation services UK depends on your financial circumstances (for legal aid) or whether your case involves child arrangements (for the government voucher scheme). An Accredited mediator will assess eligibility at your first meeting.
Yes. The government voucher scheme supports free mediation in child arrangements disputes. Many families resolve child matters within two funded sessions.
Yes. Sometimes one person qualifies for legal aid while the other does not. An Accredited mediator manages any imbalance carefully, but in some cases this can affect suitability.
There is a limit to funded sessions. Typically, clients receive two free mediation sessions for children matters and up to three sessions in all-issues cases, depending on funding arrangements.
Free mediation services UK families can access are usually quicker, less stressful and more cost-effective than court. Mediation also allows you to stay in control of decisions rather than leaving them to a judge.
You do not need to apply alone. An Accredited mediator at Family Mediation Services will check your eligibility and make the legal aid or voucher application on your behalf.
To apply, just carry out 3 simple steps from your smart phone. It won’t take you any more than 5 minutes. Email us at to request the 3 simple steps.
1 Comments
Family Mediation Services Manager
Hi Martin, we’ve sent you information about a legal aid application by email. We can assist with child arrangements for you both.
Kind regards
Michelle