Last updated: April 2026
by Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy at Mediate UK. Checked for accuracy by Belinda Atkins, Managing Director at Family Legal Ltd. Information reflects current family law and mediation requirements as of 1 April 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Legal aid for family mediation in London is means-tested and only available through providers who hold a Legal Aid Agency (LAA) contract.
- London Mediation Service does not currently hold an LAA contract, but we can help you understand your options and point you in the right direction.
- Even if you do not qualify for legal aid, the Government’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme offers up to £500 towards mediation costs for eligible families.
- Many London families who assume they cannot afford mediation find that the voucher scheme, or our fixed-fee packages, make it far more accessible than they expected.
- You can check your legal aid eligibility in minutes using the Government’s online means test at gov.uk.
Legal Aid for Family Mediation in London
Legal aid for family mediation in London is available to people who pass a means test and whose case meets the Legal Aid Agency’s eligibility criteria. It is only provided through mediation services that hold a contract with the Legal Aid Agency, and the number of those providers in London is limited. If you do not qualify, or cannot find a contracted provider near you, the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is the most accessible alternative for reducing the cost of mediation.
If you have been searching for legal aid for family mediation in London, you are almost certainly trying to work out whether the government can help cover the cost of resolving a family dispute, and whether you qualify. It is a very common question, and one we get asked regularly at London Mediation Service. In this guide, we will explain how legal aid for mediation works in England and Wales, who is likely to qualify in 2026, what the means test actually looks like in practice, and what your options are if legal aid is not available to you.
What Is Legal Aid for Family Mediation?
Legal aid is government funding that covers the cost of legal services for people who cannot afford to pay privately. In the context of family mediation, legal aid can cover the cost of your Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) and, in some cases, the mediation sessions themselves.
Family mediation legal aid sits under what is known as Family Mediation (FM1) funding. It is administered by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA), which is the government body responsible for managing publicly funded legal help in England and Wales. To access it, you must go through a mediation provider that holds a contract with the LAA. Not all mediation services are contracted providers, and the number of contracted providers in London has decreased in recent years as funding has become more restricted.
It is also worth knowing that legal aid for mediation is not the same as legal aid for legal representation. Even if you receive legal aid for mediation, your solicitor will need to make a separate application if you require funded legal advice alongside your mediation sessions.
Who Qualifies for Legal Aid for Family Mediation in London in 2026?
Understanding Legal Aid for Family Mediation London
To qualify for legal aid for family mediation in London, you must pass two separate tests: a means test and a merits test. Both must be satisfied before funding can be granted.
The Means Test
The means test looks at your income and capital (savings and property) to determine whether you can afford to contribute to your legal costs. The thresholds are set nationally and apply across England and Wales. As of April 2026, the main criteria are broadly as follows:
- Gross monthly income must generally not exceed around £2,657 (before deductions). If you have dependants, allowances are applied.
- Disposable income (after deductions for tax, national insurance, housing costs, and dependants) must not exceed around £733 per month.
- Disposable capital (savings, investments, and equity in property you do not live in) must generally not exceed around £8,000.
- If you receive certain means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit or Income Support, you may be automatically eligible on the income test.
These figures are approximate and subject to change. The most reliable way to check your position is to use the check if you qualify for legal aid, which takes around ten minutes to complete and gives you a provisional indication of whether you are likely to qualify.
The Merits Test
Even if you pass the means test, the Legal Aid Agency also assesses whether funding is appropriate for your case. For family mediation, this generally means your dispute must relate to children or finances following a separation, and mediation must be a suitable route for your situation. Cases involving domestic abuse or significant safeguarding concerns may be assessed differently.
Does One Party Qualifying Affect the Other?
Yes, and this is an important point. If one party qualifies for legal aid for family mediation, the other party’s first mediation session is also funded by the LAA, even if that party would not ordinarily qualify on a means test. This is to encourage both parties to attend without the cost being a barrier at the outset. It applies to the MIAM and the first joint mediation session only.
Not sure where to start with mediation costs in London?
Our team can walk you through what funding may be available to you, including the voucher scheme. Book a free 15-minute call and we will help you understand your options, with no obligation.
Does London Mediation Service Offer Legal Aid?
We want to be transparent with you about this: London Mediation Service does not currently hold a contract with the Legal Aid Agency, which means we are not able to offer legally aided mediation directly. If you require funded mediation through the LAA, you will need to find a contracted provider.
The Family Mediation Council’s directory allows you to search for accredited mediators near you, and some of those listed in London will hold LAA contracts. When making contact, simply ask whether they are able to offer legally aided mediation before you book.
However, not qualifying for legal aid, or not finding a contracted provider nearby, does not mean mediation is out of reach financially. There are two very practical alternatives available to London families right now.
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme: A Practical Alternative
The Government’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is available through providers like Mediate UK, our sister service, and is completely separate from legal aid. It was introduced in 2021 and continues to run in 2026. Eligible families receive a voucher worth up to £500 towards their mediation costs.
The voucher is applied directly by the mediation provider and reduces your invoice. You do not need to apply separately, fill in forms in advance, or meet an income threshold. The key eligibility condition is that your case must involve a child arrangements dispute, meaning at least one child must be involved in the matter you are mediating.
Who Is Eligible for the Voucher Scheme?
- Couples or separated parents with at least one child whose living arrangements or contact are in dispute.
- Cases where mediation has not already started (the voucher cannot be applied retrospectively).
- Cases using an accredited provider registered with the scheme (Mediate UK and London Mediation Service are part of the Mediate UK network, which is registered).
There is no means test for the voucher scheme. A couple in Kensington earning comfortable salaries can access it in exactly the same way as a family in Lewisham on a lower income. The £500 voucher typically covers one to two joint mediation sessions, which is often enough to reach an initial agreement on the most pressing issues.
Example: A Family in South London Uses the Voucher Scheme
A separated couple in Sutton came to us after failing to agree on school holiday arrangements and weekly contact for their two children. Neither party qualified for legal aid, and both were concerned about the cost of mediation. Through the voucher scheme, £500 was applied to their combined mediation costs. They attended two joint sessions and reached a workable parenting arrangement without going to court, saving both time and significantly more money than any legal process would have cost.
“We speak to a lot of London families who assume mediation is simply out of their budget, particularly when they have already heard that they do not qualify for legal aid. What many of them do not realise is that the voucher scheme exists and is genuinely straightforward to access. We apply it as standard for eligible cases. You do not have to fight for it or even ask.”
Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy, Mediate UK
Legal Aid vs. the Voucher Scheme: What Is the Difference?
It helps to see the two routes side by side. The table below summarises the main differences:
| Legal Aid (LAA) | Voucher Scheme | |
|---|---|---|
| Means test required? | Yes | No |
| Children required? | No | Yes |
| Max funding | Full cost (if eligible) | £500 per case |
| Provider must be LAA contracted? | Yes | No (registered providers only) |
| Available via LMS / Mediate UK? | No | Yes |
| Covers financial disputes? | Yes (if eligible) | Only if children also involved |
What If My Dispute Is Financial, Not About Children?
If you are separating and your dispute is primarily about finances, such as dividing a property, sorting out savings, or reaching a financial settlement on divorce, you may still qualify for legal aid if you meet the means test and the merits test. However, the voucher scheme would only apply if children are also involved in the mediation.
For financial-only disputes, our mediation pricing is structured to be accessible, and fixed-fee options mean you know what you are paying before you begin. London property disputes in particular can be complex, but mediation is almost always faster and considerably less expensive than financial remedy proceedings through the London Family Court.
How to Check Your Legal Aid Eligibility Right Now
If you think you may qualify for legal aid for family mediation, the fastest way to check is to use the check if you qualify for legal aid. It takes around ten minutes and gives you a provisional answer based on your income and capital. You will need:
- Details of your monthly income (salary, benefits, and other income)
- Details of your savings and any property you own other than your home
- The number of dependants in your household
The checker does not make a final legal aid decision, but it gives a clear steer on whether it is worth pursuing. If you appear eligible, you will then need to approach an LAA-contracted mediation provider in London who can process your application formally.
If the result suggests you do not qualify, that is the point at which it is worth exploring the voucher scheme and speaking to a mediation service like ours about what a realistic cost might look like for your situation.
Do You Still Need a MIAM if You Use Legal Aid?
Yes. Whether you are using legal aid, the voucher scheme, or paying privately, a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is the standard starting point for family mediation. It is a short individual meeting, usually lasting around 45 minutes to an hour, where a mediator explains the process, assesses whether mediation is appropriate for your situation, and, if you are heading to court, confirms that mediation has been considered.
Under the Children and Families Act 2014, attendance at a MIAM (or a valid exemption) is a legal requirement before you can make most applications to the family court. Legal aid covers the cost of your MIAM if you are eligible. If you are using the voucher scheme or paying privately, the MIAM is charged separately at a relatively modest fixed fee.
You can book a MIAM through Mediate UK quickly and easily online, with appointments available at our London offices in Waterloo, St Pancras, and Sutton.
Summary
Legal aid for family mediation in London in 2026 is available to those who pass a means test and whose case meets the Legal Aid Agency’s criteria, but it can only be accessed through providers who hold an LAA contract. London Mediation Service does not currently hold such a contract, and we want to be clear about that rather than leave you uncertain. If you qualify for legal aid, we would encourage you to approach an LAA-contracted provider through the FMC’s directory.
If legal aid is not an option for you, the Government’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme offers up to £500 towards costs for cases involving children, with no means test required. This is available through our service, and our team can apply it to your case automatically. For financial disputes, our fixed-fee mediation packages offer a clear and affordable route to resolution without the delays and costs of court proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does London Mediation Service offer legal aid for mediation?
London Mediation Service does not currently hold a contract with the Legal Aid Agency, so we are not able to offer legally aided mediation. However, we do offer the Government’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which provides up to £500 towards mediation costs for eligible families with children.
How do I know if I qualify for legal aid for family mediation?
You can check your eligibility using the Government’s online legal aid checker at gov.uk. It takes around ten minutes and assesses your income, savings, and dependants. If you appear eligible, you will then need to contact an LAA-contracted mediation provider to progress your application.
What is the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme and how does it differ from legal aid?
The voucher scheme is a Government-funded contribution of up to £500 towards mediation costs for families with children. Unlike legal aid, it has no means test, so your income is not assessed. It is available through registered providers and is applied directly to your bill. Legal aid, by contrast, may cover full costs but requires a means test and a contracted provider.
If I receive legal aid for mediation, does my ex-partner also get funded?
Yes. If one party qualifies for legal aid for family mediation, the Legal Aid Agency will also fund the other party’s MIAM and first joint mediation session. This is designed to prevent cost being a barrier to participation at the outset.
Do I still need a MIAM if my mediation is funded by legal aid?
Yes. A MIAM is the starting point for all family mediation, regardless of how you are funding it. If you are using legal aid, the MIAM cost is covered as part of your funding. If you are not using legal aid, the MIAM is charged at a fixed fee and can be booked quickly online.
Can I get legal aid for mediation about finances as well as children?
Legal aid can in principle cover financial mediation if you pass the means test and merits test, unlike the voucher scheme which requires a child arrangement dispute. However, you would still need to use an LAA-contracted provider. For families who do not qualify, fixed-fee financial mediation is a practical and far more affordable alternative to financial remedy court proceedings.
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Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you are exploring the voucher scheme, need a MIAM in London, or simply want to talk through your situation, our team at London Mediation Service is here to help. We have offices in Waterloo, St Pancras, and Sutton, with online mediation also available.