Free
With Legal Aid
Up to £500
Voucher Scheme
Nationwide
Availability
Same Quality
As Paid Services
Free Mediation Options Summary
Two Routes to Free or Reduced-Cost Mediation (Gov.uk):
- Legal Aid: Fully free if gross income under £2,657/month or receiving benefits. Covers MIAM + all sessions
- Voucher Scheme: £500 contribution (not means-tested). Extended to March 2026 with £12.5m funding
- 37,700+ families helped by voucher scheme; 70% reach agreement
- If one party qualifies for legal aid, both get free MIAM + first session
How to Get Free Mediation in the UK
Free mediation is available in the UK for those who qualify. If you are separating from a partner and need help resolving disputes about children or finances, you may not have to pay for family mediation at all.
There are two main ways to access free mediation:
- Legal aid - Fully funded mediation for those who qualify
- Family Mediation Voucher Scheme - Up to £500 contribution towards costs
This guide explains how to access free mediation services and whether you are eligible.
Free Mediation Through Legal Aid
The primary way to get free mediation in the UK is through legal aid. If you qualify, your entire mediation journey - including the MIAM and all subsequent sessions - is completely free.
Who Qualifies for Free Mediation?
According to Gov.uk, you may qualify for free mediation if you meet either financial criteria or have evidence of domestic abuse.
Financial Eligibility for Free Mediation
You may get free mediation if:
- Your gross monthly income is below £2,657 (or £2,881 with a partner)
- Your disposable monthly income is below £733
- Your disposable capital is below £8,000
Or if you receive any of these benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
Domestic Abuse Eligibility for Free Mediation
If you have experienced domestic abuse, you automatically qualify for free mediation through legal aid, regardless of your income. You will need evidence such as:
- A court order (non-molestation order, occupation order, restraining order)
- Police involvement (report, caution, or charge)
- Letter from a refuge or domestic abuse support organisation
- MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference) referral
- Letter from a GP, health visitor, or mental health professional
- Letter from a social worker
The Legal Aid Agency provides the full list of accepted evidence.
How to Apply for Free Mediation
Check Your Eligibility for Free Mediation
Use the Gov.uk legal aid calculator to check if you qualify for free mediation based on your financial situation or domestic abuse.
Find a Legal Aid Mediator for Free Mediation
Not all mediators offer legal aid. Search the Family Mediation Council directory and filter for legal aid providers, or contact National Family Mediation.
Gather Your Documents for Free Mediation
Collect proof of income (payslips, tax credits), benefits letters, or domestic abuse evidence as required for your free mediation application.
Complete the Legal Aid Application
Your mediator will help you complete the legal aid application at your first appointment. If approved, all your mediation will be free.
Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
If you don't qualify for free mediation through legal aid, the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme can significantly reduce your costs.
What the Voucher Scheme Offers
- Up to £500 per person towards mediation costs
- Available for disputes about children only (not financial matters)
- Both parties can claim, giving up to £1,000 total contribution
- Works with any FMC-accredited mediator registered for the scheme
What the Voucher Scheme Does NOT Cover
- The initial MIAM (you pay £90-£150 for this)
- Financial mediation (only child arrangements)
- Legal fees for consent orders
How to Access the Voucher Scheme
- Book a MIAM with an FMC-accredited mediator
- Confirm the mediator is registered for the voucher scheme
- If you proceed to mediation, the mediator applies the voucher to your sessions
- You pay any remaining balance above £500
For most families, 3-4 mediation sessions costs around £400-£600 per person, meaning the voucher can cover most or all of your mediation costs.
Free MIAM: Is the Initial Meeting Free?
The MIAM (Mediation Information Assessment Meeting) is the required first step before court. Here's when the MIAM is free:
| Situation | MIAM Cost | |-----------|----------| | You qualify for legal aid | Free | | You don't qualify for legal aid | £90-£150 | | Other party qualifies for legal aid | Sometimes free (ask mediator) |
Important: Even if you don't get free mediation for the full process, it's worth checking if you qualify for a free MIAM. See our MIAM cost guide for details.
Free Mediation Services and Organisations
Several organisations specialise in providing free mediation or low-cost services:
National Family Mediation (NFM)
National Family Mediation is a network of non-profit mediation services across England and Wales. They:
- Offer legal aid free mediation
- Provide reduced rates for those on low incomes
- Have local services throughout the UK
Family Mediation Council (FMC)
The Family Mediation Council maintains the register of accredited mediators. Use their Find a Mediator tool to search for legal aid providers offering free mediation.
Local Authority Services
Some local authorities offer free mediation services or can signpost you to local providers. Check your council's family services pages.
Free Mediation Near Me: How to Find Local Services
To find free mediation near me:
- Search the FMC directory - familymediationcouncil.org.uk/find-local-mediator - filter by legal aid
- Contact NFM - nfm.org.uk - find your nearest service
- Ask Citizens Advice - They can direct you to local free mediation services
- Consider online mediation - Free mediation via video call is available nationwide
Free Mediation vs Paid Mediation: What's the Difference?
If you're wondering whether free mediation is as good as paid mediation, the answer is yes. Legal aid mediators:
- Must be FMC-accredited (same as private mediators)
- Follow the same professional standards
- Provide the same service and outcomes
- Can issue the same certificates and documents
The only difference is funding source - the quality of free mediation is identical to paid services.
What If I Don't Qualify for Free Mediation?
If you don't qualify for free mediation through legal aid:
- Use the Voucher Scheme - Get up to £500 towards child mediation costs
- Compare mediator prices - Fees vary from £100-£200 per session
- Ask about payment plans - Some mediators offer instalment options
- Choose online mediation - Often slightly cheaper than in-person
- Contact non-profit services - NFM and similar may offer reduced rates
Even without free mediation, the cost is far less than going to court. See our mediation cost guide for a full comparison.
Free Mediation for Different Situations
Free Mediation for Child Arrangements
Disputes about children are fully covered by free mediation through legal aid if you qualify. The voucher scheme also applies. This includes:
- Where children live
- Contact with each parent
- Holiday arrangements
- School and health decisions
Free Mediation for Divorce
Free mediation through legal aid covers both children and financial matters in divorce. The voucher scheme only covers children issues. For free divorce mediation, you must qualify for legal aid.
Free Mediation When There's Domestic Abuse
If you've experienced domestic abuse, you qualify for free mediation through legal aid regardless of income. However, you may also qualify for a MIAM exemption and may not need to mediate at all.
If you do choose mediation, shuttle mediation allows you to mediate without being in the same room as the other party.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Mediation
Can I get free mediation in the UK?
Yes, free mediation is available through legal aid if you qualify based on income (below £2,657/month), receive certain benefits, or have evidence of domestic abuse. The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme provides up to £500 towards child mediation for those who don't qualify for full free mediation.
How do I qualify for free family mediation?
You qualify for free family mediation through legal aid if your income is below the threshold, you receive qualifying benefits (Universal Credit, Income Support, etc.), or you have evidence of domestic abuse. Check eligibility at Gov.uk.
Is there free mediation near me?
Yes, free mediation is available throughout the UK through legal aid mediators. Search the FMC directory filtering for legal aid providers, or contact National Family Mediation for your nearest service. Online free mediation is also available nationwide.
Is the MIAM free?
The MIAM is free if you qualify for legal aid. Otherwise, it costs £90-£150 per person. See our MIAM cost guide for details on when you can get a free MIAM.
What's the difference between free mediation and paid mediation?
Free mediation through legal aid is identical in quality to paid mediation. All mediators must be FMC-accredited and follow the same professional standards. The only difference is funding source - you receive the same service whether it's free or paid.
Summary: How to Get Free Mediation
| Route to Free Mediation | Who Qualifies | What's Covered | |------------------------|---------------|----------------| | Legal Aid | Low income, benefits, domestic abuse | MIAM + all mediation (children & finances) | | Voucher Scheme | Anyone (not means-tested) | Up to £500 towards child mediation only | | Non-profit services | Varies by organisation | Reduced rates or sliding scale fees |
Next Steps to Access Free Mediation
- Check legal aid eligibility - Use Gov.uk calculator
- Find a legal aid mediator - Search FMC directory
- Learn about MIAMs - Read our MIAM guide
- Prepare with Miam - Our AI assistant helps you get ready for mediation
Important: Only an FMC-accredited mediator can issue valid MIAM certificates and provide legally recognised mediation. Miam Certificate Quest is an AI preparation tool - we help you prepare but cannot replace professional mediation services.
Official Resources
For authoritative information, visit these official sources:
Check Your Eligibility for Free Mediation
Speak with Miam to understand your options for free mediation. Our AI assistant can help you prepare for your MIAM and mediation sessions.
AI Preparation Tool: Miam helps you prepare for your MIAM but cannot provide legal advice or issue certificates. Only FMC-accredited mediators can do that.
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