Mediation vs. Court: A Reality Check

Two Ways the Government Pays for Your Mediation

You don’t need deep pockets to avoid the court backlog. The state actively funds family mediation through two main pots:

1. Legal Aid (100% Free)

If you receive low-income benefits—like Universal Credit—or have a lower income, you will likely qualify for Legal Aid.

• It covers your initial private meeting (MIAM) and all joint mediation sessions.
• It includes free legal advice from a solicitor to formalize your agreement.
• Unlike court-based Legal Aid, mediation funding never has to be paid back.

Bonus: If you qualify for Legal Aid but your ex-partner doesn’t, the government still pays for your ex’s initial meeting and their first joint mediation session.

2. The £500 Family Mediation Voucher

Don’t qualify for Legal Aid? If you are trying to sort out arrangements for your children, you can access the government’s £500 Voucher Scheme. We apply for this on your behalf, and it directly slashes the cost of your joint sessions.

How to Skip the Court Backlog

We run our sessions securely online across Ashford, Maidstone, Canterbury, and the wider Kent area, meaning you don’t even have to be in the same room as your ex.

1. Book Your MIAM

Attend a private, one-on-one Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to discuss your situation.

2. We Check Your Funding

We assess your eligibility for Legal Aid or the £500 Child Arrangement Voucher.

3. Fix the Issue

You and your ex-partner work with an accredited mediator to build a practical, binding plan for your children and finances.

Don’t waste a year of your life and thousands of pounds waiting for a court date. Contact Kent Family Mediation Service today to find out how quickly and cheaply you can move forward.

Contact us to check if you qualify for free Legal Aid or the £500 voucher