What is Legal Aid?
Legal aid is government funding that helps people who cannot afford to pay for legal advice and representation. For family mediation, legal aid can cover the cost of MIAM sessions and mediation services.
Good News: Mediation is Prioritized
Legal aid is more readily available for family mediation than for court proceedings. The government actively encourages mediation as a cost-effective alternative to court.
What Legal Aid Covers
- MIAM Sessions: Initial assessment meetings
- Mediation Services: Joint mediation sessions
- Legal Advice: Limited advice alongside mediation
- Court Applications: If mediation is inappropriate or fails
2025 Legal Aid Rates
Free Legal Aid
If you qualify on income and means
Contribution Required
Based on income above threshold
Not Eligible
Pay privately for all services
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for legal aid, you must meet both financial eligibility and merits test requirements.
Financial Eligibility (2025 Rates)
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit | Capital Limit | Contribution Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single person | £2,657 | £8,000 | If income over £733/month |
| Couple | £3,896 | £8,000 | If income over £1,072/month |
| Each child | +£265 | +£0 | Allowance per child |
What Counts as Income
- Salary, wages, and self-employment income
- Benefits and tax credits
- Pension income
- Rental income
- Maintenance payments received
What Counts as Capital
- Savings and investments
- Property (excluding main home)
- Valuable possessions
- Money in business accounts
Disregarded Income & Capital
- First £100,000 of main home value
- Household goods and furniture
- One car under £15,000
- Tools of trade
- Disability benefits
Quick Eligibility Checker
Get an estimate of your legal aid eligibility (this is not a formal assessment):
Next Steps:
Application Process
Applying for legal aid is straightforward and we can help you through the process:
Step 1: Initial Assessment
- Contact us to discuss your situation
- We'll assess your likely eligibility
- Provide guidance on evidence needed
Step 2: Submit Application
- Complete the legal aid application form
- Provide evidence of income and capital
- Submit supporting documents
Step 3: Assessment
- Legal Aid Agency reviews your application
- Decision usually within 20 working days
- You'll receive a legal aid certificate if approved
Documents You'll Need
- Last 3 months' payslips or benefits letters
- Bank statements (last 3 months)
- Tax returns (if self-employed)
- Mortgage statements or rental agreement
- Evidence of assets and savings
- Passport or driving license
Special Circumstances
Legal aid may be available even if you're over the income limits in certain situations:
Domestic Violence Cases
- Automatic eligibility for legal aid
- No means test required
- Evidence of domestic violence needed
- Covers MIAM and mediation if appropriate
Child Abduction Risk
- Urgent legal aid available
- Expedited application process
- May cover court proceedings
Exceptional Funding
- Available in exceptional circumstances
- Risk to life or liberty
- Breach of human rights
- Requires detailed application
Alternatives to Legal Aid
If you don't qualify for legal aid, there are other options:
Payment Plans
- Spread costs over several months
- Fixed monthly payments
- No interest charges
- Available for most services
After the Event (ATE) Insurance
- Covers legal costs if you lose
- Premium can be paid monthly
- Available for court proceedings
Legal Expenses Insurance
- May be included in home insurance
- Check existing policies
- Family legal cover available
Free Legal Advice
- Citizens Advice Bureau
- Law Society Find a Solicitor
- Free 30-minute consultations
- Legal aid helplines