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Whilst a person that is seeking a divorce can no longer rely on legal aid to pay their solicitor’s fees, they may still be entitled to some support under this scheme in the form of mediation. Should a couple be willing to engage in mediation then they will be required to attend one, or more, meetings with a mediator who will try and help the parties agree on how their assets should be divided, who their children should live with etc. by discussing both parties options and suggesting alternative arrangements. Mediation is proven to be successful when both parties are keen to agree matters but have been unable to previously. When these circumstances apply, mediation is generally quicker than taking a contested matter to court. Mediation is also significantly cheaper than instructing solicitors even if neither party is entitled to redress under the legal aid scheme. As discussed previously, though, mediation can be provided for free under legal aid if the parties meet the necessary criteria. The criteria that is utilised in order to determine eligibility is not dissimilar to that which the courts use in order to determine whether or not an individual should be exempt from paying their fees and takes into account both parties incomes, their assets and circumstances. In short, in order to receive mediation at no charge, neither party can be paid more than £2,657 before tax each month nor have more than £8,000 in savings, shares, investments or property - though only equity over £100,000 will be considered if the property in question is the applicant’s only residence. Applying for assistance with fees is relatively straightforward as any mediator will assess the parties’ suitability when they first meet at what is known as a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. During this meeting, both spouses are informed of precisely what mediation entails and will make enquiries in order to determine whether or not mediation is likely to be beneficial and a suitable solution. They will also, as stated, review documentation (such as banks statements, payslips etc.) in order to determine whether or not redress can be provided under Legal aid. If all of the evidence that is required is not made available during this meeting then charge will initially apply but will be reimbursed at a later date should either party be eligible. Additionally, if the parties are entitled to redress under the Legal aid scheme, then they will also be entitled to a limited amount of free legal advice following them having attended their first mediation session. To see if you could be entitled to mediation through the government’s Legal aid scheme visit www.gov.uk/legal-aid.