We are really pleased to announce that we have successfully secured a legal aid mediation contract.

This means that as from 1^st February 2015, we will be able to offer both private and publicly funded mediation to our clients.

Vicky Medd, Head of the Family and Mediation team said “I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to secure a legal aid contract. The government is really promoting mediation, and has offered various incentives to try and get people to resolves disputes about separation outside the courts.”

The government announced in November 2014 that it was prepared to fund the first mediation session if one client was eligible for legal aid, even if the other party to proceedings was not. Vicky commented, “Obtaining legal aid for mediation is part of the mediation process, and part of the first meeting is to assess eligibility. If a client does wish to be assessed, they will be asked to bring a lot of documentation with them to that first meeting, and may, having been assessed, be asked to bring more if necessary. However, once a client is assessed as qualifying for legal aid, they do not have to pay for the mediation sessions.”

Referring to mediation could not be easier – it can be done either through solicitors, or alternatively, a telephone call to either Vicky Medd or Michelle Birkett. All we need is both clients names and addresses, and telephone numbers, their dates of birth and whether the dispute is about children, financial issues or both.

For more information please call us on 01484 538421 and ask to speak to either Vicky Medd or Michelle Birkett.