Finding a mediator who does legal aid

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-29

Why legal-aid mediation matters

A Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is generally a compulsory first step before you can issue most family court applications. If you're eligible for legal aid, the MIAM and the mediation itself can be funded, so you don't pay — but only a mediator with a legal aid contract can claim the funding. This guide explains how to find one.

1. How to check a mediator does legal aid

FMC register filter — the Family Mediation Council (FMC) runs the national register (family-mediation-council.org.uk). Use its search/filter feature and tick the "Legal aid" / publicly funded box so only mediators holding a legal aid contract appear.
Direct enquiry — the register can lag or be unclear, so ask the mediator directly: "Do you hold a legal aid contract with the Legal Aid Agency (LAA)" and "Are you currently accepting legal aid referrals?" Some list it, some don't — always confirm in writing (email) before your MIAM.
A mediator in private practice who also advertises "legal aid" may only mean they self-refer — confirm the contract specifically.

2. The legal aid finder

The official tool is GOV.UK's "Find a legal aid adviser" (find-legal-advice.justice.gov.uk) — search by postcode and category ("Family mediation"), then check the "Provides legal aid" marker.
It returns organisations covered by an LAA contract. Cross-check the named mediator on the FMC register before booking.

3. What to tell the initial contact / what to ask

Tell them you want a legal aid-funded MIAM and that you believe you're eligible.
Ask: - Do you hold an LAA contract & are you currently taking legal aid referrals? - Will the MIAM be funded now, or does eligibility need checking first? - Is there a financial eligibility or domestic abuse (DV) evidence rule that applies? - Who supplies the evidence for funding, and by when? - What happens if the other party doesn't attend or isn't eligible?

4. What happens at the MIAM if you're eligible

The mediator assesses whether mediation (rather than court) is suitable.
If you're eligible and it's suitable, you agree a mediation agreement and the sessions are funded under your legal aid certificate (subject to your evidence being accepted).
If mediation isn't suitable (e.g. domestic abuse, a party won't engage, urgent need), the mediator issues a MIAM exemption certificate (Form FM1) — you can then apply to court and your legal aid may continue for other work.

5. Funding checklist

[ ] I've used the FMC register filter (Legal aid) and/or the GOV.UK adviser finder
[ ] I confirmed in writing that the mediator holds a current LAA contract and takes legal aid referrals
[ ] I know my financial eligibility position (income/capital) or that a DV exemption route applies
[ ] I've gathered the evidence the mediator needs (income/passport, or DV evidence for the DV route)
[ ] I understand the MIAM exemption (Form FM1) will be issued if mediation isn't suitable
[ ] If I self-refer to court, I've kept the exemption certificate and my funding evidence for the application

Where to go next

Find a legal aid adviser — find-legal-advice.justice.gov.uk
Family Mediation Council register — family-mediation-council.org.uk
See our MIAM and domestic abuse guides for the exemption (Form FM1) route.