Family Mediation Voucher Scheme – £500 towards the cost of family mediation

NFM is pleased to confirm its continued participation in the government’s voucher scheme for family mediation. The £500 voucher scheme has been extended and is being made available for separating families with children, to go towards the cost of using accredited family mediation services.  

The family mediation voucher scheme is a time-limited scheme, designed to support parties who may be able to resolve their family law disputes outside of court. The Government has set up the scheme in response to Covid-19 to support recovery in the family court and to encourage more people to consider mediation as a means of resolving their disputes, where appropriate in regards to child arrangements. To support this, a financial contribution of up to £500 towards the costs of mediation will be provided, if you are eligible.

Only mediators authorised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) are taking part in the voucher scheme.

Family mediation lets you stay in control. Unlike in court, where a judge makes the decisions about child and financial arrangements, in mediation you and the other person/people decide what you agree to and what you don’t. When it comes to your children, mediation can help you put your child’s interests first. Click here to find out more about how family mediation works.

Mediation can be less stressful and far quicker than going to court so can be an efficient way of resolving disagreements. If you cannot reach an agreement, you still have the right to go to court. You can also use family mediation after you made an application to the court.

It can be difficult for separated parents or other family members in dispute to talk to each other and work together to find solutions. Family mediation provides a safe and supported structure to sort out the best arrangements for children, as well as other considerations such as how to divide assets and money, and where you and your children will live.

Family mediation can also help when circumstances change which means you need to make new arrangements. For example, as children grow up, family mediators can help you agree on changes to arrangements for children without having to go to court.

Family separation always brings a number of expenses, and this contribution towards making vital parenting arrangements through mediation will help reduce these costs – whilst helping families ensure the settlements that are made are in everyone’s interests. 

The voucher scheme is open to mediation participants who attended a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) on or after 26 March 2021. The £500 voucher cannot be used to pay for the MIAM itself, but for the mediation that follows.

Our mediators will explain the full details to you. For more information about the scheme please visit the Family Mediation Council website here or contact us at [email protected] . Or book an appointment today with a family mediator.