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

The family mediation voucher scheme is designed to support parents who may be able to resolve their family law disputes outside of court. The Government set up the scheme to reduce backlogs in the family court and to encourage more people to consider mediation as a means of resolving their disputes, where appropriate in regard to child arrangements. To support this, a financial contribution of up to £500 towards the costs of mediation is provided, if you are eligible.

NFM is participating in the government’s voucher scheme for discounted family mediation. The £500 voucher is available for separating families with children, to go towards the cost of using accredited family mediation services.  

Only mediators authorised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) are taking part in the voucher scheme. To date, the scheme has helped over 24,000 families to access family mediation and resolve their issues without having to resort to court.

How do I know if I am eligible for a mediation voucher?

When you attend a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM), the trained mediator will confirm whether the issues you seek to resolve are suitable for mediation and meet the eligibility requirements for the voucher scheme. Not all cases are eligible under the scheme but if your case includes:

  • a dispute/application regarding a child
  • a dispute/application regarding family financial matters where you are also involved in a dispute/application relating to a child

You should be eligible.

The voucher scheme is open to mediation participants who attended a 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.

How will I receive the voucher?

Once you have confirmed you will proceed with mediation and your mediator has confirmed eligibility, they will apply for the voucher funding and it will be paid directly to them once all mediation sessions are concluded. There is no physical voucher and you will not need to make an application for it.

Vouchers are limited in number and will be offered to eligible parties until they are no longer available. Your mediator will let you know if there are vouchers available.

Our mediators will explain the full details to you, but if you would like more information about the scheme please contact us at [email protected] or book an appointment today with a family mediator.

Why Use Family Mediation?

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, cheaper 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 have 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. 

Book an appointment today with a family mediator or browse our website to find out more about us, family mediation services and how we can help you.