Couples facing the stress and soaring cost of separation are set for a boost after the Government extended its mediation voucher scheme for another year.
NFM (National Family Mediation) – which supports thousands of families every year to agree child-focused arrangements and move forward with less conflict – welcomed the move, announced today (March 27th) saying it gives families a better chance to sort things out calmly without the stress, cost and conflict of going to court.
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme gives separating couples up to £500 towards the cost of mediation – helping them agree arrangements for their children, finances and living situations without stepping foot in a courtroom.
Since launching in 2021, tens of thousands of families have used the scheme to resolve issues more quickly and with far less conflict.
Speaking on behalf of NFM, Chief Executive Sarah Hawkins said the extension shows the Government has listened, and offers an opportunity to continue to put mediation at the heart of the justice system – helping separating couples reach amicable outcomes, improving children’s futures and reducing pressure on the courts.
But she warned that the annual renewal, rather than the implementation of a long term scheme, was causing uncertainty.
Sarah Hawkins, Chief Executive of NFM, said: “We welcome this extension. It shows the Government has listened – and gives us a real opportunity to put mediation at the heart of the justice system.
“At a time when separation can feel overwhelming and expensive, mediation helps families sit down, talk things through and find a way forward without a long, stressful court battle.
“That means less conflict, better outcomes for children, and fewer families being pulled into an already overstretched court system.
“This is real progress – but we now need to build on it and make mediation a permanent, reliable part of the support families can depend on.”