The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is a government contribution of up to £500 towards the cost of family mediation. It is not means tested, and thousands of separating parents in England and Wales use it every year. This guide explains who qualifies, how it works and what it does not cover. You can also see our voucher scheme page for how Ark applies on your behalf.
What is the mediation voucher scheme?
The scheme was launched by the Ministry of Justice in March 2021 to help families settle disputes about children without going to court. It has been extended several times, and funding is now confirmed until 31 March 2027.
It has grown steadily. In 2025-26, 14,579 vouchers were issued, roughly double the number in its first year. The Ministry of Justice’s analysis of the early vouchers found that more than two-thirds of families reached agreement without needing to go to court.
Who qualifies?
Your case is eligible if it involves:
- A dispute about a child, such as where children live, how much time they spend with each parent, schooling or holidays, or
- A dispute about family finances, but only if you are also involved in a dispute about a child.
Disputes that are purely about money or property, with no children’s issues, do not qualify.
A few other points:
- It is not means tested. Your income and savings do not matter.
- Legal Aid does not rule you out. People eligible for Legal Aid are not excluded from the scheme.
- One voucher per case, not per person, and a family can only use one voucher for the same dispute.
- You must use an FMC-accredited mediator, who applies for the voucher for you.
How does it work?
- Book your MIAM. Each of you attends your own Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. The voucher does not cover the MIAM.
- Your mediator checks eligibility. If your case qualifies and you both want to mediate, your mediator applies to the Family Mediation Council.
- The voucher is confirmed. Your mediator receives a reference number confirming up to £500 towards your mediation.
- You mediate. The voucher is paid directly to your mediator and reduces what you pay for your sessions.
At Ark, where you use the voucher your first joint mediation session is a longer two-hour session. You can see all our prices on our fees page and estimate your total with our cost estimator.
What the voucher does not cover
- The MIAM for either person
- Solicitors’ fees, including drafting a consent order
- Court fees
- Mediation costs above £500
Why it is worth using
Mediation is already far quicker and cheaper than going to court, and the voucher reduces the cost further for families with children. It also gives you time with a trained mediator to agree a parenting plan that works for your children, rather than having a judge decide.
Find out more
- GOV.UK: Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
- Family Mediation Council: www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk
- GOV.UK: Check if you can get Legal Aid
Check if you qualify
If your case involves children, we can tell you in one short call whether the voucher is likely to apply. Book a free 10-minute call, call 0330 043 6360, or book your MIAM to get started.
