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What is the family mediation voucher scheme

The family mediation voucher scheme was launched during the pandemic to help ease demand on the family courts. The aim is to incentivise families to resolve child arrangement disputes outside of court through mediation, where safe to do so. The intention is to support families in reaching faster agreements in a less adversarial form of dispute resolution than through in court. It also helps to reduce demand on the family courts, ensuring more of the courts time can be spent on cases that need to be there, such as those where there are safeguarding concerns. The scheme is currently only available for families with child arrangement disputes.

You can read more about it on the UK gov.uk site, here.

How does the family mediation voucher scheme work

Only mediators authorised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) are taking part in the voucher scheme. If your case is eligible, your mediator will apply for the voucher on your behalf. Once this is approved, it will contribute towards the cost of mediation sessions.

How do I know am eligible for a mediation voucher

On attendance of a MIAM, one of our mediators will assess the issues you seek to resolve to see if they are suitable for mediation and meet the eligibility requirements for the voucher scheme. The scheme is currently administered by the Family Mediation Council (FMC). It offers families a one-off contribution of up to £500 (per family) towards their mediation costs with FMC accredited mediators.

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

Note: Access to the voucher scheme is not based on a family’s income or finances and those who are eligible for Legal Aid are not excluded from the scheme.

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If you are going through a divorce, separation, family asset dispute or need support on aspects of child arrangements, call our team today.

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VOUCHER SCHEME FAQs

Does the voucher cover all mediation costs? The voucher provides up to £500 per case, but this may not cover all sessions. If the total cost of mediation exceeds £500, the parties will need to cover the remaining balance

Can both parties receive a separate voucher? No, the £500 voucher is issued per case, not per person. It contributes to the total cost of mediation sessions for both parties

Can I use the voucher for a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)? No, the voucher does not cover the MIAM (initial mediation assessment meeting). It is only applicable to joint mediation sessions

What if my mediation costs less than £500? The voucher will only cover the actual cost incurred. If your mediation sessions cost less than £500, you will not receive the remaining balance as cash or credit

Is the voucher available for financial disputes? The scheme only covers cases related to child arrangements. If financial matters are involved, they must be part of a broader dispute that also concerns children to qualify