UK Families Offered £500 Mediation Support, Who Qualifies and How to Apply

Thousands of families across England and Wales are now benefiting from the government’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which offers up to £500 towards the cost of mediation sessions. This initiative was introduced in March 2021 to help families resolve disputes outside the courtroom, especially cases involving children. Instead of lengthy and stressful legal proceedings, families can now sit with a trained mediator and work toward peaceful solutions in private.

Why the Scheme Matters

Family disputes, particularly those involving children, can take months or even years to settle in court. This process is not only expensive but also emotionally draining. The voucher scheme aims to reduce this burden by encouraging parents to engage in mediation, a process designed to promote constructive discussions and mutual agreements. For many families, this shift has provided relief, helping them focus on what truly matters – the well-being of their children.

What Is the Mediation Voucher Scheme?

The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is a government-funded programme run by the Ministry of Justice. Its goal is to lower the number of disputes ending up in court. Through the scheme, families can receive up to £500 in financial support, which is paid directly to the mediation provider.

Mediation involves both sides of a dispute working with a neutral professional, the mediator, to discuss issues and find common ground. According to government data, 69% of families using the voucher reached either a full or partial agreement, significantly reducing the need for court involvement.

Who Can Use the Scheme?

The scheme is not open to all types of disputes. It mainly covers cases involving children, such as:

• Deciding where the child should live
• Determining how much time a child should spend with each parent
• Agreements about schooling or holidays
• Financial matters, but only if linked to child-related disputes

It does not cover cases solely about dividing property or money unrelated to children. Importantly, both parties must agree to mediation, as it is a voluntary process.

How Families Can Get the £500 Voucher

The process to access the voucher is straightforward, with no complicated government forms for families to complete. Here’s how it works:

• Attend a MIAM: The process begins with a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), where a mediator evaluates whether mediation is suitable.
• Eligibility Check: The mediator checks if the case qualifies for the voucher and confirms whether funding is available.
• Application by Mediator: If eligible, the mediator applies for the voucher on behalf of the family.
• Start Mediation: Once approved, families can begin their sessions. The government pays up to £500 directly to the mediation provider. If the cost exceeds this, families cover the extra.

What the Voucher Covers

The £500 voucher applies only to joint mediation sessions where both parties are present. It does not cover the cost of the initial MIAM unless you are eligible for Legal Aid. On average, families claim around £424, meaning the voucher usually covers most of the costs.

If one party qualifies for Legal Aid, the other can still use the voucher. Additionally, you may still qualify for Legal Aid even after using the voucher if your financial circumstances allow.

Success of the Scheme

Since its launch in 2021, the mediation voucher programme has shown strong results:

• More than 7,200 families supported in its early stages
• 69% of cases resulted in full or partial agreements
• Average claim per family: £424
• Families saved both time and emotional stress by avoiding court

Because of its success, the government has extended the scheme until March 2026.

Why Mediation Is Better Than Court

Experts agree that mediation is often the best route for families dealing with disputes involving children. The benefits include:

• Faster resolution compared to lengthy court processes
• Lower costs, saving families money on legal fees
• Less stressful, creating a calmer environment for both parents and children
• Greater control, as families make decisions together rather than leaving them to a judge
• Child-focused outcomes, ensuring decisions are made in the child’s best interest

The government hopes the £500 incentive will encourage more families to choose mediation as their first option.

FAQs

Q1: What is the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme?
It is a government-funded programme offering up to £500 towards mediation costs to help families resolve disputes involving children without going to court.

Q2: Who can use the £500 voucher?
Families with disputes involving children, such as custody, visitation, schooling, or related financial matters, are eligible. Both parties must agree to mediation.

Q3: How do I apply for the voucher?
You don’t need to apply directly. After attending a MIAM, your mediator will determine eligibility and apply on your behalf.

Q4: Does the voucher cover all costs?
It covers up to £500 of joint mediation sessions. The MIAM cost is excluded unless you qualify for Legal Aid. If mediation costs exceed £500, you will pay the difference.

Q5: How long will the scheme run?
The scheme has been extended until at least March 2026, ensuring more families can benefit from it.