What is the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme?

This blog was originally published in May 2021 and updated in February 2025.

The Mediation Voucher Scheme was first rolled out in 2021 to help families avoid going to court. It has now been announced that the scheme will continue until March 2026.

What is the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme?

The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme was initially set up in response to the Covid-19 pandemic to encourage families to consider mediation as a way of resolving their disputes, rather than in court.

The Mediation Voucher Scheme provides a contribution of up to £500 towards the costs of mediation for eligible cases.

The Scheme helps fund disputes involving childcare and finances and aims to reduce the number of cases that reach court proceedings.

According to Government figures, over 27,000 families have used the scheme during separation, and two-thirds of families using mediation have avoided court.

What are the benefits of mediation?

As family law solicitors, we are advocates for collaborative and conflict-free solutions to family law disputes, whether it’s related to divorce and separation or child arrangements. Family mediation gives all parties an opportunity to stay in control and come to an agreement about childcare or financial arrangements without court involvement. Court proceedings can often take several months, whereas mediation sessions can take mere hours, and are far more flexible.

Mediation can be a far less stressful way of resolving family disagreements, especially when children are involved or if there has been domestic abuse. A benefit of mediation for domestic abuse victims is that disputes can be resolved quickly, avoiding litigation and without the need to face their abuser in court.

The success of the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is reflected in the latest ‘Pathfinder’ scheme; a pilot currently helping families in Wales and West Yorkshire to resolve cases outside of court using early involvement from local authorities, Police and support services.

Blog | What is Child Inclusive Mediation?

Mediation isn’t always effective, however, and if the dispute has not been resolved, you still have the right to go to court.

Do I have to try mediation before starting the court process?

Before making a court application, you will be required to attend a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM) for certain types of family law disputes, unless you have a valid exemption, e.g. in cases of domestic abuse. Your family law solicitor will be able to advise you on your options and whether you need to attend a MIAM.

You can also try family mediation after you make an application to the court.

How do I apply for a family mediation voucher?

At your MIAM, the mediator will discuss your eligibility for the voucher scheme with you and can advise you on the application process.

You can only claim for the £500 family mediation voucher once per family or case.

Only mediators authorised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) are taking part in the voucher scheme.

Contact our family law solicitors

To speak to our family law solicitors about a conflict-free way of resolving a family or childcare dispute or reaching an agreement as part of divorce or separation, call us on 0117 325 2929.

During your case, our family lawyers can put you in touch with their recommended mediators who can help you focus on finding practical, workable solutions.

Alternatively, fill out our online enquiry form and we will be in touch.