What is the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme?

The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme was launched by the government and the Family Mediation Council to support people financially to resolve their disputes outside of court. The voucher is a £500 non-repayable grant and covers the cost of mediation sessions discussing arrangements for children. 

The voucher scheme was set up during the Covid-19 pandemic, where access to Family Court was limited, and backlogs built up in the justice system.  The aim was to encourage more people to consider mediation as a means of resolving their disputes.  Only mediators authorised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) are able to access the voucher scheme.  Online Mediation is fully registered for the scheme, and we handle the voucher application and administration, so there is no extra burden for our clients. 

The voucher covers the cost of joint mediation sessions, up to a value of £500.  It can also cover any meetings a mediator has with children as part of the process.  It doesn’t cover the cost of the individual meeting (often called a ‘MIAM’) that we must first have with each client. 

These cases are eligible for a mediation voucher:

• mediation regarding a child

• mediation regarding family financial matters, where you are also involved in a dispute relating to a child

Please remember that mediation is voluntary, so both people will need to agree to take part.  The voucher is available for parents, grandparents, and any extended family members. 

The mediation voucher is a one-off grant.  There is no expectation that you repay any funds, and mediation remains voluntary and confidential.  You’ll be kept up to date on how much of the voucher is spent as your case proceeds; if you require further mediation support you are welcome to continue to use the same mediator, paying our private fees.  You can see a full list of our fees here.

While the government states that approval of a Mediation Voucher is not guaranteed, we are not aware of any eligible case being declined funding.  The Scheme is currently scheduled to run until at least 2026. 

If you have any questions about the Mediation Voucher Scheme, you are welcome to contact us.  There is also detailed information available on the government webpage.