Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is extended to 2027 

Families will be able to access a £500 contribution to mediation for issues relating to children for another year.

The extension means that Mediators can continue to access vouchers for their mediation clients who seek to resolve matters regarding child/ren.

The family mediation voucher scheme is designed to support separated couples who are seeking to resolve issues arising from their separation outside of court. The purpose of the Government scheme is to encourage separated couples to consider participating in mediation as a non-court dispute resolution method (NCDR) with the incentive being that the government will contribute a maximum of £500 towards the costs of joint sessions of mediation, subject to eligibility.

Louise Martin is authorised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) to take part in the voucher scheme. When participants attend their separate MIAMs, Louise will assess the issues to see if they are suitable for mediation. Part of this will be a discussion about funding and eligibility for the voucher scheme. Participants both have to be willing to claim the voucher and provide their written consent.

Crucially, the mediation voucher scheme is not available for finance-only mediations. The eligibility requirements provide that the dispute must be regarding child/ren, or regarding financial matters where there is also a dispute relating to child/ren.

More information can be found about the Mediation Voucher scheme below:

https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/mediation-vouchers/

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/family-mediation-voucher-scheme