Funding Boost Announced for UK Family Mediation Voucher Scheme

The Government has confirmed that an additional £1.3 million has been invested into the UK Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which was originally launched in March 2021.

The funding will provide an additional 2,440 vouchers for mediation services, allowing more families to avoid lengthy and costly courtroom battles, which can often have long-lasting and damaging impacts – especially on children.

What is Family Mediation?

Family Mediation is a voluntary process that is designed to help you and your former partner to resolve any potential disputes, including issues concerning your children or financial disputes that have arisen from the breakdown of your relationship.

It works by having a neutral mediator meet with you and your former partner (or another family member), who acts to facilitate a productive discussion about the issues at hand and the potential steps that need to be taken.

How does the Family Mediation Voucher scheme work?

Launched in March 2021, the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is designed to encourage more people to use mediation as a method of resolving family law disputes, especially as an alternative to court proceedings.

It is a time-limited scheme that was set up mainly in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the pressures put on family courts. Those who are eligible for the scheme are able to receive a financial contribution of up to £500 towards the costs of mediation.

Only mediators who are authorised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC), including our mediator Juliet Adelman, are taking part in the voucher scheme.

How do you apply for the Family Mediation voucher scheme?

Before anyone makes a court application for certain types of family law orders, they are required to attend a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM).

At your MIAM, a mediator will have the opportunity to discuss the Mediation Voucher Scheme with you and whether you would be eligible to make an application. The voucher contribution will be subject to suitability, case type and, ultimately, availability of the vouchers themselves.

It is important to note that the voucher cannot be used to pay for the costs of the MIAM. It can only be used to assist with the funding of mediation sessions only.

Who is eligible for the Family Mediation Voucher scheme?

Not all cases are eligible under the terms of the scheme. The following cases will typically be eligible for a mediation voucher:

• A dispute regarding arrangements for a child
• A dispute or application regarding family financial matters
• A dispute involving both of these elements

It is also worth pointing out that mediation is only possible if both parties are willing and able to participate. This means to be eligible for the voucher, both you and your former partner (or another family member) need to participate in the mediation process.

How do I receive the Family Mediation Voucher?

Should you decide to proceed with the mediation process and are eligible to receive the voucher, your mediator will make an application on your behalf. The voucher will be paid directly to them once all mediation sessions are concluded.

You will not receive a physical voucher, nor will you have to make an application yourself.

To participate in the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, all you need to do is confirm:

• You have asked your mediator to apply for the voucher
• You have not already applied for another voucher as a part of the same scheme
• You have given consent to your mediator to provide necessary information to the FMC

How many vouchers can I receive?

You can only claim one voucher of up to £500 per family/case. If you make a second application and have already received a voucher, you will not be offered a second voucher under the terms of the scheme.

Get in touch with our family mediation solicitor today

Juliet Adelman is our mediator at Atkins Hope. She is a Resolution trained mediator and has been a qualified mediator since 2013. She is also an experienced family solicitor.

For more information about mediation, contact her on Juliet.adelman@atkinshope.co.uk or ask for her on 0208 680 5018. We offer mediation at all our offices in Croydon, Medway or Blackheath.