New Mediation voucher scheme launched for Family Law cases

A new scheme has been launched to encourage more people to use mediation services in family law cases as an alternative to the family courts. 

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has launched the Mediation Voucher Scheme which is being administered by the Family Mediation Council (FMC).

Financial contribution

The scheme offers people a voucher up to the value of £500 to go towards the cost of a mediator. It is hoped that this money will encourage more people to engage with mediation to resolve their case before a court hearing is needed. This will allow the courts more time to clear their backlog of cases and focus on the matters that have not been resolved.

How does it work?

Mediators will be asked to make an application to the FMC to apply for the funds which are paid out by the FMC on behalf of the MoJ. Mediators will be given a case reference which will help the FMC to manage applications and ensure that vouchers are allocated only where there are funds available.

The scheme applies to all mediation participants who attend their Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM) on or after Friday 26 March 2021. Mediators can apply to register in the scheme from Thursday 1 April via the FMC website. 

More information

To find out more about this scheme you can view the FMC website here which provides additional details, FAQs and information mediators need to make their application.

Visit the MoJ website here to view their information on the scheme.

How can we help?

For assistance with your family law matter and more information on whether mediation is something that would benefit you, please contact our family law team here.