£500 free family mediation - thousands of separating parents eligible for voucher
- Online Mediation
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
Separating from a partner is never easy, but financial support is now available to make the process smoother and less stressful. Thanks to the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, couples going through a separation can access £500 in free funding to cover mediation costs, helping them resolve disputes without the need for costly and drawn-out court battles.
What is the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme?
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme was introduced in April 2021 and has already helped over 37,700 families reach agreements outside of court. Recently, the government extended the scheme until March 2026, ensuring that even more families can benefit from free financial support for mediation services.
Mediation is a structured and professional process where a trained family mediator helps separating couples work out arrangements for children, finances, and other key matters. The goal is to avoid the stress, time, and cost of taking disputes to court.
Why Mediation Works
Statistics show that 70% of families who receive a mediation voucher reach either a full or partial agreement, reducing the number of cases that proceed to court. This benefits everyone involved:
For families: Mediation is faster, less stressful, and allows for more amicable resolutions.
For children: Avoiding lengthy court battles protects children from unnecessary emotional strain.
For the legal system: Fewer cases in court reduce backlogs and allow more time for urgent cases.
Since the scheme began, private law applications to court have dropped significantly, with numbers falling from 55,711 in 2020 to 50,807 in 2023.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for the £500 mediation voucher, your case must involve:
A dispute about child arrangements (such as custody, living arrangements, or visitation rights), or
A financial dispute where children are also involved.
Eligibility is assessed during a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), where a mediator will determine if mediation is a suitable option for you. If your case qualifies, your mediator will apply for the voucher on your behalf.
It is important to note that the voucher does not go directly to you; instead, it is paid directly to the mediator to cover the cost of sessions. If mediation costs exceed £500, you and your ex-partner will need to cover the remaining balance.
A Less Adversarial Approach
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is part of broader court changes, which aim to make the family separation disputes less adversarial.
What Happens if Mediation Fails?
If mediation does not result in an agreement, court proceedings may still be necessary. However, before applying to court, you are usually required to attempt mediation first, unless exemptions apply (e.g., cases involving domestic abuse). If court is unavoidable, a qualified family mediator will provide a Mediation Certificate to allow an application to be made.
How to Apply for the Voucher
Find a qualified family mediator – only specific authorised mediators can access the voucher funding. All mediators at Online Mediation can access voucher funding for you.
Attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) – this session helps determine whether mediation is right for your situation and give you information and guidance on your options.
If eligible, your mediator will apply for the voucher on your behalf – You don’t need to do anything else to receive the funding.
Summary and contact details
If you are separating and need to work out child arrangements, family mediation can help you reach a fair and practical agreement. With the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, you could receive up to £500 towards the cost, making it an affordable and effective solution.
If you have an questions about the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, call us today on 0800 133 7303 or Contact Us.
Start by booking your Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) below or call us on 0800 133 7303
