FAMILY MEDIATION VOUCHER SCHEME

Find out more about Family Mediation Voucher Scheme

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WHAT IS THE FAMILY MEDIATION VOUCHER SCHEME?

The UK government’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme aims to assist eligible parties in resolving family law disputes, including child arrangements and financial matters, in an efficient way. Administered by the Family Mediation Council, the scheme provides a physical voucher to cover the costs of mediation, including the cost of a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) and joint mediation sessions. The Ministry of Justice funds this initiative to reduce the overall cost of your sessions and encourage the use of mediation services over court applications. Although the mediation voucher offers a one-time financial contribution of up to £500, it does not cover the cost of the MIAM. However, legal aid can fund both the MIAM and all subsequent mediation sessions.

Eligible parties, particularly those on low income, can benefit from voucher funding to cover mediation costs, with the total value of the voucher contributing significantly to the financial arrangements. Family mediators facilitate these sessions, ensuring the best arrangements for the whole family. In recent years, this scheme has proven to be an effective way to handle family law disputes, with mediation participants required to complete a short monitoring questionnaire to assess the scheme’s impact. Legal aid funding may also be available for those who meet the eligibility requirements, further supporting the financial contribution needed for mediation services. The Mediation Voucher

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Eligibility: Families must meet certain eligibility criteria, which typically include being separated or divorcing and having a child under 18.
Voucher Application: Eligible families can apply for a voucher through your trained mediator.
Voucher Approval: Once approved, the family will receive a voucher that can be used towards the cost of mediation sessions.
Mediation Provider: The voucher can be used with approved mediation providers.

Benefits of using the voucher

Reduced Costs: The voucher helps to offset the cost of mediation, making it more affordable for families.

Faster Resolution: Mediation can often lead to quicker resolutions compared to traditional family court proceedings.
Reduced Stress: Mediation can be less stressful than going through the court system, as it allows for more collaborative problem-solving.
Child-Focused: Mediation prioritises the best interests of the child and can help to minimise the impact of separation on children and setup new arrangements moving forward.

what to expect?

Mediation Sessions: Joint sessions in mediation involve facilitated discussions between the separating or divorcing couple to reach agreements on various issues, such as child custody, child support, and property division.
Neutral Mediator: A neutral mediator guides the discussions and helps the parties find common ground.
Agreements: : If the parties reach an agreement, once the necessary information is agreed on, it can be formalised into a legally binding document.

Eligibility Criteria

The specific eligibility criteria for the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may vary depending on your location. However, generally, you must:

Be separated or divorcing.
Have a child under 18.
Meet certain income requirements.

The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme can be a valuable tool for families going through separation or divorce. By reducing the financial burden of mediation, it can make it more accessible and help families reach agreements in a less stressful and time-consuming manner. Speak to our experts to start your mediation information assessment meeting or complete the form below and complete your basic information to arrange a callback.