Family mediation funding support
Family Mediation Voucher Scheme.
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme can provide a contribution of up to £500 towards eligible family mediation sessions, where the dispute involves children or children and related financial matters.
Want to know if you are eligible?
Need child arrangements?
Want to avoid court where possible?
Ask us how the scheme works
What is the voucher scheme?
The voucher scheme is designed to help eligible families resolve disputes outside court by contributing towards the cost of mediation sessions.
Support with mediation costs
A contribution of up to £500 towards eligible mediation sessions.
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is a Ministry of Justice-backed scheme administered through the Family Mediation Council. It provides a one-off contribution of up to £500 per family or case, subject to eligibility and availability.
The voucher is not a physical voucher and is not paid to you directly. If your case is eligible and you proceed with mediation, the mediator applies for the funding and it is paid directly to the mediator after the mediation sessions are concluded.
Eligibility
Who can use the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme?
Eligibility is assessed at your MIAM by a trained family mediator. Not every family mediation case qualifies for voucher funding.
Child-related disputes
The scheme can apply where the dispute or application relates to arrangements for a child.
Financial matters with child issues
The scheme can also apply to financial matters where there is also a dispute or application relating to a child.
Subject to availability
Vouchers are limited and are offered to eligible parties while funding remains available.
How it works
The voucher process is handled through your mediator.
1. Attend a MIAM
At your MIAM, the mediator explains mediation and checks whether your case may be eligible for the voucher scheme.
2. Mediator applies
If your case is eligible and vouchers are available, your mediator applies for the voucher funding on your behalf.
3. Funding is deducted
The contribution is paid directly to the mediator after mediation sessions conclude. You may still need to pay any costs not covered by the voucher.
Important: the voucher does not pay for the MIAM
The voucher is restricted to eligible mediation sessions. It does not cover the cost of the MIAM unless you qualify for legal aid through a provider who offers legal aid mediation.
Benefits
Why the voucher scheme can help families.
Reduced costs
The voucher can reduce the amount you need to pay towards eligible mediation sessions.
Child-focused discussions
The scheme is intended to help families resolve issues involving children without unnecessary court escalation.
Less stressful route
Mediation can help people discuss arrangements in a calmer, structured setting rather than moving straight into contested court proceedings.
Voucher scheme questions
Will I receive the voucher money?
No. The voucher is not paid directly to you. If your case is eligible, the mediator applies for the funding and it is paid directly to the mediator after the mediation sessions are concluded.
Does the voucher cover the MIAM?
No. The voucher is for eligible mediation sessions only. The MIAM is not covered by the voucher, although legal aid may cover the MIAM and mediation sessions if you are eligible and the provider offers legal aid mediation.
Can I get more than one voucher?
No. The scheme provides a one-off contribution of up to £500 per family or case. If child and financial matters are running at the same time, the total voucher contribution is still up to £500.
Is the voucher means-tested?
The voucher itself is assessed by case type and availability rather than a standard income test. If you may be eligible for legal aid, your mediator can also discuss that separately.
What if the voucher does not cover all costs?
The voucher is a contribution, not a guarantee that all mediation costs will be covered. Your mediator should explain the likely cost of sessions and whether any additional payment may be needed.
What to expect in mediation
- A neutral mediator manages the discussion.
- Both people can raise the issues they need to resolve.
- Child arrangements can be discussed in a structured way.
- Where agreement is reached, proposals can be recorded.
Want to check voucher eligibility?
Contact Solent Family Mediation to discuss whether your child-related mediation matter may qualify for the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme.