Family Mediation
The Ministry of Justice is running a Mediation voucher scheme which provides a voucher with a value of up to £500 towards the cost of mediation in eligible cases.
This scheme enables people to resolve family disputes outside of court, saving them time and money.
Mediation Voucher Scheme: FAQs
Am I eligible for Mediation Voucher?
The only eligibility criteria for the scheme are either:
- The dispute is regarding a child.
- The dispute is regarding family financial matters, where you are also involved in a dispute relating to a child.
The voucher is not means-tested, and it does not matter how much or how little you earn.
Can I use the Mediation voucher more than once?
No, the voucher can only be used once, and the voucher is per family. So if one party has previously used the voucher scheme, both parties will not be able to apply again even if you have never used the voucher yourself.
I have mediated previously; how will I know if I’ve used the Mediation voucher before?
The voucher scheme began in March 2021. If you mediated after this date, it is likely that the voucher was used on your behalf. It would not have been used if you recall paying for your joint mediation session. If you are still unsure, contact your previous mediation provider, and they will have a record of whether the voucher was used.
Does the voucher cover my whole mediation process?
No, the voucher does not cover the MIAM fee. This is because the mediator needs this appointment to determine whether you are eligible for the voucher.
The voucher only covers the joint mediation session. The voucher also does not cover any payments that may be required for a MIAM certificate or for drafting any documents you may request after your session. These are optional extras.
Can I use it if I’m not the parent of the child being discussed?
Yes, anybody can use the voucher if they are the child’s relatives.
What if we require more than one mediation session?
The maximum amount that can be claimed on the voucher is £500. Once the first session is fully paid, any remaining voucher balance will be applied to a second session, if required.
What if we need to discuss financial matters?
If you solely need to discuss finances regarding a divorce or separation, you will not be able to apply for the voucher. If you need to discuss child arrangements and finances, the voucher could be applied for and used for both. If this would require you to have two separate sessions, then the process would be as above.
Do I have to do anything to apply for the voucher?
The mediator will apply for the Mediation voucher on your behalf if you are eligible. The only thing that you will need to do is sign a consent form to consent to the voucher being applied for on your behalf and to confirm that you have never received the voucher previously.
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