Ministry of Justice £500 Family Mediation Voucher Scheme & Fees

Transparent, fair pricing with non-means-tested government funding of up to £500 towards eligible child-related mediation sessions.

What is the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme?

The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is a government initiative funded by the UK Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and administered through the Family Mediation Council (FMC).

It provides a financial contribution of up to £500 per family towards the cost of joint mediation sessions. The scheme was created to help separating parents resolve disputes over children outside of court, keeping matters child-focused, reducing conflict, and avoiding long legal delays.

Key Benefits of the Voucher Scheme

Not Means-Tested: You do not need to show proof of income, benefits, or assets to qualify.
No Lengthy Paperwork for You: You do not need to submit complex application forms. If eligible, your accredited mediator applies for the funding directly on your behalf.
Direct Fee Reduction: The £500 grant is credited directly towards your joint mediation invoice.
Covers Child-Inclusive Mediation: The voucher funding can also be used towards sessions where children meet with a qualified child consultant.

Who is Eligible for the £500 Voucher?

To qualify for the voucher scheme:

Child Arrangements Disputes: A dispute or application regarding arrangements for a child (e.g., living schedules, school holiday rotas, contact time).
Combined Child & Financial Disputes: A financial dispute linked to your separation where there is also an ongoing dispute regarding child arrangements.
Assessment Attendance: Both parties must attend their individual Mediation Information & Assessment Meetings (MIAMs) where suitability is confirmed.

(Note: Purely financial disputes with no children involved are not covered by the voucher scheme, but remain fully eligible for standard private mediation).

How the Voucher Process Works in 3 Steps

Step 1: Book Your Individual MIAM

During your private 60-minute assessment meeting, your mediator will evaluate your case and confirm whether your dispute qualifies for the MoJ voucher.
Step 2: Mediator Submits the Application

With both parties' consent, we register and secure the voucher allocation directly with the Family Mediation Council.
Step 3: £500 Applied to Your Joint Sessions

When you begin joint mediation, the £500 credit is applied directly against the joint session costs until used.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Voucher

Q: Does the £500 voucher cover our initial MIAMs?

A: No. The voucher contribution is specifically allocated towards joint mediation sessions. Each party pays for their own separate individual MIAM assessment first.

Q: Do we each get £500?

A: The voucher is a one-off grant of up to £500 per family/case, shared across your joint mediation sessions.

Q: What happens if our sessions cost more than £500?

A: If further mediation time is required beyond the £500 voucher credit, the remaining balance is simply split between the parties according to our standard hourly rates.

Not Means-Tested: You do not need to show proof of income, benefits, or assets to qualify.

No Lengthy Paperwork for You: You do not need to submit complex application forms. If eligible, your accredited mediator applies for the funding directly on your behalf.

Direct Fee Reduction: The £500 grant is credited directly towards your joint mediation invoice.

Covers Child-Inclusive Mediation: The voucher funding can also be used towards sessions where children meet with a qualified child consultant.

Who is Eligible for the £500 Voucher? To qualify for the voucher scheme:

Child Arrangements Disputes: A dispute or application regarding arrangements for a child (e.g., living schedules, school holiday rotas, contact time).

Combined Child & Financial Disputes: A financial dispute linked to your separation where there is also an ongoing dispute regarding child arrangements.

Assessment Attendance: Both parties must attend their individual Mediation Information & Assessment Meetings (MIAMs) where suitability is confirmed.

(Note: Purely financial disputes with no children involved are not covered by the voucher scheme, but remain fully eligible for standard private mediation). How the Voucher Process Works in 3 Steps

Step 1: Book Your Individual MIAM

During your private 60-minute assessment meeting, your mediator will evaluate your case and confirm whether your dispute qualifies for the MoJ voucher.

Step 2: Mediator Submits the Application

With both parties' consent, we register and secure the voucher allocation directly with the Family Mediation Council.

Step 3: £500 Applied to Your Joint Sessions

When you begin joint mediation, the £500 credit is applied directly against the joint session costs until used.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Voucher

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Who is Eligible for the £500 Voucher?

To qualify for the voucher scheme:

(Note: Purely financial disputes with no children involved are not covered by the voucher scheme, but remain fully eligible for standard private mediation).

How the Voucher Process Works in 3 Steps