The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme: What It Is and Who Can Use It
- Amy Dixon
- Jan 27
- 2 min read
If you’re separating or already separated and trying to sort out arrangements for your children and finances, you may have heard about the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme. It’s a government-funded initiative designed to help parents resolve disputes without going to court—and it can significantly reduce the cost of mediation.
At Family-Mediation-Online, we regularly support parents who are surprised (and relieved) to discover they qualify.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme?
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme provides up to £500 towards the cost of family mediation. The funding is paid directly to the mediator and can be used for joint mediation sessions that focus on resolving child-related arrangements.
The aim is simple:
✔ reduce conflict
✔ avoid lengthy court proceedings
✔ help parents reach workable, child-focused agreements
Who Is Eligible?
This is the part many people misunderstand.
If you have children under the age of 18, you are entitled to the voucher – regardless of your income.
There is no means testing for the voucher scheme. It does not matter:
how much you earn
whether you own property
whether one or both parents are working
As long as:
the dispute relates to children, and
the children are under 18, and
mediation is considered suitable
…the voucher can be applied.
What Can the Voucher Be Used For?
The £500 voucher can be used towards:
Joint or shuttle mediation sessions
Discussions about:
where children live and housing needs
time spent with each parent
school holidays and special occasions
communication arrangements
introducing new partners
relocation issues
returning to discuss a court order already in place
It cannot usually be used for:
Legal advice
Court fees
Individual counselling
Your mediator will explain exactly how the voucher is applied and what it covers.
How Does It Work in Practice?
Attend a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) Each parent has an individual meeting with the mediator.
Mediator assesses suitability If mediation is appropriate and the case qualifies, the mediator applies for the voucher.
Voucher applied automatically You don’t need to apply yourself—the mediator handles this.
Joint mediation sessions begin The voucher is deducted from the mediation fees.
At Family-Mediation-Online, we make this process straightforward and transparent from the outset.
Why Use Mediation Instead of Court?
Parents often come to us feeling anxious about court, worried about cost, or concerned about the impact on their children. Mediation offers:
A faster resolution
Lower costs
Flexible, parent-led outcomes
A calmer, child-focused process
Better long-term co-parenting relationships
Most importantly, it keeps decision-making in your hands, rather than passing it to a judge.
How Family-Mediation-Online Can Help
We offer:
Online MIAMs and mediation sessions
Fully accredited family mediators
Clear, fixed-fee pricing
Voucher scheme support for eligible parents
A calm, neutral, and professional approach
If you have children under 18 and need help reaching arrangements, you do not need to struggle alone—or go straight to court.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’d like to check whether mediation (and the voucher scheme) is right for you, get in touch with us today.
Book a Free Call or a MIAM online
Ask about the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
Helping parents move forward—focused on children, not conflict.
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