The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme extended to 2025, are you eligible?
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme extended to 2025, are you eligible?
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is a government-funded scheme that provides financial assistance to separating couples with children. The scheme offers vouchers worth up to £500 towards the cost of mediation in relation to issues relating to child arrangements, which can be used to pay towards the cost of the mediator’s fees.
The scheme was introduced in April 2021 and has been extended until April 2025. The government has also increased funding for the scheme to £15 million, which will allow more people to benefit from it.
Mediation can be a very beneficial way to resolve family law disputes. It can help couples to reach agreements on issues such as child arrangements, child and spousal maintenance, and the division of assets without having to go to court.
Mediation can also be less expensive, more constructive and more efficient than going to court.
MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting)
A MIAM is a meeting with a mediator to discuss your situation and find out if mediation is right for you. It is compulsory to attend a MIAM before you can apply for a Family Mediation Voucher. Please note that the use of a mediation voucher is restricted to funding of mediation sessions only. You will have to pay for your MIAM first. However, if either you or your partner are eligible for legal aid the MIAM will be free.. Please contact us to discuss your matter and the initial costs of a MIAM at fld@oliverfisher.co.uk.
What are the benefits of family mediation?
Family mediation is a process in which a trained mediator helps separating couples to communicate and negotiate with each other in order to reach agreements about their children, finances, and property. Mediation can be a very effective way to resolve family disputes without having to go to court.
Some of the benefits of family mediation include:
- It is a voluntary process, so both parties must agree to participate.
- It is a confidential process, so anything that is said in mediation cannot be used in court.
- It is a child-focused process
- It can be a more affordable and less stressful way to resolve family disputes than going to court.
How to apply for the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
If you are eligible for the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, your mediator will apply once the date of the first mediation session has been agreed please contact Jo Shorltand or Glynne Davies for further information.
How to use the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
Once the voucher has been confirmed , you can use it to pay towards the cost of mediation sessions at Oliver Fisher who are FMC-accredited so do not hesitate to contact us directly at: fld@oliverfisher.co.uk. Our mediators assist a broad range of clients throughout W11, Kensington and Chelsea and further afield such as North London, .
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is a great way to make mediation more affordable for separating couples with children. If you are eligible, we will always be happy to apply to the scheme on your behalf we hope you will consider mediation as a way to help resolve issues during your divorce or separation and beyond..
Article written by Jo Shortland Partner, Solicitor, Accredited Mediator & Collaborative Lawyer. To get in touch with the writer please email: fld@oliverfisher.co.uk.
Mediator & Collaborative Lawyer. To get in touch with the writer please email: fld@oliverfisher.co.uk.