The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme helps families resolve disputes around children and finances – outside of court, faster, and more affordably.
You don’t apply for the voucher yourself — your accredited mediator handles it on your behalf. Here’s the full process from start to finish.
Start with a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) with a qualified FMC-accredited mediator. Cost is around £120 per person unless you qualify for legal aid.
Your mediator assesses whether your case qualifies — it must involve a dispute relating to a child, or a child dispute combined with a financial issue.
You confirm you haven't used the scheme before and give consent for your mediator to share basic case details with the Family Mediation Council.
Your mediator applies for the voucher. Once all sessions are complete, up to £500 is paid directly to them — reducing your bill automatically.
Important: Vouchers are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Your mediator will confirm if funding is still available at your MIAM.
Not every case qualifies. Your MIAM will involve an assessment of your situation by your mediator. Take a look at the table below for a simple summary of the case types covered and not covered.
* Disputes about child arrangements
* Child custody or contact matters
* Financial disputes where a child arrangement is also involved
* Division of property where children are involved
* Recipients of legal aid (the voucher is still valid)
* Cases where only one party qualifies for legal aid.
* Financial-only disputes (no child involved)
* Cases where one party refuses mediation
* Second applications after a voucher was already used
* MIAMs attended before 26 March 2021
* Cases with valid court exemptions from MIAM
Both parties must agree to participate in mediation. Mediation only works when both sides commit to the process. EH Mediation can help you understand your options at your initial consultation — call us on 03300 100 346.
Family mediation is already far more affordable than going to court. The voucher scheme reduces this further.
Here’s a typical cost breakdown.
MIAM session ~ £120 – per person
Must be paid separately. Free if you qualify for legal aid.
Mediation sessions vary per session
Rates set by your mediator. The voucher contributes up to £500 toward this.
Voucher contribution up to £500 per family/case
Paid directly to your mediator. One voucher per family — no physical voucher needed.
Mediation vs. going to court £10k+ typical court costs
Mediation is significantly cheaper and faster than family court proceedings.
Beyond the financial support, choosing mediation over court offers real benefits for you, your children, and your long-term relationships.
✓ You stay in control — a judge doesn’t make decisions for you. You and the other party agree together.
✓ Far quicker than the court. Mediation can resolve disputes in weeks, not months or years.
✓ Less stressful for everyone involved, especially children — a neutral mediator guides all discussions.
✓ You don’t have to be in the same room. Shuttle mediation and online sessions are available.
✓ Agreements can be made legally binding — giving you proper peace of mind and protection.
✓ If mediation doesn’t work, you still have the right to go to court. Nothing is lost by trying.
What is the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme?
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is a government initiative run by the Ministry of Justice. It provides a financial contribution of up to £500 towards the cost of Mediation for eligible families. It was introduced to help more people resolve family disputes outside of court, and to support recovery in the family court system.
How do I apply for a mediation voucher?
You don’t apply directly — your mediator does. At your MIAM, your mediator will discuss whether your case is eligible and, if so, apply for the voucher on your behalf. The funding is paid directly to the mediator upon completion of all sessions. You won’t receive a physical voucher.
What case types are eligible for a voucher?
Eligible cases include: (1) a dispute or application regarding a child, and (2) a dispute involving family financial matters where you are also involved in a child dispute. If your case solely relates to financial matters with no child dispute, you will not be eligible for a voucher.
Can the voucher pay for my MIAM?
No. The voucher can only be used toward the cost of mediation sessions — not the MIAM. You will need to pay for your MIAM separately (approximately £120 per person). However, if you qualify for legal aid, both your MIAM and mediation sessions may be covered at no cost to you.
Will £500 cover all my mediation costs?
It depends on your mediator’s rates and the number of sessions needed. The £500 is a contribution, not a guarantee of full coverage. Your mediator will explain their rates upfront and let you know how many sessions the voucher is likely to cover. You may need to contribute towards any remaining costs.
Can I get a voucher if I’m eligible for legal aid?
Yes. If you are eligible for legal aid, you can still receive a voucher. Legal aid covers the MIAM and all mediation sessions if eligible. The voucher scheme is separate and provides an additional one-off contribution of up to £500. Your mediator can advise on both options at your MIAM.
Can I get a voucher if the other person gets legal aid?
Yes. Vouchers are allocated per case. If one person in the case is eligible for legal aid, the other can still apply for a voucher. If the other person has legal aid but you don’t, you will also be entitled to legal aid funding for the MIAM and the first mediation session.
How many vouchers can I receive?
You can only claim once per family or case — a single one-off contribution of up to £500. If you have both a child dispute and a financial dispute running at the same time, you are still limited to one voucher of up to £500. You cannot receive a second voucher if you have already claimed one under this scheme.
Do I have to be in the same room as the other person?
No. You can choose not to be in the same room or space as the other person. This is called shuttle mediation — your mediator moves between separate rooms or separate online sessions. EH Mediation offers both in-person and online Mediation to suit your circumstances.
I already attended a MIAM before — can I still get a voucher?
Only if your MIAM took place on or after 26 March 2021, when the scheme launched, can you be considered for a voucher. If your MIAM were before that date, you would need to attend a new MIAM.
Are vouchers always available?
Vouchers are limited in number and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Your mediator will confirm whether vouchers are still available at the time of your MIAM. We recommend contacting EH Mediation as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
Ready to get started?
Call EH Mediation today to book your MIAM and check your eligibility for the voucher scheme.