We are pleased to confirm that the Ministry of Justice has extended the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme for a further year into 2027.
Only accredited mediators can offer the vouchers and Family Matters has done so since they were introduced in 2021, when rising numbers of parent court applications were causing backlogs and delays for families.
The £500 vouchers encourage families to use mediation to reach agreements regarding their children’s arrangements rather than the court system. One voucher is offered per family where issues relate to children and can be used to consult children as part of the mediation process. Entitlement is not means tested and the vouchers are offered regardless of income or assets.
Find out more about child inclusive mediation
Juliette Dalrymple, director and mediator at Family Matters, said:
“The scheme has proved extremely beneficial for families so far, and I am delighted to see it continue.
“In family mediation, separating couples work with independent mediators in a safe environment to help them find solutions and reach agreements to their family issues with less conflict and putting greater emphasis on their children.
“Family Matters has processed over 600 voucher applications since the scheme started in 2021. We look forward to being able to continue doing this. It is far better for parents and children to work together when they can, and I’d encourage anyone looking for help in finding workable solutions to issues relating to their children to contact us as soon as possible so we can apply for the financial help these vouchers provide on their behalf.”
According to the Family Mediation Council (FMC), which administers the scheme, two-thirds of the first 7,200 families to use the vouchers reached agreement without going to court.
