What is the family mediation voucher scheme and who can apply?

Family mediation is one of the many methods you can use to agree on how yo'ill look after your children or split your finances when you divorce or separate. It’s a way of sorting things out without going to court, and also helps you stay on good terms and limit conflict between you and your ex.

What is the family mediation voucher scheme?

The family mediation voucher scheme in England and Wales is a government initiative that provides eligible families with financial assistance to access professional mediation services in order to help with any issues around separation, divorce, or arrangements for children.

In March 2021, the government launched the family mediation voucher scheme for parents looking to sort out childcare arrangements without going to court. The scheme was set up in response to the pandemic to ease pressure on the family court by encouraging more separating couples to consider alternative ways of resolving their disputes, where appropriate.

Who can apply for the family mediation voucher scheme work?

The family mediation voucher scheme is time-limited. The government will contribute up to £500 towards the costs of mediation through their mediation voucher scheme, if you're eligible. You may be eligible for the voucher if there is:

• a dispute or application about a child
• a dispute or application around financial family matters relating to a child
• Both people must agree to take part in the mediation

How do I apply for the family mediation voucher scheme?

It’s first-come, first-served and only mediators authorised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) are taking part in the family mediation voucher scheme.

Are there other ways to agree and arrange our financial and/or childcare arrangements?

If you're looking for support to sort out either childcare or financial arrangements without going to court, then amicable offers a range of options. All amicable's divorce diagnostic is designed to help promote your co-parenting relationship, put your children first and stay out of court. Our specially trained Divorce Specialists work with you and your ex together, something lawyers are not able to do. We work with couples like a mediator, but we will also complete all your paperwork (like a solicitor) to turn your agreements into legally binding documents, something a mediator does not do.

Read our guide on all the options available to divorcing and separating couples here.

Can you use family mediation vouchers for amicable negotiation?

As an online legal service for separating couples, you can’t use the family mediation voucher scheme, however, amicable has over a 90% success rate in helping couples reach an agreement and our fees are fixed and transparent.

How amicable can help?

• Download the amicable co-parenting app from the Apple or Google Play Store
• Separating with Children Service
• Joint Advice Consultation
• Find the right service for you
• Assisted Divorce and Consent Order Service (for people who have reached an agreement and want to make it legally-binding)

amicable's Divorce Specialists are experts in helping couples. Our approach to divorce and separation allows you to stay in control of the process and make decisions that are right for your family rather than creating two separate, warring sides or having a judge make decisions for you.

You’ll have support and guidance from one Specialist, and you'll hear the same advice about how to navigate your divorce from them. So no confusing contradictory information from different sources.

It can be hard to work together when emotions are running high, but with an amicable’s Specialist on hand, we will help manage the emotional journey and create a safe space so you can work things out as parents and learn new ways of communicating now that your relationship has changed.

On a practical note, all amicable’s divorce diagnostics are fixed price and include VAT so you’ll know what you’re paying before you start. You can find out more about amicable’s divorce diagnostic here and find out more about the government’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme here.

FAQs

family mediation voucher scheme extended until 2025?

Yes, the family mediation voucher scheme has been extended until 2025 by the Ministry of Justice. Book a free call with amicable to understand your options.

Are family mediation vouchers still available?

As the family mediation voucher scheme has been extended until 2025, the voucher scheme is still available to all those who meet the criteria listed in the blog.

What is the fmc voucher scheme?

The FMC or Family Mediation Council voucher scheme is sometimes used interchangeably with the Ffamily mediation voucher scheme. FMC stands for Family Mediation Council and consequently, mediators need to be a part of the FMC in order to participate in the family mediation voucher scheme.