Mediation voucher scheme
Mediation Voucher Scheme
The information below is taken directly from the FMC Website. Your Family Mediation is a member of the FMC and is part of the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme.
If you have any questions, we’d be happy to answer them for you, please get in touch.
Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
The family mediation voucher scheme is a time-limited scheme designed to support parties who may be able to resolve their family law disputes outside of court. The Government has set up the scheme in response to Covid-19 to support recovery in the family court and to encourage more people to consider mediation as a means of resolving their disputes, where appropriate. To support this, a financial contribution of up to £500 towards mediation costs will be provided if eligible. Only mediators authorised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) participate in the voucher scheme.
How do I know if I am eligible for a mediation voucher?
On attendance of a MIAM, a trained mediator will assess the issues which you seek to resolve to see if they are suitable for mediation and meet the eligibility requirements for the voucher scheme. Not all cases are eligible under the scheme. The case types specified below are eligible for a mediation voucher:
- A dispute/application regarding a child
- A dispute/application regarding family financial matters where you are also involved in a dispute/application relating to a child
How will I receive the voucher?
Suppose you decide to proceed with mediation and are eligible for the voucher. In that case, Your Family mediation will apply for the voucher funding, which will be paid directly to them once all mediation sessions are concluded. You will not receive a physical voucher, and you will not need to make an application for it. Vouchers are limited in number and will be offered to eligible parties until they are no longer available. Your mediator will let you know if there are vouchers available.
What do I have to do to take part in the scheme?
You will be asked to confirm that you have:
- asked the mediator to apply for the voucher
- not already applied for another voucher as part of the same scheme
- given consent to your mediator providing your necessary information to the Family Mediation Council. This includes your name, the bill for mediation services you receive from the mediator and some basic information about your case.
How many vouchers will I receive?
You can only claim once per family/ case for a one-off contribution of up to £500 towards your mediation costs. If you have an application or dispute relating to a child and a financial issue application or dispute ongoing simultaneously, you can only receive up to £500. If you make a second application and have already received a voucher, you will not be offered a second voucher under this scheme.
Will the voucher cover all my mediation costs?
This will depend on the rates set by your chosen mediator and how many mediation sessions are required. The voucher is intended to be a contribution towards mediation sessions. Your mediator will tell you their rates and how many sessions the voucher will likely cover. As the total value of the voucher is £500, you may need to contribute to the overall cost of your sessions if you choose to continue with mediation.
Can I get a voucher if I am eligible for legal aid?
Yes, if you are eligible for legal aid, you can still be eligible for a voucher. The mediation voucher scheme is a one-off financial contribution of up to £500 and will not cover the cost of a MIAM. Legal aid will fund the MIAM and all mediation sessions if you are eligible. At your MIAM, your FMC-accredited mediator will discuss your options (including whether they can take on legal aid work).
Can I obtain a voucher if the other person in mediation is entitled to legal aid?
Yes, the vouchers are allocated per case. If one person, in that case, is eligible for legal aid, the other person can still apply for a voucher to contribute toward their mediation costs. If the other person is eligible for legal aid but you are not, then you will also be entitled to legal aid funding, which will cover the cost of the MIAM and the first mediation session.
Get In Touch For More Information!
If you have any more questions regarding the mediation voucher scheme, please don’t hesitate to contact our team and speak to a knowledgeable professional. We are always on hand to help and we can answer your questions with no obligation to utilise our services further. Our mediators can advise you on the right mediation services for your needs and we can discuss your financial arrangements if you are unsure of your eligibility within the mediation voucher scheme.