The Government helps eligible families avoid court by funding part of the cost of mediation. Here's everything you need to know.
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is a Government-funded initiative that provides up to £500 towards the cost of family mediation, helping separating families resolve disputes about children and finances without going to court.
First introduced in 2021, the scheme has already supported more than 54,000 families and has been extended several times since — most recently confirmed by the Ministry of Justice in May 2026.
You don't need to apply for the voucher yourself. If you're eligible, your mediator applies on your behalf and the contribution is deducted directly from your mediation costs — no forms, no separate application.
The voucher is £500 inclusive of VAT, is a one-off contribution per family or case, and is administered by the Family Mediation Council on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.
You're likely to qualify if your situation matches the criteria below — your mediator confirms eligibility at your MIAM.
Your dispute or application is about arrangements for a child — such as where they live, contact time, parenting plans, or school and health decisions.
Your dispute is about family financial matters, and you're also involved in a dispute relating to a child. Both elements must be present to qualify.
Your mediator must be authorised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) to take part in the scheme. Becky Taylor Mediation works within the FMC framework.
The voucher can be claimed once per family or case. If you've already used it with another mediator for the same dispute, you can't claim again.
Your MIAM must have taken place on or after 26 March 2021. The voucher applies to the joint mediation sessions that follow — not the MIAM itself.
Both parties must consent to basic case data being shared with the Family Mediation Council for monitoring purposes — a standard requirement.
Even if the voucher doesn't apply to your case — for example if your dispute is solely about finances or property with no children involved — mediation is still significantly cheaper than going to court, and the voucher isn't means-tested so it doesn't rule out anyone on the basis of income. Our fixed-session pricing means you always know what you'll pay. View our pricing →
You don't need to apply for the voucher yourself — here's what happens.
Tell us about your situation. We'll talk through whether you're likely to qualify for the voucher — no commitment needed.
Your Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting is the first formal step — a short individual session where we assess your situation and explain your options. The £500 voucher covers your joint mediation sessions, not the MIAM itself. We'll be clear about all costs upfront.
Once confirmed eligible, we apply the voucher directly to your case with the Family Mediation Council. You simply pay any remaining balance — no forms, no fuss.
The voucher contributes up to £500 across your joint sessions. Most families resolve their arrangements within 3–5 sessions; any costs beyond the voucher are settled directly with us at our standard rates.
Book a free 30-minute call. We'll talk through your eligibility and explain exactly how the voucher could apply to your situation.
Information correct as of June 2026. The scheme is funded by the Ministry of Justice and administered by the Family Mediation Council, and is subject to funding availability and eligibility criteria. For the latest official information visit gov.uk.