The voucher scheme provides a financial contribution towards the cost of family mediation for eligible cases. It is designed to encourage families to resolve disputes through mediation rather than court, particularly where children are involved.
The scheme can provide up to £500 towards the cost of mediation. This contribution is applied directly to your mediation sessions and may cover several sessions depending on the fees involved. It does not cover court fees or legal representation. Your mediator applies for the voucher on your behalf — it is put towards your session costs rather than paid to you directly.
The scheme is primarily aimed at cases involving disputes about child arrangements, or family issues where children are affected. Eligibility is assessed by the mediator, and funding is subject to availability.
The process usually involves attending a MIAM, assessing whether mediation is suitable, confirming whether your case may qualify for the voucher, and — if approved — applying it to your mediation sessions. Not every case is eligible, and availability can vary, so it is worth raising at your MIAM.
The voucher is not guaranteed, funding is limited and subject to availability, and not every dispute is suitable for mediation. Where safety concerns are present, mediation may not be appropriate. The voucher is separate from legal aid, which some people may also qualify for.
Because the voucher is applied through the mediation process, the starting point is a MIAM. At Digital MIAM, our online MIAMs start at £95 and are held by FMC-registered mediators. At your appointment, we can discuss whether the voucher may apply to your case. You can read the official guidance on the GOV.UK website, and when you are ready, book your MIAM online in minutes.