Mediation Voucher Scheme
With rising legal costs and increased pressure on family courts, the scheme aims to encourage more people to consider family mediation as a faster, more cost-effective way to settle disagreements, especially where children or financial issues are involved.
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is a time-limited government initiative offering a £500 contribution toward mediation costs. It applies to certain types of family law cases and is only available through mediators authorised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) - like the team here at Digital MIAM.
Eligibility for the voucher is assessed during your MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting). One of our trained, FMC-accredited mediators will review your case to determine if it qualifies under the scheme.
You may be eligible if your dispute relates to:
Child arrangements or parental responsibilities
Family financial matters, but only when there’s also a dispute involving a child
Note: Not all cases qualify, and vouchers are limited. We’ll let you know during your MIAM if funding is still available.
If you’re eligible and decide to proceed with mediation:
You won’t need to apply separately - your Digital MIAM mediator will handle the process
The voucher amount (up to £500) is paid directly to us, covering part of your mediation costs
You won’t receive a physical voucher - it’s managed entirely on your behalf
To benefit from the voucher scheme, you’ll be asked to:
Confirm that you’ve asked your mediator to apply for the voucher
Confirm you haven’t used a voucher under this scheme before
Provide your consent for us to share limited, necessary details with the Family Mediation Council (such as your name, case type, and invoice details)
Only one voucher per case per family is allowed. Even if you’re dealing with multiple issues (e.g. child and financial disputes), the maximum voucher value remains £500.
You cannot apply again for the same or another case under this scheme once a voucher has been used.
The voucher is intended as a contribution toward your mediation sessions. Whether it covers all costs depends on:
The mediator’s hourly rate
The number of sessions needed
At Digital MIAM, we offer competitive and transparent pricing, so we’ll explain how far the voucher is likely to go and any top-up cost you may need to contribute.
Yes. If you’re eligible for legal aid, you can still receive a mediation voucher. However, legal aid may fully cover your MIAM and mediation sessions - potentially making the voucher unnecessary in your case.
Your Digital MIAM mediator will explain all your funding options during your MIAM session.
No problem. The voucher scheme applies per case, not per person.
Even if the other person qualifies for legal aid and you don’t, you may still be eligible for a voucher to cover your portion of the mediation costs. In some cases, legal aid may cover the first joint session for both participants.
The voucher scheme started on 26 March 2021. To be eligible, your MIAM must have taken place on or after this date. If you had your MIAM before then, unfortunately, the scheme won’t apply.
As a fully digital and professional mediation provider, we make it easy to:
Book your MIAM online
Complete your intake from home
Access affordable, high-quality mediators
Get guidance on voucher eligibility without hassle
Book your MIAM online with Digital MIAM today and see if you’re eligible for up to £500 in government-backed support.
We’re making family mediation faster, fairer, and more affordable.