Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
We at Able Mediation are authorised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) to take part in the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme.
What Is The 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 the costs of mediation will be provided.
How Do I Apply For A Mediation Voucher?
At your Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM), the mediator will discuss the voucher scheme with you if your case might be eligible. You will be offered a ‘voucher’ contribution, subject to suitability, case type, and availability of the vouchers.
Can The Mediation Voucher Be Used To Pay For A MIAM?
No, the use of the mediation voucher is restricted to assisting with funding of mediation sessions only. You will have to pay for your MIAM first.
How Do I Know If I Am Eligible For A Mediation Voucher?
On attendance of a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (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
It is important to remember that mediation is only an option when both people agree to take part in it, so you and the other person will need to agree to mediate.
How Will I Receive The Voucher?
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 also have a financial issue application or dispute ongoing at the same time, you can still 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?
The voucher is intended to be a contribution towards mediation sessions.
Your first mediation session, the Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is not included in the voucher scheme, and costs £120. Your child inclusive mediation session with us is free. And the voucher scheme does not include the cost of an outcome statement, which costs £100.
The final cost will depend on how many mediation sessions are required.
If you only need 2 mediation sessions with us (£360 per person) your voucher will cover £250 per person, so you will only have to pay £110 for the sessions.
The total cost would then come up to £330 per person.
Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
Cost Estimate2 sessions of 90 minutes + one child inclusive session
- assessment meeting (£120)
- plus 2 sessions (£110 with the voucher)
- child inclusive session (free)
- plus an outcome statement, if needed (£100)
Is The Mediation Voucher Available For Financial Remedy Issues?
Contact us to discuss your issues