UK Extends £500 Family Mediation Voucher Scheme – What It Means for Parents and Children in 2025

When family relationships break down, the emotional cost is often matched by the financial toll of legal disputes. For many households in England and Wales, court cases drag on for months, leaving families exhausted and children caught in the middle. But since 2021, the government has been quietly funding an alternative path: the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme. In 2025, this scheme continues to give thousands of families up to £500 towards mediation sessions, helping them resolve issues outside of court in a calmer and less costly way.

As of this year, the Ministry of Justice confirmed that the scheme will run until at least March 2026, building on its track record of success. For parents navigating disagreements about custody, living arrangements, or child welfare, this support could mean the difference between a drawn-out legal battle and a peaceful resolution.

What the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme Offers

The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is a government-funded programme run by the Ministry of Justice and administered by accredited mediation providers. Its core purpose is simple: to reduce the number of family disputes reaching the courts by funding professional mediation.

Mediation allows families to sit down with a neutral third party (a trained mediator) who facilitates constructive discussions. Instead of decisions being imposed by a judge, families work together to reach solutions that benefit everyone—especially the children.

• Eligible families can receive up to £500 to cover mediation sessions.
• The money is paid directly to the mediation provider, not to families.
• Most claims under the scheme average £424, meaning the £500 allowance usually covers the majority of costs.

By funding mediation, the government is hoping to relieve pressure on courts while encouraging parents to collaborate rather than litigate.

Who Can Use the Mediation Voucher Scheme?

Not every family is eligible. The vouchers are specifically targeted at disputes involving children.

You may qualify if your case relates to:

• Where a child should live.
• How much time the child spends with each parent.
• Decisions about schooling, holidays, or medical care.
• Financial arrangements, but only when linked to a child-related case.

Cases that focus solely on dividing money, property, or assets—without children being involved—are not covered by the scheme.

Another important point: mediation is voluntary. Both parties must agree to take part before vouchers can be used.

How Families Access the £500 Voucher

The process is deliberately simple so families don’t have to navigate extra red tape. Here’s how it works:

1. Attend a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting):

• Each person meets separately with a mediator who assesses whether mediation is suitable.
• This session is not covered by the voucher unless you qualify for Legal Aid.

1. Check Eligibility:

• During the MIAM, the mediator confirms if the case qualifies for the voucher.

1. Mediator Applies on Your Behalf:

• Families do not apply directly. If eligible, the mediator applies for the voucher.

1. Start Mediation:

• Once approved, the government pays the provider up to £500 directly.
• If mediation costs more than £500, the family may need to cover the extra amount.

This design makes the scheme accessible and prevents delays for families who need quick solutions.

What Does the Voucher Actually Cover?

The voucher covers joint mediation sessions, where both parties attend with the mediator. It does not cover:

• The initial MIAM (unless one party qualifies for Legal Aid).
• Legal representation during mediation.
• Court fees if mediation fails and legal action is required.

However, if one parent is eligible for Legal Aid, the other parent can still use the £500 voucher. This ensures that both sides can participate fairly, even when financial circumstances differ.

The Success of the Scheme So Far

Since its launch in March 2021, the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme has delivered striking results:

• Over 7,200 families used vouchers in its first phase.
• Around 69% of families reached a full or partial agreement, avoiding court.
• Families saved time, stress, and money compared to litigation.

The government extended the scheme after recognising its effectiveness. By reducing the number of cases entering the family courts, it also helps free up judicial resources for situations that genuinely require legal rulings.

Why Mediation Is Better Than Court

Experts often highlight the benefits of mediation over traditional court proceedings:

• Quicker: Mediation sessions can resolve issues in weeks, whereas court cases often take months or even years.
• Cheaper: The £500 voucher covers most costs, making mediation far less expensive than hiring lawyers.
• Child-focused: Mediation keeps the child’s best interests at the centre, avoiding adversarial battles.
• Private: Discussions remain confidential, unlike court hearings.
• Empowering: Families make their own decisions instead of having rulings imposed by a judge.

For many parents, mediation also helps preserve a civil relationship with their former partner, which is crucial when children are involved.

Why the Extension Until 2026 Matters

The scheme was originally due to close in 2023. However, with millions still eligible and many unaware of the support, the government has extended funding until March 2026.

This move acknowledges:

• The growing demand for alternatives to court.
• The need to protect children from prolonged conflict.
• The financial challenges families face during a cost-of-living crisis.

By keeping the scheme alive, the government is offering families both financial relief and a pathway to more constructive resolutions

Government’s Long-Term Vision

The Ministry of Justice has made it clear that this scheme is part of a wider vision for family law. Officials hope to:

• Encourage early dispute resolution.
• Reduce court backlogs.
• Promote healthier co-parenting relationships.

Future reforms could expand mediation access even further, with discussions ongoing about making MIAMs mandatory before court applications are accepted.

5 FAQs

Q1. Who is eligible for the £500 Family Mediation Voucher in 2025?
Families in England and Wales with disputes involving children—such as custody, living arrangements, or school decisions—are eligible.

Q2. How do I apply for the mediation voucher?
You don’t apply directly. After attending a MIAM, your mediator applies on your behalf if your case qualifies.

Q3. Does the voucher cover the MIAM session?
No. The voucher only covers joint mediation sessions. The MIAM is only covered if you qualify for Legal Aid.

Q4. What happens if mediation costs more than £500?
The government pays up to £500. Any additional costs must be covered by the participants.

Q5. How long will the scheme be available?
The government has extended the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme until March 2026.