Government extends Mediation voucher scheme

In March 2021, the government launched a scheme to assist families with the cost of mediation relating to arrangements for children.

For parents who are in the process of separating or who have already separated, mediation can be an invaluable tool to help them agree on the arrangements for their children.

What is Mediation?

Mediation involves the parents having a series of meetings with a specially trained mediator who helps them to reach a compromise. Arrangements for children have a far better chance of working if both parents have had an input into them. Mediation also helps parents keep their lines of communication open and levels of conflict to a minimum.

Extension of the Government scheme

The scheme has been so successful that the government have announced that a further £800,000 will be made available to fund more vouchers.

Families can have up to £500 of their costs paid when mediating regarding child arrangements/child issues. The availability of vouchers is not dependent on you meeting any financial criteria.

Vouchers are usually granted within 7 days of application so using the scheme does not cause any delay.

More information

The specialist lawyers in the family department at Pinney Talfourd can refer you to a mediator using the voucher scheme and/or provide you with legal advice as you go through the process.

This article was written by Louise Eady, Senior Associate. The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. Specific legal advice should be taken on each individual matter. This article is based on the law as of November 2021.