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The Government Family Mediation Voucher Scheme can provide a contribution of up to £500 towards the cost of eligible family mediation.
The scheme is still running. It was extended in March 2026 and now runs until 31 March 2029, so anyone reading older guidance that calls it a temporary Covid measure is reading something out of date.
The Ministry of Justice looked at the first 7,214 families to use the scheme in its March 2023 analysis. It found that 69% reached agreement on some or all of their issues and either avoided court or went only for a consent order. The figures come from outcome forms completed by mediators, so the Ministry notes some data limitations.
The scheme is mainly relevant where the dispute involves a child. If the case involves child arrangements and financial issues at the same time, the voucher may still contribute to the mediation. A case dealing only with financial remedy issues is not eligible under the current scheme guidance.
The voucher does not pay for the MIAM
The MIAM is a separate first meeting. The voucher contribution is towards eligible mediation sessions, not the cost of the MIAM.
At Salam Mediation, the MIAM fee is £125 per person.
How eligibility is considered
At the MIAM, the mediator considers the issues you want to resolve and whether the case meets the current voucher scheme requirements.
Not every case is eligible, and vouchers are limited in number. The mediator checks the current scheme rules at the time rather than relying on an old website summary.
You do not receive £500 in cash
If the case is eligible and you decide to proceed with mediation, the mediator applies for the scheme funding. The contribution is paid through the mediation service under the scheme process.
You do not receive a physical voucher or a cash payment.
One contribution per family or case
The current scheme provides one contribution of up to £500 per family or case. If child and financial issues are being mediated together, that does not create a second voucher.
Will it cover all the mediation?
It depends on the number of sessions needed.
A standard 120-minute joint mediation session is £180 per person. The mediator can explain how the voucher would be applied to an eligible case, and any contribution you would still need to make. Our full fees are published.
What about Legal Aid?
Legal Aid is a separate funding route. A person who is eligible for Legal Aid can still be eligible for the voucher scheme under the current guidance.
Use the GOV.UK Legal Aid checker for financial eligibility rather than guessing from income or benefits.
Current scheme status
Checked on 26 September 2026: Practice Direction 36V, which underpins the scheme, says it “expires at the end of 31 March 2029”. Funding and operational rules should still be checked at each review, because Government schemes can change.
Start with a MIAM
If your case involves arrangements for children, book a MIAM. We can explain the voucher scheme and check the case against the current eligibility rules during the mediation process.
Sources and further reading
- GOV.UK – Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
- Family Mediation Council – voucher scheme
- Family Procedure Rules
Related: What a MIAM costs (the voucher does not cover it) · Do I need a MIAM?
This page is general information about family mediation. It is not legal advice about your own situation.