Welcoming news from the Ministry of Justice that it has confirmed funding for the Family Mediation Voucher scheme will continue for the 2026-27 financial year, Helen Anthony, CEO of The Family Mediation Council (FMC), said:
“The continuation of the successful family mediation voucher scheme is important, as it will ensure that many more families on low incomes are able to access mediation to help them resolve their disputes in the year ahead.
“Data showing that around two thirds of families so far using the vouchers reached a full or partial settlement, without needing to go to court, underlines the value of the scheme.
“Ministers recognise that if a family can be helped to avoid court, then the government avoids the immediate cost of court proceedings. Better outcomes for children resulting from family mediation also mean less public funding is needed for health, education and criminal justice as they grow up.
“The FMC continues to work with the Ministry of Justice to ensure that separating families and professionals who work with them are aware the voucher scheme is ongoing, and to continue our discussions about long-term, sustainable funding of family mediation.”
The family mediation voucher scheme is designed to support parties who may be able to resolve their family law disputes outside of 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 about arrangements for children is provided to those who are eligible.
Initial analysis from the first 7,200 families to use the scheme showed more than two-thirds reached agreement without the need to go to court.
Legal Aid also remains available to help fund the cost of family mediation.
