In mediation, parents can reach agreement on issues surrounding children and financial arrangements. They can also avoid lengthy and stressful court proceedings.
The Voucher Scheme was introduced in 2021 to divert cases better suited to mediation away from the family courts system and is only available through accredited mediators.
What is Mediation?
Unlike court, which can be both stressful and expensive, mediation is a voluntary, consensual process that puts you in control. It can also be considerably cheaper and much quicker.
A mediator will help you to find a way through your issues relating to your children or finances. A mediator does not act as a judge and will not dictate an outcome, but instead helps you and your partner to reach your own agreement that is workable for your family.
Normally, people going through mediation will pay for their MIAM and all sessions themselves (unless they qualify for legal aid for this). The voucher scheme can make it more affordable for some couples to mediate. However, it is important to note that not all family mediators will be participating in this scheme. Please contact us or your preferred family mediator/s to ensure they are part of the scheme. This will be confirmed at your MIAM. We have both Joanna and Jayne at RWK Goodman who are participants in the scheme.
How does the voucher scheme work?
The voucher scheme aims to highlight the potential benefits of mediation, and to encourage more families to use this option. As court systems are under pressure, it is important that other methods of resolution are considered and this scheme will support more families by reducing costs of the mediation process.
The government will provide a financial contribution of up to PS500 towards the cost of mediation for families who wish to resolve their child arrangements dispute outside of the courts. This is in addition to funding provided for free mediation at the MIAM through legal aid.
Eligibility for the voucher is not based on income, but individuals will need to be assessed at their MIAM to confirm whether they are eligible. The scheme cannot be used to mediate disputes relating solely to family financial matters which are funded through the Financial Remedies Scheme.
At Trethowans, we are pleased to be able to offer the service to those eligible for the voucher scheme. If you would like to discuss your options, please contact us.
Who is eligible for a voucher?
The Ministry of Justice has invested PS5.4 million in this scheme, which supports families to resolve disputes and applications relating to children. This investment more than doubles the previous amount of Government funding and demonstrates a commitment to the successful outcomes that mediation can achieve for separated families.
If both parties to a dispute agree to mediate, they will be eligible for the voucher scheme. This will cover a contribution of up to PS500 towards the costs of the mediation sessions. It will not include the cost of the initial meeting with your mediator – your MIAM, which you must pay yourself.
At your MIAM, your mediator will discuss the voucher scheme with you. If you are eligible, they will apply for the funding on your behalf and once your mediation sessions have concluded you will receive a confirmation of payment from the Ministry of Justice. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please book a free call with us.
How will I receive the voucher?
In the first 12 months of the scheme a record number of families have used vouchers to help them reach their own settlement agreements without going to court. According to the Ministry of Justice over 13,500 families have benefited from this scheme with two-thirds of those cases reaching a full or partial agreement away from court.
The government has recently topped up the funding to support this scheme, which will continue until 2025. This is a great investment that shows the government is committed to supporting family law disputes through mediation rather than costly legal proceedings.
If you are eligible, your mediator will apply for the voucher funding on your behalf and it will be paid directly once all mediation sessions have been concluded. Your mediator will also ask you to complete a short questionnaire about the voucher scheme. This will be sent to the FMC (Family Mediators Council). It is important that you provide your full details when asked for.family mediation voucher scheme