Family mediation is one of the most effective ways for separating couples to reach agreement about children and finances — but cost can be a barrier. That is why the Government introduced the Mediation Voucher Scheme: to help more families in England access professional mediation without the financial pressure.

If you are based in Essex or Southend-on-Sea and considering family mediation, this guide explains everything you need to know about the scheme, including eligibility, how to apply, and what the voucher covers.

What Is the Government Mediation Voucher Scheme?

The Government Mediation Voucher Scheme was introduced in 2021 to encourage separating families to try mediation before turning to the courts. It provides eligible families with a voucher worth up to £500 towards the cost of family mediation sessions.

The scheme is funded by the Ministry of Justice and is available through accredited Family Mediation Council (FMC) mediators across England — including Families First Mediation in Southend-on-Sea.

Since its launch, the scheme has helped tens of thousands of families access mediation who might otherwise have been unable to afford it.

How Much Does the Voucher Cover?

The voucher provides up to £500 per case (not per person). At Families First Mediation, a 90-minute joint mediation session costs £225 + VAT per person — meaning the voucher fully funds one complete joint session for both parties.

If you need additional sessions beyond the first, these are charged at £225 + VAT per person. Many families find that one or two sessions is enough to reach agreement on the key issues.

Here is a simple cost breakdown:

What	Cost
MIAM (per person)	£150 inc VAT
Joint session — first (covered by voucher)	£500 total (both parties)
Joint session — additional (per person)	£225 + VAT
Parenting Plan	£150 per person inc VAT

Who Is Eligible for the Voucher?

To be eligible for the Government Mediation Voucher Scheme, your case must involve a child arrangements dispute — that is, a disagreement about where children will live, how much time they spend with each parent, or other parenting matters.

The scheme is available to:

• Separating or separated couples with children
• Unmarried parents
• Same-sex couples
• Grandparents or other family members involved in child arrangements disputes

The voucher is applied automatically by your mediator — you do not need to apply separately or fill in any forms yourself.

Please note: The voucher applies to child arrangements disputes only. It does not currently cover purely financial disputes (such as division of assets or property) where there are no child arrangements issues involved.

How Does the Voucher Scheme Work?

The process is straightforward:

Step 1: Book a MIAM

The first step is to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) with an FMC-accredited mediator. This is a one-to-one meeting to assess whether mediation is suitable for your situation. Find out more about what a MIAM involves.

At Families First Mediation, a MIAM costs £150 per person including VAT. The MIAM fee is not covered by the voucher, but it is a necessary first step.

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

During or after your MIAM, your mediator will confirm whether your case qualifies for the voucher scheme. If it does, they will apply the voucher on your behalf — no paperwork required from you.

Step 3: Attend Your First Joint Session

Your first joint mediation session (up to 90 minutes) is fully funded by the £500 voucher. Both you and your former partner attend together, with the mediator facilitating the discussion.

Step 4: Continue if Needed

If further sessions are needed, these are charged at the standard rate of £225 + VAT per person. Many families find that one or two sessions is sufficient to reach agreement on the main issues.

Does the Voucher Cover Online Mediation?

Yes. The Government Mediation Voucher Scheme covers both in-person and online mediation sessions. At Families First Mediation, we offer both options — so you can choose whichever works best for you.

What If My Ex-Partner Is Not Sure About Mediation?

The voucher scheme is only available for joint mediation sessions, which means both parties need to agree to participate. If your former partner is unsure, it may help to share information about the scheme with them — the fact that the first session is fully funded often removes a significant barrier.

If your former partner ultimately declines to participate, your mediator will provide you with the documentation you need to proceed with a court application.

Is the Voucher Scheme Still Running in 2026?

Yes. As of October 2026, the Government Mediation Voucher Scheme continues to operate. The scheme has been extended several times since its launch due to its success in reducing the number of families going to court.

We recommend checking with your mediator for the most up-to-date information, as the scheme's terms can change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to apply for the voucher myself? No. Your FMC-accredited mediator applies the voucher on your behalf. You simply need to attend a MIAM and confirm that your case involves a child arrangements dispute.

Can I use the voucher if I have already started mediation? In most cases, the voucher must be applied before or at the start of your first joint session. If you have already had sessions, it may not be possible to apply retrospectively. Contact us to discuss your situation.

What if the voucher does not cover the full cost? The voucher covers up to £500 per case. At Families First Mediation, this fully funds one 90-minute joint session. If additional sessions are needed, these are charged at the standard rate.

Can grandparents use the voucher? Yes, in some circumstances. If a grandparent is involved in a child arrangements dispute, they may be eligible. Your mediator can advise you on this.

Is the voucher available for financial disputes only? No. The voucher currently applies to cases involving child arrangements disputes. Purely financial disputes (with no child arrangements element) are not currently covered.

Ready to Use Your Voucher?

If you think you may be eligible for the Government Mediation Voucher Scheme, the first step is to book a MIAM with an FMC-accredited mediator.

Families First Mediation is based in Southend-on-Sea and serves families across Essex. Our lead mediator Milly Wildish is FMC and FMA accredited, and we are registered to apply the Government Voucher Scheme on your behalf.

Get in touch today to book your MIAM and find out whether you qualify for the voucher. We offer flexible appointment times and a warm, supportive environment to help you take that first step.