Government Voucher Scheme
Up to £500 towards the cost of mediation
The Government Voucher Scheme helps eligible families access mediation without the financial barrier.
What is the Government Voucher Scheme?
The Government Voucher Scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Justice to encourage more families to resolve disputes through mediation rather than court proceedings. Eligible families can receive a voucher worth up to £500 to put towards the cost of mediation sessions.
Families First Mediation is an approved provider under the scheme, which means we can apply for the voucher on your behalf — you don't need to do anything extra.
Am I eligible?
You may be eligible for a Government Voucher if:
- Your dispute involves a child arrangements issue (where children live, contact, parenting plans)
- At least one of the parties is legally aided or on a low income
- You have not previously used a Government Voucher for the same dispute
- Both parties agree to attend mediation
Eligibility is assessed at the MIAM stage. Your mediator will confirm whether you qualify.
How it works
01
Book your MIAM
Contact us to arrange your Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. This is the starting point for all mediation and is where eligibility is confirmed.
02
Eligibility confirmed
At your MIAM, your mediator will assess whether you qualify for the Government Voucher Scheme and explain how it applies to your case.
03
We apply on your behalf
As an approved provider, we handle the voucher application for you. There's no paperwork for you to complete.
04
Voucher applied to your sessions
The £500 voucher is applied directly to the cost of your joint mediation sessions, reducing what you pay out of pocket.
What does it cover?
The £500 voucher fully funds one 90-minute joint mediation session (£225 + VAT per person). It does not cover the MIAM, which is charged separately at £150 including VAT.
Example saving
Figures are illustrative. Actual costs depend on the number of sessions required.
Common questions
Do I need to apply for the voucher myself?
No. As an approved provider, we apply on your behalf at no extra cost to you.
Can I use the voucher if I've already started mediation?
The voucher must be applied before joint sessions begin. Contact us as early as possible to ensure you don't miss out.
What if I'm not eligible?
If you don't qualify for the voucher, mediation is still significantly more affordable than court proceedings. We offer transparent, competitive fees.
Is the scheme still running?
Yes. The Government Voucher Scheme is currently active. Contact us to check the latest availability and confirm your eligibility.
Find out if you qualify
Get in touch today for a free initial conversation. We'll confirm your eligibility and explain exactly how the voucher scheme works for your situation.