When separating or navigating family changes, it’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed. At The Relationships Service, we are committed to helping you find solutions that reduce stress, cost, and conflict wherever possible. One of the most effective ways to do this is through family mediation—a calm, structured process that helps you reach agreements about children, finances, or property with the support of a trained neutral mediator.
To make mediation more affordable, there are two key financial support options available: Legal Aid and the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme. Below, we explain how these schemes work and how our mediators can help you access them.
What Is Family Mediation?
Family mediation allows separating couples or co‑parents to address practical issues in a cooperative, forward‑looking environment. A mediator guides the conversation and helps you explore solutions that work for you and your family.
Before most applications to the family court, you are required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) unless an exemption applies. [gov.uk]
1. Legal Aid for Family Mediation
Legal Aid remains available for family mediation and can significantly reduce, or completely remove, the cost of the process.
Are you eligible for Legal Aid?
Eligibility is based on:
- Your income, capital and savings
During your MIAM, we will assess whether you qualify.
What does Legal Aid cover?
If you are eligible:
- Your MIAM is free
- Your mediation sessions are free
- You can receive legal advice linked to the mediation process
If the other party qualifies but you do not, your MIAM and first mediation session are still free — a valuable benefit for many families. [gov.uk]
This means mediation remains affordable even when only one person qualifies.
2. The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme (£500 Support)
The Ministry of Justice’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme provides £500 per family toward the cost of mediation for eligible cases. [gov.uk]
Extended until March 2027
The voucher scheme has now been extended to March 2027, following its demonstrated success in helping families resolve disputes without going to court.
Why the extension matters
- More than 31,800 families have used the scheme since 2021.
- It has saved around £85.6 million by diverting cases away from court.
- Early analysis showed over two‑thirds of participating families reached agreement without court proceedings. [familymedi…cil.org.uk]
The Ministry of Justice has extended the scheme due to its clear benefits in reducing conflict, supporting children, and easing pressure on the court system.
Who can receive a voucher?
You may be eligible if your case involves:
- Child arrangements, or
- Financial issues connected to cases involving children
Your mediator assesses eligibility and submits the claim. [justice.gov.uk]
What the voucher covers
- Up to £500 of joint mediation session costs
- The voucher cannot be used for the MIAM
- If mediation costs exceed £500, you simply pay the remainder [gov.uk]
3. Can You Use Legal Aid and a Voucher Together?
Yes — and this is where many families benefit.
If you qualify for Legal Aid:
- Your mediation is free
- Your ex-partner gets their MIAM and first session free
- In eligible cases, the voucher can sometimes help with additional session costs
If neither person qualifies for Legal Aid:
The £500 voucher may still significantly reduce your mediation costs.
Our team will guide you through both assessments to ensure you receive all available support.
Why These Funding Options Matter
Mediation offers families a healthier way forward:
- Reduces conflict between parents
- Supports children’s emotional wellbeing and stability
- Keeps decision‑making in your hands, not the court’s
- Considerably reduces cost compared with court proceedings
How We Can Help
Our accredited family mediators at The Relationships Service:
- Assess your Legal Aid eligibility
- Check your eligibility for the £500 voucher
- Support you through MIAMs, mediation sessions, and the entire process with sensitivity and clarity
- Focus on reaching practical, child-focused, and balanced solutions
If you’re unsure which support applies to you, we can help you understand your options in your very first meeting.
Ready to Talk?
If you’d like to explore family mediation or find out whether you qualify for Legal Aid or a mediation voucher, please get in touch with our team. We’re here to guide you with clarity, and confidence.
Tel 0300 0032324 Option 2