15 Apr How To Apply For The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
The family mediation government voucher scheme continues to help separated families stay out of court and resolve their family dispute within mediation.
This month the Ministry of Justice has reported that more than 27,000 separating families have benefitted from the government family mediation voucher with a total financial contribution from the government of £23.6 million since the scheme began.
The Family Mediation Voucher scheme is aimed at helping separating families deal with the complexities of separation with less conflict and where children are involved by taking a more child focused approach with the help of a family mediator.
We have pulled together some commonly asked questions we receive about the family mediation voucher scheme, which we hope you will find helpful.
How do I apply for the family mediation voucher?
In order to apply for the family mediation voucher, you and the other party will need to engage in mediation with a family mediator who is taking part in the scheme. When you initially contact the mediation service, it is worth asking the question “are you taking part in the family mediation voucher scheme?” as it is the mediation service who will apply for the voucher on your behalf. You don’t need to make the application yourself.
Before making the application, the mediator will usually ask you to sign some forms to consent to the application being made.
At Consilia Mediation, we are taking part in the family mediation voucher scheme and can apply for the voucher on your behalf.
What can the family mediation voucher be used for?
The family mediation voucher can be used for mediation which relates to private law matters between separated parents concerning their children. This could include how much time the child spends with each parent (formerly access), who the child lives with (formerly custody) and other issues such as improving communication, planning special occasions and making decisions such as where the child goes to school.
Can the family mediation voucher be used to discuss financial matters on divorce or separation?
No. At present the family mediation voucher can not be applied for when the mediation solely relates to financial matters.
Is the family mediation voucher means tested?
No. The family mediation voucher is not subject any financial criteria or means tested.
How much is the family mediation voucher for?
The family mediation voucher is for up to £500 including VAT to be shared between the parties engaging in family mediation.
Can the family mediation voucher be used against the Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)?
No. The voucher can only be used against the joint mediation sessions with both parties not the initial MIAM.
I have accessed the voucher in a past mediation. Can I apply for it again if I need to return to mediation?
No. There is only one voucher available per family.
We hope the above information is a useful guide to the family mediation voucher scheme. If you have any questions not covered here, please feel free to contact our friendly family mediation team on 0113 322 9222 or at enquires@consiliamediation.co.uk
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