The mediation voucher scheme has just been extended for 2026-2027. This is the third extension to the popular scheme which was initially launched in March 2021. It is great news that the Government continue to see from the data that mediation works and is diverting many cases away from court processes. Over two thirds of families reaching agreement without court is a significant statistic.
The scheme enables couples who wish to mediate regarding the arrangements for their children a voucher of up to £500 towards their joint mediation costs. It remains the case that this scheme does not cover mediations solely focused on financial matters. Mediations are conducted by Accredited Mediators which is the gold standard in the mediation world. An accredited mediator has been through a rigorous assessment process to demonstrate their skills and decision making in real cases, with a re-accreditation every 3 years to maintain that standard of practice. I have been through three further accreditations since my initial accreditation through the Law Society in 2001.
I have offered the scheme since the start and now have 3 years experience of the benefits of the scheme. I have seen first hand couples who might have been put off from attending mediation due to cost or just fear about the process move from a trajectory of a court process or just being stuck in an unhealthy coparenting relationship to working together. The incentive of having that first mediation meeting paid for has undoubtedly helped those who were reticent to give it a go. Very few couples I have worked with have stopped at that first session and have continued in the process to find a resolution where they have found their own way forward without needing to return to solicitors or go to court.
Many couples have used their voucher allowance to cover child inclusive consultations, where I have offered a separate space for the children and young adults to see me separately so that we consider their perspective and they feel heard. We know how valuable it is for a child to look back on this period in their lives and to feel that they were consulted at a time when change which they often do not want or see coming is forced upon them.
Asking parents to work together when emotions are running high is tough but the alternative of a court process is sadly, far more damaging. Persevering through difficult discussions (provided of course they are safe and supported) is key to helping parents make the best possible decisions for children in the situation they find themselves in and there are no better people to make those decisions than Mum and Dad. Solicitors and Judges do not live day to day in your shoes and they do not get to know your children.
I welcome the extension to this valuable scheme. As well as helping thousands of families, the scheme has provided vital data which demonstrates the real value of mediation. Although mediation is cost effective, it still requires a financial commitment and for some, this is a barrier to accessing mediation and therefore opening up an opportunity for parents to communicate better, avoid ongoing conflict which we know is damaging, emotionally and physically for children and parents and ultimately work in the best interests of their children. Further information about the scheme is available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/family-mediation-voucher-scheme
Do get in touch with me if you would like to find out more and consider if you may be eligible for the voucher scheme which will help with the costs of mediation. I will be continuing to offer this and really hope that the scheme enables more families to access mediation and to see the long term value of mediation. You will first need to attend a mediation information and assessment meeting (sometimes referred to as a MIAM) to consider whether mediation will be suitable. My charge for this initial meeting is £150 per person.
