England & Wales · family mediation
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme: up to £500 towards mediation.
If you are trying to agree child arrangements after separation, the scheme may contribute up to £500 towards family mediation sessions. Here is what it covers, who may qualify and the first step to take.
The scheme applies in England and Wales. Eligibility, suitability and voucher availability are decided through an authorised mediator. This page is general information, not legal advice.
- Up to £500 per case
- Child-related disputes
- Subject to availability
The short answer
It is a contribution to mediation — not £500 paid to you.
Family mediation gives separated parents a structured way to work through disagreements with an independent mediator. You stay responsible for the decisions; the mediator does not take sides or decide the arrangements for you.
If your case is eligible, the voucher can contribute up to £500 towards the cost of mediation sessions. The mediator applies for the funding and it is paid directly to them after the sessions. There is no physical voucher, and you do not apply to the government yourself.
Who handles what
An authorised mediator confirms the current process.
The official GOV.UK guidance is the source for current procedure. An FMC-authorised mediator can explain how it applies to your circumstances, including any initial meeting, fees and next steps.
-
GOV.UK publishes the rules
Check the official scheme page for the current eligibility, funding and procedural information.
-
The mediator explains the next steps
An authorised mediator discusses suitability, any initial meeting or assessment, the likely fees and whether your case may qualify.
-
Suitability and availability are checked
Meeting a listed case type does not guarantee a voucher. The mediator confirms whether mediation is suitable, the case is eligible and funding is available.
-
The mediator handles the voucher
If a voucher is used, the mediator handles the funding. You do not receive a physical voucher or submit a government application yourself.
Read the current GOV.UK scheme guidance → · Search the mediator register →
Who may qualify
The dispute needs to involve a child.
The mediator makes the decision for your case. Under the published scheme rules, these case types may be eligible:
-
A dispute about a child
For example, trying to agree living arrangements, the time children spend with each parent, holidays or another child-related issue.
-
Child and financial matters together
A financial dispute may be included where you are also dealing with a dispute about a child.
-
Not a financial-only dispute
If the issue is only about financial arrangements, the voucher is not available under the published rules.
The scheme is time-limited and vouchers are limited. Meeting the case-type rules does not guarantee funding; ask the mediator whether vouchers are currently available.
What it pays for
Know what the £500 does — and does not — cover.
-
Up to £500 once per family or case
It is one contribution for the case, not £500 for each parent and not a payment you receive in cash.
-
Mediation sessions only
The voucher contributes towards eligible mediation sessions. Other initial meeting or assessment fees may apply, so ask the mediator to explain what is covered and what you may need to pay.
-
It may not cover everything
Costs vary by mediator and by the number of sessions you need. You may need to contribute if the total is more than the voucher.
-
Legal aid is separate
You can still be eligible for a voucher if you qualify for legal aid. Ask an authorised mediator how legal aid and the scheme apply to your circumstances.
Suitability matters
Mediation is not right for every situation.
A mediator should check whether the process is safe and appropriate for you. You can ask about separate rooms or remote sessions; you do not necessarily have to sit together.
Tell the mediator privately about domestic abuse, intimidation, safeguarding concerns or anything that could make it hard to take part freely. If a child or adult is in immediate danger, call 999. For advice about your own circumstances, speak to a family-law solicitor or an appropriate support service.
After mediation
Turn what you agree into a clear plan.
Mediation can help you reach an agreement, but the mediator does not impose one. Any document recording what you agreed is not automatically legally binding.
For child arrangements, a practical next step is to write down the pattern, handovers, holidays, communication and review points in a parenting plan. ParentGlow can then help both homes keep the shared calendar and day-to-day record organised. If you want to understand the legal effect of an agreement, take legal advice.
Quick answers
Family mediation voucher questions.
How much is the voucher worth?
Up to £500 towards mediation sessions for an eligible family or case. It is a contribution rather than a cash payment, so you may still have costs to pay.
Who can get one?
An authorised mediator decides whether the case is suitable and eligible. It must involve a dispute about a child, and vouchers are subject to availability.
What costs does it cover?
It contributes towards eligible mediation sessions and may not cover the full cost. Other initial meeting or assessment fees may apply, so ask the mediator to explain the fees.
Who confirms whether I can get one?
An FMC-authorised mediator explains the current process and confirms suitability, eligibility and availability. If a voucher is used, the mediator handles it.
Sources checked 17 July 2026: GOV.UK — Family Mediation Voucher Scheme · Family Mediation Council — voucher scheme · Family Mediation Council register. Rules and availability can change, so confirm the current position with an authorised mediator.
Bring the calm home.
Free during early access — one email when it's your turn, that's it.
You're on the list — we'll be in touch. 🌱
Free during early access · one plan covers both parents · unsubscribe anytime