Mediation Voucher Scheme extended

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is now investing £1.8m (£800,000 of this was recently announced) in a mediation voucher scheme that could save mediating parties up to £500. The scheme, which is being administered by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) is aimed primarily at parties mediating issues relating to children.

The scheme is designed to encourage parties to take part in mediation as an alternative to applying to court. This is particularly relevant at present, due to the huge backlog of court cases concerning children caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Am I eligible?

The scheme is not means tested but parties must be mediating with regards to child arrangements (irrespective of whether there is also a financial dispute to resolve). The contribution of up to £500 can be used towards joint sessions only, it cannot be used for paperwork or intake sessions, which are also known as mediation information and assessment meetings (MIAMs).

The (up to) £500 contribution is also per case/family and is not per individual. Parties can only claim one voucher during the life cycle of this scheme.

How does it work?

Firstly parties need to select a mediator who has been successfully accepted onto the scheme. The mediator will discuss with both parties their eligibility for the scheme. The parties need to be prepared to consent to their data being shared with the FMC and this is evidenced by way of an email or scanned signed letter. They also have to confirm consent to the mediator applying under the scheme, that they have not made another application for a mediation voucher under the scheme and that they understand that the mediator will submit case information to the FMC which will be used for research purposes.

The mediator will then apply for the voucher and once accepted onto the scheme, mediation can then take place on the basis that up to £500 will be paid through the scheme. Vouchers are typically granted within 7 days.

How long will the scheme run for?

At present the guidance says that the scheme will continue until the funds run out (which have recently been increased from the original £1m by another £800,000). However, if the scheme proves to be hugely successful and helps the courts to clear the backlog of cases, this might persuade the MoJ to consider extending the scheme.

To find out more about the scheme (or mediation generally) please contact Vicky Robertson on 01277 584772 / vicky@kellyfamilylaw.co.uk – Vicky has been accepted onto the MoJ scheme.

If you want to discuss anything in this article, then please contact us.