More than half of family mediation vouchers have been used since launch

More than half of the vouchers offered through the family mediation voucher scheme have been used, benefitting hundreds of families. 

The £1m scheme, which was launched in March, is administered by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) on behalf of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and provides a £500 voucher to put towards the cost of mediation.

The scheme was seen as a way to alleviate the pressures on the family courts system resulting from the pandemic by diverting cases better suited for mediation away from the courtroom and is open to families seeking to resolve private law or financial matters relating to children – for example child arrangement orders or financial disputes regarding a child’s upbringing.

The latest statistics from the Ministry of Justice continues to show the time it takes to resolve disputes via the courts is increasing.  It now takes 35% longer for courts to resolve disputes regarding the arrangements for children following their parents’ separation, than it did in the same period 12 months ago.

A recent report by Irwin Michell, ‘Divorce – Let’s do it differently’ identified that a quarter of separating spouses regretted not using mediation and arbitration services to end their relationship. 39% didn’t know what ADR was at the time of their divorce, while over a third weren’t offered ADR as an alternative way of resolving their dispute.

Commenting on the scheme John Taylor, Chair of the Family Mediation Council said:

This…investment in mediation is much welcomed by the Family Mediation Council. It (helps) separated families agree solutions that are best for their children, taking into account what is going to be important for them as they grow up.

Family mediation is a proven cost-effective way to resolve differences following separation. This voucher scheme (makes) it even more accessible, and will help families resolve issues for themselves, without having to go to court.