The Mediation Voucher Scheme was introduced in 2021 and will provide up to £500 in fees to cover the cost of mediation sessions where parties are mediating in relating to arrangements for children. This is not means-tested and available to all parents who wish to attend child-related mediation. The Voucher Scheme runs alongside Legal Aid that is also available to pay for the cost of mediation. To qualify for Legal Aid to pay for the cost of mediation a parent would need to be in receipt of a qualifying Benefit, such as Universal Credit or be of low income, and have capital under £8,000. Legal Aid is also available for matters relating purely to financial issues, but application cannot be made for the MoJ Voucher for matters relating purely to financial issues.

If one party qualifies for Legal Aid, but the other does not, then Legal Aid will still pay for the first full mediation session for the party who does not have the benefit of Legal Aid. Should subsequent meetings be required then Legal Aid will cover one party’s costs, and application can be made for a Funding Voucher to cover the other party’s costs from the MoJ Voucher Scheme, as long as there is a child element to the mediation.

It does appear that the Government is looking to follow other countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Norway where mandatory mediation will be required for matters relating to arrangements for children before any Court application can be issued.

Need help?

If any clarification is needed in relation to available funding to pay for the cost of mediation then please do not hesitate to contact me, Richard Perry, via email rep@gosschalks.co.uk or 01482-590224.

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