Mediation can play an important part in resolving arrangements for children following the breakdown of a relationship and can replace, or complement, a court or solicitor led process.
In order to support families who may benefit from the mediation process the Ministry of Justice is investing £1 million in a family mediation voucher scheme. The scheme is open to anybody attending mediation in relation to child arrangements, regardless of financial circumstances, and provides the family with up to £500 towards the cost of mediation, to be paid directly to the mediator.
Parents considering mediation, or considering an application to court, will usually attend a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to discuss whether mediation is suitable for their case. The voucher scheme does not apply to the MIAM but can be used for mediation sessions thereafter.
The scheme applies to all mediation participants who commence mediation following a MIAM after 26th March and will continue to run until the allocated £1 million fund has been spent. Your mediator will apply for a voucher on your behalf before mediation begins.
If you would like to know more about family mediation, and how it could help your family, please contact the Sinclair Gibson family team.
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