The Ministry of Justice has developed a mediation voucher scheme, whereby a contribution of up to £500 per case/family to the mediation costs of a child arrangements case will be offered, encouraging people to seek to resolve their disputes outside of court where appropriate to do so. The scheme is set up to fund up to a maximum of 2000 cases at a cost of £1million.
The purpose of the scheme is to promote the benefits of mediation and divert matters where appropriate away from the family courts. The scheme will offer mediation participants a financial contribution of up to £500 per family towards the total costs of their mediation. All cases where MIAMS have been undertaken after 26th March 2021 are eligible to apply under the scheme.
Before confirming to clients that a voucher is available, mediators must make a request for voucher allocation to ensure that vouchers are only allocated where funds are available. The work can only be undertaken by accredited mediators.
Partner and accredited child inclusive mediator Karen Beevers commented:-
“This represents a fabulous opportunity for people to experience what mediation can offer in terms of improved communication and sustainable arrangements. Given the current delays in terms of court processes due to the impact of Covid-19 it presents people with a timely opportunity to work through arrangements in the bests interests of children.”
For further information please contact Karen Beevers :
email karenbeevers@evansderry.com telephone 01675 464 400