The Ministry of Justice has committed to extending the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme into 2027, the Family Mediation Council (FMC) has confirmed.
In a statement welcoming the news, Helen Anthony, CEO of FMC, said: "The continuation of the successful family mediation voucher scheme is important, as it will ensure that many more families on low incomes are able to access mediation to help them resolve their disputes in the year ahead.
"Data showing that around two thirds of families so far using the vouchers reached a full or partial settlement, without needing to go to court, underlines the value of the scheme.
"Ministers recognise that if a family can be helped to avoid court, then the government avoids the immediate cost of court proceedings. Better outcomes for children resulting from family mediation also mean less public funding is needed for health, education and criminal justice as they grow up."
On Friday, Family Mediation Matters shared an update from the MoJ on its website. "We are pleased to be able to share the following update from MoJ today," the organisation said. "'MoJ is still finalising budget delegations for 2026/2027, but we fully expect continued funding for mediation vouchers and providers should continue to process vouchers as normal. MoJ will confirm the position formally in due course.'"
Juliette Dalrymple, director and mediator at Family Matters said: "This scheme has proved extremely beneficial for families so far and I would be delighted to see it continue.
"It is far better for parents and children to work together when they can, and the scheme offers support for this. In family mediation, separating couples work with independent mediators in a safe environment to help them find solutions and reach agreements to their family issues with less conflict and putting greater emphasis on their children."
National Family Mediation (NFM) welcomed the move, with chief executive Sarah Hawkins saying it showed the government had listened. However, she warned the annual renewal, rather than long-term implementation, was causing uncertainty
We welcome this extension. It shows the government has listened – and gives us a real opportunity to put mediation at the heart of the justice system.
"At a time when separation can feel overwhelming and expensive, mediation helps families sit down, talk things through and find a way forward without a long, stressful court battle. That means less conflict, better outcomes for children, and fewer families being pulled into an already overstretched court system.
"This is real progress – but we now need to build on it and make mediation a permanent, reliable part of the support families can depend on."
Initial analysis from the first 7,200 families to use the scheme showed more than two-thirds reached agreement without the need to go to court. The FMC said it will continue to work with the MoJ to ensure that separating families and professionals who work with them are aware the voucher scheme is ongoing, and to continue discussions about long-term, sustainable funding of family mediation.
Last week, the FMC announced plans for Family Mediation Week 2027 after the 2026 event proved the most successful yet. Over 4,300 people took part in a series of webinars during the week in January, held to raise awareness of the benefits of family mediation, up 16% on the previous year.
Todays Family Lawyer - Juliet Shaw 30.03.26
Family mediation voucher scheme 'extended to March 2027' - Today's Family Lawyer