eBriefs
£500 support to help separating families make vital parenting agreements
13th April 2026
Separating parents can access £500 towards the cost of agreeing arrangements for children and finances, following a government extension of the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme.
Hundreds of families locally could benefit from the funding, which is designed to help couples reach agreements without going to court.
The government has confirmed a one-year extension to its Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which offers funding for separating couples to help them make agreements using family mediation.
Welcoming the extension, Philip Elliott, Partner/Head of Family Department, of Sharmans, said the scheme will help more local families make arrangements more quickly and with less stress.
"Family mediation is a process where an independent, professionally trained mediator helps separating couples work through decisions together,” he says.
“The £500 voucher will encourage more parents to try mediation rather than face the cost, delay and emotional strain of going to court.
“Mediation puts families in control. It helps them find practical, long-term solutions that work for their own circumstances, rather than having decisions imposed by a court.”
“Couples who have decided to separate find that their life-changing decision brings many difficult questions, such as:
- Who will live where?
- Where will the children live, and how will we make sure we each spend time with them?
- How will we sort money?
- What about debts and pensions?
- And even the family dog?
“Many people simply don’t know where to start. The voucher scheme means more families can access support to work through these issues constructively.”
Analysis of the first 7,200 users of the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme showed 69% reached full or partial agreements away from court.
Anyone wanting to know more about the benefits of family mediation can visit https://sharmanlaw.co.uk/ or call 01234 303030.
The case types eligible for a mediation voucher are:
- a dispute/application regarding a child
- a dispute/application regarding family financial matters which is being addressed alongside a dispute/application relating to a child
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