Family mediation, MIAMs and the £500 voucher

What mediation is

A trained, independent mediator helps you and your ex work out arrangements for children, money or property. You decide what you agree; the mediator can explain how to make an agreement legally binding. You don’t have to be in the same room as the other person [GOV.UK]. Mediation isn’t suitable for everyone — especially where there has been domestic abuse — and the mediator will assess that with you.

The MIAM: usually required before going to court

Before applying to court for many kinds of family order (for example about children or finances), you must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) unless you have a valid exemption — domestic abuse evidence is one of them [GOV.UK]. A MIAM is a short meeting with a qualified mediator who explains mediation and checks whether it’s right for you. You and your ex can attend together or separately.

Cost: GOV.UK’s estimate (in guidance published in 2021) puts a MIAM at around £120 per person if you pay; fees vary by area and mediator, and some offer reductions on low incomes [GOV.UK]. Check the current price with the mediator.

Legal aid for mediation

Family mediation is within the scope of legal aid [GOV.UK] — you need to pass the means test (from 6 April 2026: gross income up to £2,657 a month, disposable income up to £733, capital up to £8,000, or a passporting benefit such as Universal Credit, with capital still checked) [LAA keycard 62]. You do not need evidence of abuse.

• If either of you is eligible for legal aid, you both get a free MIAM with a mediator who does legal aid work [GOV.UK].
• Legal aid pays for the eligible person’s MIAM and all their mediation sessions. If the other person isn’t eligible, legal aid still covers their MIAM and first mediation session [GOV.UK].
• Only mediators with a legal aid contract can do this. Find them with the official Find a Legal Aid Adviser or Family Mediator or our mediator search.

The Family Mediation Voucher (up to £500)

How it works, according to the government guidance [GOV.UK]:

• It’s a one-off contribution of up to £500 per family/case towards mediation sessions. It does not cover the MIAM.
• It’s for disputes about a child, or about finances together with a child dispute. Money-only disputes don’t qualify.
• You don’t apply yourself: at your MIAM, a mediator accredited by the Family Mediation Council checks eligibility and claims it for you. It’s paid to the mediator.
• You can still get a voucher if you (or the other person) are eligible for legal aid.

Find an accredited mediator with the Family Mediation Council’s search [FMC].

Making the agreement binding

An agreement about money is not legally binding until a court approves it as a consent order (court fee £62 from 13 July 2026 — see fees). GOV.UK explains the process [GOV.UK].