Mandatory mediation debate to resurface amidst government dispute resolution consultation

In March the government launched what was then widely publicised as a ‘temporary’ voucher scheme designed to improve the take-up of family mediation for separating families with children. An initial £1 million was made available to cover costs of up to £500.

Around 2000 families were set to benefit with early analysis of the data captured indicating that a high percentage rate of successfully mediated agreements in cases where a voucher was used.

The scheme has since been extended.

While not without its shortcomings – namely that the funding does not cover the initial mediation information and assessment meeting (MIAM), or for work necessary to draft documentation – overall, the initiative has been very well received.

Indeed, there are even signs that that many participants no longer felt the need to take their dispute to court; helping to alleviate the post-LASPO Act logjams which have been further aggravated by the pandemic, as well as no doubt driving down the financial and emotional burden of separation and divorce for those involved.