Tens of thousands more families to get £500 free cash for legal costs when separating
TENS of thousands more families are set to benefit from an extension to a government programme offering £500 in funding to help cover legal costs during separation.
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which provides financial assistance for mediation services, has now been extended until March 2026.
Under the scheme, separating couples can receive up to £500 to help cover the cost of mediation – a process that enables families to resolve disputes regarding children and finances with the assistance of a trained mediator.
The initiative is designed to help couples avoid lengthy and potentially costly court proceedings by facilitating agreements on matters such as childcare arrangements.
This extension is part of a wider £12.5million government investment to expand its Pathfinder pilot scheme, which is expected to benefit up to 8,000 families.
Pathfinder courts, currently operating in Dorset and North Wales, have already shown impressive results, resolving cases 11 weeks faster while significantly reducing case backlogs.
The Pathfinder model encourages collaboration between local authorities, police, and support services, enabling early information sharing.
This approach not only reduces the need for adversarial court hearings but also provides additional support for victims of domestic abuse.
Since its inception in March 2021, the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme has supported over 37,700 families, with 70% of participants reaching full or partial agreements through mediation.
This has contributed to a notable reduction in private court applications, which fell from 55,711 in 2020 to 50,807 in 2023.
Who’s eligible for the scheme?
The vouchers are available to separating couples with children, providing financial assistance during mediation.
Couples without children are not eligible for the scheme.
Eligibility is determined during the Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), where couples can discuss their situation and plan the next steps.
It is worth noting that the £500 voucher is paid directly to the mediator, rather than the couple.
If the cost of mediation exceeds this amount, couples may need to cover the remaining balance themselves.
For those not eligible for the scheme, the cost of a standard mediation session typically ranges from £90 to £120.
To find a family mediator near you, visit find-legal-advice.justice.gov.uk.
Signs your relationship is heading for a divorce
- Persistent communication breakdowns
Constant misunderstandings, arguments, or a complete lack of meaningful conversation can signal deep-seated issues. - Emotional distance
Feeling like roommates rather than partners, with a noticeable lack of intimacy or emotional connection. - Frequent criticism and contempt
Regularly criticising each other and showing contempt, such as sarcasm, eye-rolling, or mocking, can erode the relationship’s foundation. - Unresolved conflicts
Recurrent arguments about the same issues without any resolution can indicate deeper incompatibilities. - Loss of trust
Trust is crucial in any relationship. If it’s been broken and cannot be rebuilt, it may be a sign that the relationship is in trouble. - Different life goals
Significant differences in future aspirations, such as career goals, lifestyle choices, or family planning, can create insurmountable divides. - Avoidance
Preferring to spend time apart rather than together, whether through work, hobbies, or social activities, can indicate a desire to escape the relationship. - Lack of support
Feeling unsupported, whether emotionally, financially, or practically, can lead to feelings of isolation and resentment. - Financial disagreements
Constantly arguing about money, spending habits, or financial priorities can strain the relationship. - Infidelity
Whether physical or emotional, infidelity can be a major breach of trust and a sign of deeper issues in the relationship. - Changes in affection
A noticeable decrease in affection, physical touch, or romantic gestures can indicate a loss of connection.
What if it ends in court?
If you can’t come to an agreement yourselves, through mediation or other forms of dispute resolution, you may need to go to court to get things resolved.
That is when the costs escalate and solicitor’s fees can quickly rocket to £15,000 or more.
If you are unable to afford court fees, there is support available to help cover the cost of legal advice and representation.
Legal aid provides free assistance to those who cannot afford legal representation or require financial support to take their case to court.
For instance, victims of domestic abuse who are receiving Universal Credit and seeking a protection order against an abusive partner can access funding without undergoing a means test.
In other situations, you will need to provide details and evidence of your financial circumstances, including your income, benefits, savings, and property, to determine your eligibility for legal aid.
Anyone needing advice on domestic abuse can find support from a range of organisations and charities.
The Survivor‘s Handbook which is available on the Women’s Aid website is free and provides information for women on a wide range of issues, such as housing, money, helping your children, and your legal rights.
If you need support or are worried about someone else, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
You can also find help and support for domestic abuse on gov.uk.
Are you missing out on benefits?
YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to
Charity Turn2Us’ benefits calculator works out what you could get.
Entitledto’s free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.
MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto’s data.
You can use Policy in Practice’s calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you’ll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.
Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.