The government has announced that its Family Mediation Voucher Scheme will be financed for another year.
This news was revealed by Baroness Levitt KC, who is the Justice Minister. Her department is providing £7 million, which will ensure it can remain available for the next 12 months. The scheme enables couples who meet the eligibility criteria to claim a voucher worth a maximum of £500 towards the expense of mediation. It was originally set up to address a Covid-19-related backlog, but has remained very popular.
Russell-Cooke LLP family lawyers enquired about this popularity using freedom of information. The result of the request shows the number of people applying for the vouchers has doubled in the five years since the launch. The scheme has been extended on numerous occasions to meet ongoing demand.
Over 60,000 applications have been submitted, with 57,335 being successful. Furthermore, Ministry of Justice figures show over two-thirds of applicants managed to resolve their disputes without going to court.
This shows the value that mediation has, which is why most separation solicitors in North Wales recommend it. Speaking to Today’s Family Lawyer, Lauren Hall from Russell-Cooke said:
“The continuing rise in voucher usage likely reflects both a growing preference among couples for more constructive, less adversarial approaches to separation – particularly following the introduction of no-fault divorce – as well as the need to avoid protracted delays in the family courts.”
At Bennett Smith Solicitors, our team of solicitors in Anglesey can refer you to qualified mediators. Call us to take the next step.
