Does the Mediation Voucher Scheme Cover MIAM Fees?
Many people ask: does the government mediation voucher pay for a MIAM? The short answer is no. However, understanding why, and what the voucher does cover, helps you plan your next steps with confidence. At Family Mediation Services, our accredited mediators guide you through every stage of the process.
What Is a MIAM and How Much Does It Cost?
A MIAM — a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting — is a confidential, individual session between you and an accredited mediator. It is your first step into the family mediation process. Because it is a private, one-to-one appointment, the voucher scheme does not cover it.
MIAM fees start at £85 and can reach £165, depending on the provider. Both you and the other party each attend your own separate MIAM. In total, therefore, both parties pay for their individual sessions before the voucher becomes available.
Does the Government Mediation Voucher Pay for a MIAM?
No — and this surprises many people. The government voucher scheme exists to reduce the cost of joint mediation sessions, not individual pre-mediation meetings. Consequently, you need to fund your MIAM privately. If cost is a concern, read on — there is help available for those on low incomes.
How Long Does the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme Take?
Once both parties have completed their individual MIAMs, Family Mediation Services applies for the voucher on your behalf. Moreover, you get the voucher is instantly because there is no long waiting period.
However, you must meet two conditions before we can apply:
- Both parties have signed the voucher electronically.
- Both parties have attended their individual MIAM.
As a result, family mediation voucher scheme processing times are largely in your hands. The faster you both sign and attend, the sooner you secure you voucher and joint sessions can begin.
What If I Cannot Afford my MIAM Fee?
If you are on a low income, you may qualify for legal aid. Legal aid can cover the full cost of your MIAM fee and a limited number of joint mediation sessions. Therefore, it is well worth checking your eligibility before assuming you need to pay out of pocket.
The legal aid process does take a little longer than a standard voucher application. Nevertheless, it can complete in as little as 24 hours, provided you submit all the required documents and signatures promptly. Our Family Mediation Service team will support you throughout the application.
Ready to Start? Contact Family Mediation Services Today
Our accredited mediator team is ready to help you move forward — quickly, affordably, and with expert support at every step. Call us now on 0300 365 2700 or email us at admin@familymediationservices.co.uk to book your MIAM or to find out more about the voucher scheme and legal aid options.
No. The government voucher scheme covers joint mediation sessions only. Each party funds their individual MIAM separately. Costs range from £85 to £165 per person.
You will be entitled to the voucher after you have both attended your initial MIAM meetings and you have each signed for the voucher.
No. The voucher applies to joint sessions that follow the MIAM stage. Your accredited mediator at Family Mediation Services will explain all costs clearly at your MIAM.
Family mediation voucher scheme processing times are very short. Once both parties attend their MIAM and sign electronically, Family Mediation Services applies for the voucher instantly on your behalf.
The total timeline depends on how quickly both parties complete their MIAMs and sign the voucher. After those steps, the voucher is secured straight away. Legal aid applications can also be processed in as little as 24 hours to 48 hours.
Yes — if you are on a low income, you may qualify for legal aid through the Family Mediation Service. Legal aid can cover your MIAM fee and a limited number of joint sessions. Contact our team to check your eligibility.
After both parties attend their individual MIAMs, our Family Mediation Services team applies for the government voucher on your behalf. The voucher is then secured instantly, and you can proceed to joint mediation sessions.
Call our accredited mediator team on 0300 365 2700 or email admin@familymediationservices.co.uk.