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Mediation

Families Urged to Act Now on £500 Mediation Voucher Scheme

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As schools across the country prepare for important events such as graduations and sports days, National Family Mediation (NFM) is warning that many separated and divorcing parents are missing out on their children's big moments due to ongoing conflict or lack of a clear parenting plan. According to the government, 108,657 divorce applications were made in 2024 alone, with 74% filed by a single applicant. NFM is urging families to take advantage of the £500 Family Mediation Voucher Scheme before the end-of-year school events begin.

Key Takeaways:

  • The £500 Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, extended to March 2026, provides mediation costs for discussions relating to children, including summer holidays, sports day, and graduation arrangements.
  • The majority of families using the scheme are able to reach agreements without going to court, reducing stress and promoting better outcomes for children.
  • NFM offers child-inclusive mediation, allowing children's voices to be heard during the process, and tailoring arrangements to the realities of modern family life.
  • NFM LegalEyes helps parents convert mediated decisions into legally binding consent orders-an essential legal step many people overlook.
  • Legal aid is still available for eligible families, and all mediators at NFM are fully accredited and experienced in helping families navigate difficult transitions with sensitivity and fairness.
  • The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme can help couples reach agreements on how to move forward, acting in the best interests of everyone involved, particularly the children.

Statistics:

  • 108,657 divorce applications were made in 2024 alone (source: government figures)
  • 24,171 of these applications were made in the final quarter under no-fault divorce legislation (source: government figures)
  • 74% of divorce applications were filed by a single applicant (source: government figures)
  • Nearly 8 million children are enrolled in primary and secondary schools across England in the 2023-24 academic year (source: Department for Education)
  • An increase in enrollment is expected in 2025-26 (source: Department for Education)

Sources:

  • "National Family Mediation" (NFM)
  • Government figures (2024)
  • Department for Education (2023-24 academic year statistics)

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