£500 mediation voucher scheme still running to help those that want to separate.
15th September 2022 by Gemma Burden
With the rising costs of living to contend with, those who are also in unhappy relationships may be putting off separating or divorce with concerns over additional costs, such as court or legal fees.
The good news is you might be able to get help to resolve disputes away from court with The Ministry of Justice Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
Under the scheme, £500 mediation vouchers are provided to divorcing couples with the aim of helping them find mutually agreeable solutions and freeing up space in the family courts. It seeks to spare parents and their children the anxiety and cost of often lengthy and acrimonious courtroom disputes.
Vouchers can be claimed if there are children issues or arrangements to resolve in mediation. It is not available solely for a financial dispute, though we can deal with financial issues under the voucher as long as we are discussing children too.
The scheme, which has been running since April 2021, has been a success with around two-thirds of cases reaching full or partial agreements away from court.
Mediation is often a quicker and cheaper way of resolving disputes, which can spare families the trauma of attending court and the impact this can have on children. It involves couples working through their differences – led by an independent trained and accredited mediator – to reach agreements on child arrangements and finances following their separation, rather than have a judge decide for them.
Only mediators authorised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) are taking part in the voucher scheme, which all Laceys Mediators are.
If you are experiencing family issues and would like to find out if you are eligible for the scheme please contact Gemma Burden at Laceys Mediation today.
Gemma Burden
Partner — Mediation
Direct dial: 01202 377993
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“As it was mediation for divorce I was worried just how complicated it would be but it was all handled well by Gemma who put my mind at ease and explained everything well. Thank you. ”
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“Gemma was able to help us narrow the issues between us so we could focus on resolution. I feel she treated us both equally and professionally.”
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“Gemma seemed to quickly understand our situation and acted accordingly and in what I felt with best interest.”
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“I was very happy with Gemma Burden. She was very clear and to the point. Gemma Burden was very good at staying neutral. This must be very hard sometimes. She is very professional and is very good at explaining all points in mediation. I would recommend Laceys Mediation to all. I would give Gemma Burden top marks in all aspects of mediation and she has my thanks.”
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“Having used Laceys before, it was an easy choice to use them again. Gemma was professional, polite and thorough. An absolute credit to the company.”
Gemma is the head of our mediation department and a Family Mediation Council Accredited lawyer mediator. Gemma qualified as a solicitor in 2000 and joined Laceys in 2001. She has specialised in family law since qualifying as a solicitor and has worked full time as a mediator since 2009.
Gemma is qualified in all areas of family mediation, including divorce and financial settlements, child arrangements and property disputes between cohabitees. She is also qualified to see children as part of the mediation process. Gemma is able to draw on her legal expertise when helping couples work out complex financial settlements and new parenting arrangements.
In her spare time Gemma likes to spend time with her family, especially her dog who never answers back. Her chosen stress beaters are running, swimming and the beach.
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