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Written question asked by Andy Slaughter (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 June 2026 (named day). It was answered by Catherine Atkinson (Labour) on Monday, 22 June 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Family Proceedings: Mediation

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking with the Family Mediation Council to promote the value of family mediation to separating and divorcing couples.

Answer

The Ministry of Justice works closely with the Family Mediation Council (FMC) to ensure that the information provided to all eligible couples when they enter the Family Court system regarding the benefits of non-court dispute resolution, including family mediation, is complete and up to date.

The Ministry of Justice and the FMC also work together to facilitate and support the use of family mediation more generally, for example by ensuring that guidance remains useful and effective.

Information on non-court dispute resolution including mediation, is included as part of the recently updated Gov.UK pages and online tools designed to help separating parents: Making child arrangements if you divorce or separate: Other ways to agree without going to court - GOV.UK.

The Ministry of Justice has co-operated with the FMC to ensure the effective running of the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which requires participating mediators to be accredited by the FMC. This scheme gives all those who qualify, including separating and divorcing couples, a £500 single-use voucher to spend on family mediation, provided that their dispute or application involves a child.

Since the scheme was established in 2021, 58,670 vouchers have been approved (as of 18 June 2026).

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
10570
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Divorce Family proceedings Mediation Family Mediation Council
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk