New funding and digital tools aim to help families settle disputes outside court faster
Separating families across England and Wales will continue receiving government support to resolve disputes outside court after ministers confirmed an extension of the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme. The Ministry of Justice announced on 15 May 2026 that eligible families will still be able to access up to £500 towards mediation costs to help settle disputes involving childcare and finances without entering lengthy court proceedings.
Justice Minister Baroness Levitt KC said the measures were designed to reduce stress, save money and help families move forward more quickly after separation. The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, first introduced in 2021, has already supported more than 54,000 parents, according to the Government. The programme is funded through more than £7 million annually.
The Ministry of Justice said the latest extension forms part of a broader effort to encourage earlier dispute resolution and reduce pressure on the family courts system. Alongside the funding announcement, ministers also unveiled a series of new digital tools on GOV.UK intended to help separating parents identify the most appropriate support and avoid unnecessary litigation.
Among the new services is the “Child Arrangement Planner”, described as a digital alternative dispute resolution tool designed to help parents agree on practical childcare arrangements. The Government has also launched a “Get Help Finding a Child Arrangement Option” service, which guides users towards the most suitable pathway for resolving disputes based on their circumstances.
In addition, online guidance for separating families has been redesigned to make information easier to navigate and understand. Officials said the aim was to encourage more families to settle disagreements outside court where possible. Baroness Levitt KC said separation could be one of the most difficult experiences families face and warned that prolonged legal disputes often increase pressure on parents and children alike.
“The last thing parents need is a slow, costly court fight that drags out the pain, particularly for their children,” she said. She added that the combination of mediation vouchers, digital support tools and clearer guidance would help parents resolve issues “more quickly, with less stress and lower cost”.
The announcement follows the Government’s recent expansion of Child Focused Courts, previously known as Pathfinder Courts, across England and Wales. According to the Ministry of Justice, pilot schemes have shown significant improvements in reducing delays within the family justice system. In some trial areas, court backlogs reportedly halved, and cases were resolved up to seven-and-a-half months faster.
The Government said the reforms aim to create a family justice system that is quicker, less adversarial and more focused on the needs of children. Mediation is increasingly being promoted within the legal sector as a way to reduce legal costs, minimize conflict and avoid the emotional strain associated with contested family court proceedings. The latest extension means that separating families will continue to receive financial support to access mediation services throughout the next year.