Capitol Family Mediation Richmond
- CHILD ARRANGEMENTS
- LEGAL AID FUNDING
- DIVORCE MEDIATION
- URGENT MIAM
Capitol Family Mediation Richmond -Helping Familes Find Solutions
Funding Options for Family Mediation in Richmond
Family Mediation is a confidential and voluntary process that helps separating families in Richmond reach agreements on child arrangements and financial matters outside of court. While it is always more cost-effective than using solicitors for court proceedings, there are several ways to cover the costs.
What is the Family Mediation Council (FMC)?
Legal Aid – Legal Aid is the primary form of government funding available for family mediation. If you qualify, your mediation costs can be fully covered.
Eligibility: Legal Aid is means-tested, meaning your eligibility depends on your income, capital (savings and assets), and whether you receive certain benefits (like Universal Credit, Income Suppott, etc.).
What it Covers: If you qualify for Legal Aid, it covers the entire cost of your Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) and all subsequent joint mediation sessions.
The Bridge Funding: Crucially, if you qualify for Legal Aid, the other party (who might not qualify) may be entitled to have their MIAM and the first full mediation session paid for by Legal Aid as well. This aims to get the process started for both parties.
How to Apply: You must use a mediator who is contracted to do Legal Aid work. They will assess your eligibility at or before your MIAM and help you complete the application.
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
The Government introduced this scheme to provide financial support to families who want to use mediation but do not qualify for Legal Aid.
Voucher Value: The scheme provides a one-time contribution of up to £500 towards the mediation costs for the family.
Eligibility Criteria (Case Type): The voucher is available if the mediation relates to adispute or application regarding a child or a dispute or application regarding family financial matters where you are also involved in a dispute/application relating to a child.
How to Apply: The voucher is not means-tested, but it is applied for by the mediator on your behalf during the MIAM. Only mediators registered with the Family Mediation Council (FMC) can access the vouchers, and their availability can be subject to government funding limits.
Note: The voucher cannot be used to pay for the MIAM itself, only for the subsequent mediation sessions.
Self-Funding (Paying Privately)
If neither Legal Aid nor the Voucher Scheme applies, you will be required to fund the mediation privately.
MIAM Cost: There is a charge for the MIAM (the initial assessment meeting) unless you qualify for Legal Aid.
Session Costs: Mediators charge an hourly rate, which is typically split equally per person per hour. Even when paying privately, mediation is significantly cheaper than engaging two solicitors to manage correspondence and court applications. Find out about our mediation costs here.
Family Court Serving the Richmond Area
The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is primarily served by the Kingston Upon Thames County Court and Family Court. However, due to administrative changes in the court system, it may also be served by the West London Family Court for certain cases.
Primary Court: Kingston Upon Thames County Court
Address: St James’s Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2ND
Public Phone: 0300 123 5577
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Handles Cases: Childcare arrangements, divorce, domestic abuse, money claims
Alternative Court: West London Family Court
Address: 4 Dukes Green Avenue, Feltham, TW14 0LR
Public Phone: 020 8831 3500
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Handles Cases: Specialist family law cases
Important Note: The current working court for new family applications can sometimes change. Always check the official GOV.UK website’s ‘Find a Court or Tribunal’ service using a Richmond postcode to confirm the correct address before sending documentation.
Capitol Family Mediation. Family and Civil Mediation for Families and Businesses
Meetings Are Strictly by Appointment Only. Our Location is not staffed
Mediation and urgent MIAM appointments can be arranged online . Speak to Capitol Mediation
Our Richmond Hub – Find us at
Call our team to book your mediation on 0208 719 0001
Capitol Family Mediation - The Cost of Mediation in Richmond
Capitol Mediation Richmond provides professional mediation services across the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and the surrounding areas, including Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington, Hampton, Hampton Hill, Ham, Kew, Mortlake, Barnes, East Sheen, and Whitton. We work with individuals, families, and organisations to resolve disputes efficiently and constructively, offering a local and accessible service tailored to the needs of the Richmond community.
If you are having issues over child arrangements read more here .
We offer support with child arrangements and financial matters following divorce or separation. Mediation provides a neutral and supportive space to reach practical solutions without unnecessary conflict. Let Capitol Mediation Richmond help you find a constructive way forward for your family’s future.