RHINO MEDIATION Wakefield
HOW MEDIATION HELPS FAMILES IN WAKEFIEL
HOW MEDIATION HELPS FAMILES IN WAKEFIEL
Find out about Legal Aid and the Family Mediation Voucher and how it is helping families in Wakefield.
Understanding the costs and funding options for family mediation is an important part of planning how best to resolve disputes following separation or divorce. Mediation is widely recognised as a more cost‑effective, quicker, and less adversarial alternative to court proceedings, but many families are unsure about how much it will cost and what financial support might be available.
In Wakefield, parties can access private funding, government support schemes, or legal aid subject to eligibility.
There are several ways to reduce or cover the cost of family mediation, making it accessible for many families across Wakefield.
Eligible individuals on low income or specific benefits may qualify for Legal Aid, which can cover the cost of the MIAM and subsequent mediation sessions, as well as related legal advice. Legal Aid eligibility is assessed based on income, savings, and family circumstances. Mediators can help families through this assessment during the MIAM.
The government’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme can contribute up to £500 towards mediation costs for eligible families where children are involved. This scheme helps reduce financial barriers even if Legal Aid does not apply, and qualification is determined during the initial assessment with a mediator.
Many parties choose to pay privately, particularly when Legal Aid eligibility is not met. Private mediation remains significantly less expensive than litigation, and mediators typically provide clear fee structures at the start of the process.
Wakefield is a historic cathedral city in West Yorkshire with a strong sense of community and easy access to Leeds, Pontefract, Castleford, and other nearby towns. Known for its cultural attractions, parks, and local markets, Wakefield also serves as an important regional service centre with a mix of residential neighbourhoods and commercial areas.
Families in Wakefield face the everyday challenges of work, school, housing, and travel, which can be felt particularly keenly following separation. Rhino Mediation supports families across Wakefield and neighbouring areas such as Pontefract, Castleford, Normanton, Featherstone, and Castleford, helping them resolve disputes in ways that minimise disruption to family life. By understanding local transport patterns, school arrangements, and work commitments, we help clients find solutions that are practical and suited to the realities of everyday living here.
Rhino Family Mediation provides structured, supportive family mediation services to couples and families in Wakefield. Our professional mediators are fully trained to guide parties through discussions about children, finances, property, and communication, helping them make shared decisions collaboratively rather than through adversarial court processes.
One of the first stages in family mediation is the MIAM, where a mediator meets each party (jointly or separately) to explain the process, assess suitability, and discuss costs and funding options. This session is essential — mediation cannot proceed without it if you intend to apply to court later — and mediators often provide clear information about pricing and financial support at this stage
Funding support schemes and Legal Aid help make mediation accessible to families who might otherwise feel unable to afford dispute resolution services. By reducing the financial burden, more families can benefit from a process that encourages cooperation, reduces conflict, and produces tailored agreements. Funding support is particularly valuable in cases involving children, where reaching stable arrangements early can reduce stress and improve long‑term outcomes for the whole family.
We offer mediation hubs around the Yorkshire Region. Offering 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 Rhino Mediation on
Our Wakefield Hub – Find us at
Call our team to book your mediation on 01138 921 022.
The court for family law matters in Wakefield is the Wakefield Civil and Family Justice Centre.
Address: Wakefield Civil and Family Justice Centre – 1 Mulberry Way, Wakefield, Yorkshire WF1 2QN
Public contact for family-law enquiries is via email familyapplicationswakefield@justice.gov.uk, and the court registry is open Monday to Friday, 9.00 am–5.00 pm (with counter services by appointment 10.00 am–2.00 pm).
Wakefield Civil and Family Justice Centre handles family matters for the wider Wakefield area, including Normanton, Pontefract, Castleford, Featherstone, Hemsworth, and surrounding localities — unless otherwise specified.l
Cases handled: Child arrangements, Divorce, Domestic abuse, Financial remedy, general family law.
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