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Couple deciding to do a MIAM

MIAM
(Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting)

This session is a mandatory requirement by Law (except in exceptional circumstances) before any court application can be made through the UK courts. The session must be facilitated by an accredited mediator who can (where required) sign-off a court certificate. Together with your mediator you will explore the issues, discuss the mediation process and assess whether mediation is suitable.

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For our Fast Track MIAM process with 24 hour documentation turnaround, please click here.

Helpful information about MIAM's

What is a MIAM?

An initial meeting hosted by a qualified family mediator to consider whether your issues can be resolved without going to court. Your mediator will walk you through options available for non-court resolution and explain the merits of mediation specific to your situation​

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Who can conduct a MIAM?

The mediator should be accredited by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) Ark Mediation work exclusively with accredited mediators, not trainees

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When should I attend a MIAM?

Mediation is often most effective when it takes place at an early stage, before issues have snowballed. It's best to go to mediation when both you and your partner have come to terms with the separation and need help sorting out arrangements. You don't need a solicitor first but you do they should tell you about mediation. Even if you've been separated for a while and are midway through the court process you can still opt to go down the mediation route.

 

Before issuing a court application, you must attend a MIAM. Certain exemptions apply in extreme situations including domestic violence and child safeguarding concerns

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Where does the MIAM take place?

Ark Mediation operate face-to-face and virtual MIAM's. Once you have made initial contact with our team and agreed to proceed, an initial MIAM will be setup. To see a list of locations for face-to-face mediation, please see our contact page here

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What happens during the MIAM?

Your mediator will prepare and host the MIAM. In this session you will be provided with key information about the process and it is an opportunity for the mediator to evaluate whether your case is suitable for mediation. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions relating to the mediation pathway.

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In cases where there is evidence of domestic violence of safeguarding concerns relating to children, the mediator will clarify that mediation is not suitable and the case should be referred to court

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What is the next step after a MIAM?

After the MIAM, and if both parties agree, the mediator will schedule a future appointment for the first mediation.

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If neither party can agree to proceed with mediation, or if the mediator deems mediation not to be suitable in your case, the mediator will provide you with the appropriate signed court form. This will provide evidence to the court you have attempted mediation and will allow you to proceed with a court application

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Source:

Resolution

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