Free 10-min Consultation? Click here or call us now 0330 043 6360
What is a MIAM and How To Book?
A MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is the initial meeting you and your partner must take to start your mediation journey. These sessions are 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 qualified 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.
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. 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.
What happens during the MIAM
Your mediator will prepare and host the MIAM. In this session (which can be held in-person or over a video call) 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.
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.
Request a call back & free consultation
What happens after a MIAM
After each party has had their MIAM, and if they are both in agreement, the mediator will schedule a future appointment for the first mediation session. This is known as the Joint Mediation. In cases where there is a high conflict situation, clients can opt for shuttle mediation where the mediator will go between both clients during the session to avoid clients being in the same room/video call at the same time.
If neither party can agree to proceed with mediation after the MIAM, or if the other party does not wish to engage in the MIAM process, or if the mediator deems mediation not to be suitable in your case, the mediator will provide you with the appropriate signed court form, upon request. This will provide evidence to the court you have attempted mediation and will allow you to proceed with a court application
Read essential information about the MIAM at, click here.
Start Your Mediation Journey Today
If you have been instructed by the court to seek mediation, call our team today.
Call us on 0330 043 6360
MIAM FAQs
What is a MIAM? A MIAM is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. It is a one-to-one session, lasting up to 60 minutes, in which a trained mediator explains how mediation and the other non-court options work, assesses whether mediation is suitable and safe in your circumstances, and answers your questions. It is the normal first step before applying to the family court.
Where does the MIAM take place? Most MIAMs are held by video call, which is why they can usually be arranged within a few days. In-person MIAMs are available at our South East hubs by arrangement — contact the office for a quote, as there is no standing in-person rate.
Who can conduct a MIAM? Only a mediator registered with the Family Mediation Council, and only an FMC-accredited mediator can sign the court form. Solicitors, counsellors and unregistered mediators cannot carry out a MIAM. All MIAMs at Ark Mediation are conducted by FMC-registered mediators and certificates are signed by an accredited mediator.
What happens if my ex-partner refuses to attend a MIAM? The process still works for you. The mediator will invite them, and if they decline or do not respond, that is recorded and your court form is issued so you can apply. You are not held up by their non-engagement, and the court can take an unreasonable refusal to consider non-court options into account on costs.
Do both parties have to attend the same MIAM session? No. A MIAM is always held individually and separately, so you and your ex-partner attend your own appointments at different times. This lets the mediator carry out a confidential safeguarding assessment with each of you. Each person pays for their own MIAM.
How long does a MIAM take? Up to 60 minutes. That is usually enough time to explain the process, understand your situation, carry out the safeguarding assessment and answer your questions. If your circumstances are complex the mediator may suggest a follow-up conversation before deciding whether mediation is suitable.
Do I need a MIAM before going to court? In most cases, yes. Since 2014 you have had to attend a MIAM before applying to the family court about child arrangements or finances, unless a recognised exemption applies. Exemptions include evidenced domestic abuse, child protection concerns, genuine urgency, and having attended a MIAM in the previous four months.
Can I bring a solicitor or a friend to a MIAM? A MIAM is normally a one-to-one meeting between you and the mediator, because part of it is a confidential safeguarding conversation. If you would like a supporter present for part of the session, ask when you book and the mediator will consider it. Solicitors do not usually attend MIAMs.
Do I have to pay for a MIAM? Yes. A standard MIAM by video is £130 per client and includes the MIAM certificate. An Urgent MIAM, held within 24 hours of your invoice being paid, is £160. An out-of-hours MIAM is £150. No VAT is charged. We do not offer Legal Aid, but the FMC website lists mediators who do.
How long is my MIAM certificate valid? Four months from the date of your MIAM. If you do not make your court application within that period you will need to attend a new MIAM before applying. It is worth thinking about timing before you book if court is a realistic possibility.
What happens after my MIAM? One of three things. If you both want to mediate, we book your first joint or shuttle session. If mediation is not suitable or the other party declines, the mediator issues your court form. If you simply need time to think, the assessment stays open and you can come back to us — your certificate remains valid for four months.
Is the MIAM confidential? Yes. What you tell the mediator at your MIAM is confidential and is not shared with your ex-partner without your permission. The one exception is information suggesting a risk of serious harm to a child or an adult, which the mediator has a duty to act on.