OUR SERVICES
What is a MIAM?
A MIAM is the first step in the Mediation process – an individual Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting with a trained mediator.
You also need to attend a MIAM in most circumstances if you wish to apply to court to resolve children or financial matters.
What will a MIAM do?
- Explain more about mediation and look at if this is right for you (including checking for domestic abuse and child protection issues0
- Discuss and agree best way of engaging the other person involved in your dispute
- Complete any assessment for Legal Aid
- Explain other funding sources if not eligible such as the Mediation Voucher
- Look at alternatives to mediation such as court if the other person will not take part
Why do I need to attend?
- Courts expect that you try to sort out your disagreements w(with the help of mediation) before applying to court . This applies to both financial and children’s disputes. This is what the lead judge in the UK says about going to court if you are disagreeing about childrenThere are lots of reasons why it is best for families to agree arrangements for a child together, rather than come to court; here are four:
- Parents/carers know the child best. A judge is an expert in family justice but does not know your child as you do.
- Parents/carers who agree arrangements themselves are more likely to stick to them; arrangements ordered by a court sometimes break down.
- Research has shown that conflict between parents/carers is harmful to children emotionally and for their brain development. Coming to court is also stressful and likely to increase bad feelings between you and the other parent/carer, which could then impact on the child.
- The court process may not be quick, and it may be months before a decision can be made.
https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PFD_letter_to_parents.pdf
When do I NOT have to attend a MIAM?
- There are number of exemptions to the requirement to attend a MIAM.
- The matter is very urgent such as risk of abduction
- You are the victim of domestic abuse (need to provide proof to court)Note ;Mediation can sometimes still help when there has been Domestic abuse see shuttle mediation
- Your children are the subject of a child protection plan put in place by social workers
- You have already attended a MIAM in the past 4 months.
- You are not in disagreement but just applying to court for a consent order to formalise what you have agreed
This is the link to the court application form which lists the exemptions
WHO PAYS FOR THE MIAM
MIAMS can be funded through Legal Aid if you are on benefits or can show a very low income(See LA section)
This will cover both you and the other person attending separate MIAMS.
If you do not qualify for Legal Aid then we charge £130 for the MIAM
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY MIAM
- The mediator will contact the other person involved in your dispute usually be email or letter and give them 7 days to respond.
- If they respond positively they will have their own MIAM usually with the same mediator
- Then joint mediation goes ahead
- If they do not wish to mediate we provide you with the section of your court application form to show that you tried mediation
SOME PRACTICAL POINTS
- A MIAM lasts up to hour
- Appointments are usually online by video link for speed but can be face to face if needed and you live locally
- You take part on your own but can bring someone to support you if you feel more comfortable but please let us know in advance if you want someone with you
- What you say is confidential unless you tell us about a child or adult being at risk
