What is a MIAM — and Do I Need One?
Published by Children First Family Mediation (CFFM) | childrenfirstfamilymediation.org.uk
If you’ve been looking into family mediation, or told by a solicitor you need to attend one, you’ve probably come across the term MIAM. But what exactly is it, who needs one, and what happens during the appointment?
What does MIAM stand for?
MIAM stands for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. It’s a private, individual appointment between you and a trained family mediator — before any joint/shuttle mediation sessions begin. The purpose is to make sure you have clear, honest information about mediation before you decide whether to go ahead with it.
What happens at a MIAM?
Your MIAM is a one-to-one meeting — your ex-partner is not present. It typically lasts up to one hour and covers:
- How family mediation works and what to expect
- The issues you need to resolve — children, finances, property, or all of the above
- Whether mediation is appropriate and safe given your circumstances
- Your eligibility for Legal Aid or the Government Voucher Scheme
- What your options are if the other person won’t engage with mediation
*The MIAM is not a mediation session.
Nothing is decided, agreed, or negotiated at this stage. It’s purely an information and assessment meeting — a chance for you to understand your options and for the mediator to understand your situation.
Does my ex-partner have to attend too?
Yes — but separately. If mediation goes ahead, the other person will have their own individual MIAM before any joint sessions begin. CFFM will contact the other person on your behalf to invite them, if you’d like us to.
Do I legally have to attend a MIAM?
Mediation itself is voluntary. But if you’re planning to apply to court for a child arrangements order or a financial order after separation, the law requires you to attend a MIAM first — in most cases.
This is set out in the Family Procedure Rules.
https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family/practice_directions/pd_part_03a
The idea is to make sure you’ve considered mediation as an alternative before starting court proceedings, which are significantly more costly and time-consuming.
*The MIAM is not just a legal formality.
Many people who attend a MIAM expecting to go to court end up choosing mediation instead — once they understand what it involves and how much cheaper and faster it is.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes. You may be exempt from attending a MIAM if:
- You have experienced domestic abuse
- The case is urgent — for example, involving child abduction or an emergency protection order
- Child protection concerns exist
- You’ve already attended a MIAM in the last four months
- The other party has confirmed they will not attend mediation
Your mediator will go through the exemptions with you. If one applies, the mediator can sign the relevant court form confirming this.
How much does a MIAM cost?
If you qualify for Legal Aid, your MIAM is completely free. If not, the MIAM at CFFM costs £130 — including the completion of any court form required at this stage.
| “Great to have someone listening to every word and correcting any misunderstandings.”
— CFFM client |
How long does it take to get a MIAM appointment?
At CFFM, we aim to offer your first MIAM appointment within one week of your initial contact. Getting started is straightforward — just call us or fill in our referral form online.
What happens after the MIAM?
After your MIAM, there are a few possible outcomes:
- Mediation goes ahead — joint sessions are arranged once both people have had their individual MIAM
- The other person declines to engage — the mediator provides a signed form confirming mediation was attempted
- Mediation is not appropriate — the mediator signs the relevant paperwork
Book your MIAM with CFFM
We’re based in Manchester and serve families across Bury, Salford, Bolton and the wider North West. We also offer MIAMs and mediation online to families anywhere in England and Wales.
