MIAM, Mediation Information and Assessment meeting, is an individual pre-mediation information and assessment meeting required by law in family mediation.
MIAM is designed to enable parties to learn about the family disputes legal processes and the benefits of mediation and other non-court dispute resolution. It allows you to make an informed decision about entering into mediation. Taking part in MIAM does not mean that your case will proceed to mediation.
Download my leaflet: How to prepare for MIAM
When do I need to attend MIAM
You will have to attend MIAM if you wish to make a court application in one or more of the following matters:
- child arrangements
- financial matters
- you want to invite the other party to mediation
- both of you want to settle through mediation
- the court informed you that your ex-partner has made an application to resolve issues related to children or finances following divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership
Can I be exempted from MIAM
Only a few special circumstances, mainly related to domestic abuse, allow you to file a court application before attending MIAM.
What to expect at MIAM
MIAM takes 45-60 minutes. It is a confidential meeting, meaning that the information entrusted to me will not be used by me in future mediation sessions.
There is no prescribed formula for MIAM and different mediators conduct it in different ways. I manage my MIAMs in the following way:
- at the beginning, I explain the ground rules of the meeting
- we will complete a questionnaire that helps us have a structured conversation so that you can tell me your story, and I can obtain the required information and complete safeguarding checks.
- I explain how mediation, family law, family procedure rules and other non-court dispute resolutions work
- the meeting ends with a decision on the next step – inviting the other participant, trying a different non-court dispute resolution option or taking the matter to court
However, during MIAM you should be given at least the minimum scope of information listed below:
- explanation of mediation and its process
- information about family law and its processes
- information about other non-court dispute resolution options
- information about available assistance for you and your family
- explanation of child inclusive mediation (if you have children aged 10 or over)
- explanation of shuttle mediation
- information about your eligibility for financial support
Download my leaflet: Information about MIAM
Can I attend MIAM online
Yes, in fact, I decided to provide all MIAMs online. This decision aligns with my Green Pledge and is more convenient for the majority of my clients. I conduct MIAMs via Zoom. However, if you have special requirements, I can accommodate your request for an in-person MIAM.
What happens after MIAM
Following your MIAM, we will decide what to do next. There are two options
- If you decide to try mediation then I will invite the other participant to his/her/their MIAM.
- If mediation is not appropriate for your case or you do not wish to mediate, I will issue a court certificate so you can take your case to court. The certificate is issued on a court form and is valid for four months from the date of your MIAM.
I need MIAM
Start with booking an obligation-free initial consultation with me here.