Attending a MIAM does not commit you to mediation
Attending a MIAM does not commit you to mediation
These answers address common questions about family mediation, MIAM requirements, costs, and how the process works in practice.
If you are new to mediation, you may also find it helpful to explore our mediation guides.
Family mediation is a structured process that helps people discuss arrangements following separation or divorce with the support of a neutral professional. The aim is to reach practical, workable agreements about children, finances, or other matters without unnecessary escalation.
Sessions are delivered by mediators registered with the Family Mediation Council working within one coordinated service framework.
You can read more about our family mediation service here.
The process usually begins with an individual assessment meeting. If it is considered appropriate and both people are willing, joint sessions are arranged.
Discussions are structured and carefully managed so that each person can participate constructively. The number of sessions depends on the issues involved and the progress made.
A step-by-step overview is explained here.
Mediation itself is voluntary and not automatically legally binding. Proposals discussed during sessions remain open unless and until both people decide how they wish to formalise them.
Where appropriate, agreements can later be reviewed by solicitors and, in some cases, approved by a court.
You can read more about whether mediation is legally binding in different situations.
You do not need to be on good terms for the process to work. It is specifically designed for situations where there is disagreement.
However, suitability depends on safety, willingness to participate, and whether constructive discussion can take place within a structured setting.
If you are unsure whether this approach is appropriate in your circumstances, you may find it helpful to read:
Yes. Joint sessions only proceed where both people are willing to participate voluntarily.
One person can attend an initial meeting to explore whether the process may be suitable. If it is considered appropriate, the other person is invited to take part.
Further information about how participation works is explained within our family mediation service overview.
Safety is always considered carefully before any joint discussions take place. In some circumstances, mediation may not be appropriate, particularly where there are ongoing safety concerns or a significant imbalance.
An individual assessment meeting allows suitability to be explored confidentially and professionally.
You can read more about when mediation may or may not be appropriate within our family mediation service information.
A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting is an individual appointment used to explain the mediation process and consider whether it may be suitable. In many court-related situations, attending this meeting is required before making an application.
It is not a joint session and does not commit you to continuing.
You can read a full explanation here: What is a MIAM?
In most private family law cases in England and Wales, attending a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is required before issuing certain court applications, unless a recognised exemption applies.
Whether this requirement applies depends on the type of application and the circumstances involved.
You can find more detail here: Do I need a MIAM?
If an assessment meeting is required and no valid exemption applies, the court may delay or return the application until the requirement has been met.
The purpose of this stage is to confirm that mediation has been properly considered before formal proceedings begin.
Further information about the role of a MIAM in the court process is available here:
How MIAMs fit into court proceedings
Fees depend on the type of meeting and the number of sessions required. Costs are explained clearly in advance so that you understand the structure before deciding how to proceed.
There are no hidden charges, and eligibility for the government voucher scheme is considered where applicable.
Full details of mediation costs are available on the pricing page.
In eligible cases involving children, the government mediation voucher scheme may contribute towards joint mediation session fees. Eligibility depends on the nature of the case and current scheme criteria.
The voucher does not usually apply to initial assessment meetings.
You can find further information about the scheme on our pricing page.
The first step is usually an individual assessment meeting. This allows the process to be explained clearly and suitability to be considered before any joint sessions are arranged.
Appointments are confirmed once availability has been agreed.
If you are ready to proceed, you can book a MIAM online.