Attending a MIAM does not commit you to mediation
Attending a MIAM does not commit you to mediation
This guide is part of our Mediation Guides, which explain how family mediation works and when it may be appropriate.
Deciding whether mediation is appropriate for your situation
Mediation can be a constructive way to resolve issues during separation or divorce. However, it is not always the right option.
Understanding whether mediation is appropriate means looking carefully at your circumstances, rather than assuming it is automatically the best route. This page is intended to help you think that through.
Mediation does not require everything to be agreed at the outset. It is designed to help structure difficult conversations and support constructive discussion.
Even where there is tension or disagreement, mediation can sometimes provide a calmer framework for discussion.
A common concern is:
“We can’t even have a conversation — how could mediation work?”
Mediation does not require you to negotiate without support. The mediator manages the discussion carefully and ensures:
The structure of mediation is often what makes constructive discussion possible.
Mediation is designed to support constructive discussion, but it is not the right approach in every situation.
There are some circumstances where a different approach may be needed, or where mediation may not proceed.
This is something that is considered carefully as part of an initial MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting), where your situation can be discussed in more detail.
If mediation is not appropriate, this will be explained clearly and alternative next steps can be outlined.
Attending an initial meeting to explore mediation does not commit you to continuing.
A mediation assessment stage known as a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is used to consider whether mediation is appropriate and what the next steps may be. This includes:
These are normal questions. Exploring them early can help you make a more informed decision.
If you would prefer structured guidance to help you decide, you can use our Mediation Suitability Check.
Mediation is designed to offer a structured alternative to court, not to replace legal advice or prevent you from taking other steps if needed.
In some cases, court proceedings are necessary.
In many situations, mediation can help resolve issues before court becomes necessary, or reduce the number of matters that need to be decided by a judge.
The key is understanding which route fits your circumstances.
If you would like structured, professional support with separation or divorce decisions, you can also learn more about family mediation.