Attending a MIAM does not commit you to mediation
Attending a MIAM does not commit you to mediation
Whether you have been told you need a MIAM, are considering mediation, or are simply unsure what happens next, this short guide explains the process clearly.
You do not need to decide now whether mediation is right for you.
The following five steps explain how the process works, what to expect and what usually happens next. The entire guide takes only a few minutes to read.
People usually arrive at this stage for one of three reasons:
Whichever applies to you, the starting point is usually the same: understanding what a MIAM is and how it fits into the process.
A MIAM — a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting — is a private meeting with a family mediator.
It gives you the opportunity to explain what is happening, understand the possible ways forward and consider whether mediation may be suitable.
You do not need to have decided that you want to mediate before attending.
A MIAM is not simply a formality before court.
Its purpose is to help you understand whether your situation could be resolved through mediation or another process before court becomes necessary.
During the meeting, your mediator will:
If you need to make certain family court applications, attending a MIAM is normally required unless an exemption applies.
So the MIAM serves two purposes: it can help you understand whether mediation could work, and where court may still be necessary, it forms part of the process before you apply.
You do not usually need to decide between mediation and court before your MIAM.
The meeting helps establish what should happen next.
You can decide whether you would like to explore it.
The other person would normally have their own individual assessment before any joint mediation sessions begin.
If mediation is suitable and both of you want to proceed, mediation can then be arranged.
This could be because it is not considered suitable, because one of you does not want to proceed, or because another route is more appropriate.
If you need to make a relevant court application, your mediator can explain what happens next and, where appropriate, provide the required confirmation of your MIAM attendance.
Attending a MIAM therefore does not close off the court route — it helps you understand whether there may be another suitable way forward first.
If mediation is suitable, it can give you more control over how family issues are resolved.
Rather than asking a court to decide, you work with the other person and an impartial mediator to try to reach arrangements you can both accept.
Mediation can help with:
You do not need to agree before mediation starts. Disagreement is usually why mediation is needed.
For many families, mediation can also be quicker and less expensive than contested court proceedings.
If your case involves arrangements for children, you may also be eligible for up to £500 towards the cost of mediation through the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme.
You may already know that you need a MIAM — for example, because you have been told to attend one before making a C100 or another family court application.
Or you may still be deciding whether mediation could be right for you.
Either way, the next practical step is usually the same: arrange your individual MIAM.
If you need a MIAM for court, the meeting allows you to complete this stage of the process and understand what happens next.
If you are considering mediation, the MIAM helps you understand whether it could be suitable and how the process would work.
And if you are still unsure, you do not need to make that decision first. The MIAM is designed to help you understand your situation and the possible ways forward.
Your MIAM is private, individual and does not commit you to mediation.
Not sure whether you need a MIAM?
Use our short check to understand whether a MIAM is likely to apply in your circumstances.
Do I need a MIAM? – Quick Check
Have a question before you decide?
If you feel ready to begin the process, the next step is to arrange a MIAM.
If you would prefer to ask a question before arranging a MIAM, you are welcome to get in touch.