The first step before many private family court applications
MIAM – Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting
A MIAM is a private first meeting with an authorised family mediator. It helps you understand mediation and other non-court options before deciding what should happen next.
It is not the same as a mediation session. It is an information and assessment meeting designed to help you work out whether mediation is suitable and whether a court application is really needed.
MIAM at a glance
- Private first meeting with a mediator
- Explains mediation and other options
- Assesses whether mediation is suitable
- Helps clarify the right next step
If mediation is appropriate and both people are willing to try it, further sessions can then be arranged.
What a MIAM is
A MIAM gives you the chance to explain your situation, understand the mediation process and hear about other ways of resolving matters without going straight to court.
For many private family cases involving children or finances after separation, a MIAM forms part of the process before applying to court unless an exemption applies. It is there to help you make a more informed decision, not to force you into mediation.
The mediator’s role is to assess whether mediation is appropriate, explain the available routes and help you understand what happens next.
What happens during a MIAM
You explain the issue
You talk through the key disagreements and the decisions that still need to be made after separation.
The mediator explains the process
You are given clear information about mediation and any other suitable non-court options.
Suitability is assessed
The mediator considers whether mediation is appropriate in light of the circumstances, the level of conflict and any safety concerns.
The format is discussed
You can discuss whether any later sessions would be better held jointly, separately, online or in another suitable format.
Costs and support are covered
You can discuss fees, possible legal aid eligibility and whether any current funding support may apply.
A next step is agreed
That may be further mediation, another non-court route, or a clearer understanding of what is needed if a court application becomes necessary.
A MIAM is not the same as mediation
This is one of the main points people get wrong. A MIAM is the first meeting where you receive information and the mediator assesses whether mediation is suitable.
Only if mediation is appropriate and both people are willing to proceed do mediation sessions follow. The MIAM exists to help you understand your options before matters move any further.
A MIAM is the point where you stop guessing what your options are and start understanding them properly.
Information
What mediation is and how it works.
Assessment
Whether mediation fits the case.
Direction
The most sensible next step.
Who attends a MIAM
You will usually speak to the mediator about your situation first. The other person can then be invited to attend, either separately or with the same mediator, depending on what is appropriate for the case.
Separate attendance is often more suitable where communication is very difficult or where there are concerns about safety, pressure or control.
MIAM attendance can be
- Individual
- Separate but with the same mediator
- Joint, where appropriate
- Online or in person
The format should reflect what is safe, realistic and productive, not what is most convenient on paper.
When mediation may not be suitable
A MIAM is also where the mediator considers whether mediation is appropriate at all.
- There may be domestic abuse or safeguarding concerns
- The level of pressure or control may make mediation unsuitable
- The matter may be too urgent for mediation to be the right route
- Another form of non-court resolution may be more suitable
There are recognised exemptions in some cases. If mediation is not suitable, that should be made clear at the assessment stage rather than forcing the case into the wrong process.
What happens after the MIAM
If mediation is suitable
Further sessions can be arranged so you can work through children, finances, property or practical arrangements in a more structured way.
If mediation is not suitable
The mediator can explain the other available routes and help clarify the next step if the matter needs to move forward in a different way.
If court is still needed
The relevant court application requirements can then be dealt with properly following the MIAM, rather than starting a court process without understanding the alternatives first.
Costs, legal aid and funding support
MIAM fees vary by provider, so it is important to get a clear explanation of costs at the start.
Depending on your circumstances, legal aid may be available. In eligible cases, legal aid can cover the MIAM and mediation. For some child-related cases, a family mediation voucher may also be available towards mediation sessions that follow.
Practical point: the MIAM should help you understand not just whether mediation is suitable, but also whether it is realistic and affordable in your circumstances.
Short answers to common MIAM questions
Do I have to attend before court?
In many private family cases, yes, unless a recognised exemption applies.
Can a MIAM be online?
Yes. Depending on the provider and the case, a MIAM may be arranged online or in person.
Is it confidential?
The meeting is private, and confidentiality is a key part of the process, subject to the usual safeguarding limits.
Will we have to attend together?
Not necessarily. Separate attendance is often possible and may be more appropriate.
What happens afterwards?
You will have a clearer view of whether to proceed with mediation, use another route or prepare for court in a more informed way.
Can you help me work out my next step?
Yes. That is one of the main purposes of the MIAM: to understand what route is most suitable before matters escalate further.
Need to arrange a MIAM?
Speak to Just Divorce Mediation about booking a MIAM, understanding whether mediation may be suitable and getting clearer on the right next step before court.