What Is a MIAM?
What Is a MIAM? Your Complete Guide to Mediation Information & Assessment Meetings in England.
If you’re considering applying to the family court in England or Wales for matters concerning children or finances, you’ll almost certainly come across the term MIAM — short for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. At Family Mediation Services, our accredited mediators guide clients through this important first step, helping you understand the process and whether mediation could resolve your dispute without the need for court.
In this blog, we’ll answer the most common questions about MIAMs including who needs to attend, how much it costs and what happens next depending on the outcome.
1. What Is a MIAM?
A MIAM is a private meeting with an accredited mediator. It is used to decide if your situation is suitable for family mediation.
In the meeting, the mediator will:
- Explain how the family mediation process works.
- Discuss your circumstances in a confidential setting.
- Explore whether you could reach an agreement without going to court.
The aim of the Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting is also to ensure you are prepared for mediation should you choose to proceed. It is part of the pre-court mediation meeting requirement for many family cases in England and Wales.
2. Who Needs to Attend a MIAM?
Most people applying to the family court for an order about children (such as child arrangements) or finances (such as financial settlements between ex-partners) must attend a MIAM first. Attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting — sometimes called a MIAM mediation — is a legal requirement in England and Wales before court proceedings start, unless you qualify for an exemption.
Exemptions & Alternatives include situations such as:
- Urgent applications (e.g., where a child’s safety is at risk or a child is about to be relocated without agreement).
- Evidence of domestic abuse.
- Bankruptcy in financial matters.
- Where the other party is already exempt or has attended a MIAM mediation appointment within the last four months.
If you believe you might qualify for one of these MIAM exemptions then an accredited mediator can help you understand your options and provide the necessary documentation.
3. How Much Does a MIAM Cost?
The cost of a MIAM varies depending on the provider. At Family Mediation Services, MIAMs start from £85 to £165, depending on the urgency of your case and the convenience of the appointment (e.g., same-day or evening sessions).
If you qualify for legal aid, your MIAM could be free. In some cases, the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may also help towards the cost of mediation sessions after your MIAM. Speak to one of our accredited mediators to check your eligibility.
4. What Happens If the MIAM Meeting Concludes Mediation Is Suitable?
If you and your mediator agree that mediation is suitable, the next step is to arrange mediation sessions. These sessions allow both parties to work towards an agreement on issues such as parenting arrangements, property division or financial support without going to court.
Choosing to proceed after your Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting means you are engaging in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) — a process often quicker and less stressful than litigation.
5. What Happens If the MIAM Concludes Mediation Is Not Suitable?
If the MIAM meeting concludes that mediation is not appropriate, for example, due to safety concerns or other complex factors, your accredited mediator will provide a signed court form (C100 or Form A). This form is also known as a MIAM certificate but in fact, only one page of the form is the actual MIAM certificate. This MIAM certificate confirms that you attended the Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting but that mediation is not proceeding, or has broken down, allowing you to take your case to court.
Some clients in this position may explore exemptions & alternatives such as arbitration or solicitor-led negotiation, especially if family mediation is no longer viable.
Why Choose Family Mediation Services?
At Family Mediation Services, our mediators are accredited mediators with experience in both family law and mediation practice. We understand the importance of guiding clients through the MIAM process with clarity, compassion and efficiency. Whether you proceed to mediation or require a court application, we ensure you leave the MIAM with the right information and paperwork for your next step.
Ready to book your MIAM?
Contact Family Mediation Services today on admin@familymediationservices.co.uk to arrange your appointment with an accredited mediator in England and Wales.