What is a MIAM?
A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is a confidential meeting with a qualified family mediator. It's designed to help you understand how mediation works and whether it's suitable for your situation.
Key Point: MIAMs are Usually Mandatory
Since April 2014, anyone applying to court for most family matters must first attend a MIAM, unless they qualify for an exemption. This gives families a chance to try mediation before expensive court proceedings.
What Happens in a MIAM?
- You'll meet individually with a qualified mediator
- The mediator explains how mediation works
- You discuss your situation and concerns
- Assessment of whether mediation is suitable
- Information about costs and timescales
- Discussion of alternative options if mediation isn't suitable
MIAM Sessions Are:
Confidential
Nothing discussed can be used in court later
Individual
You meet separately with the mediator
Informative
No pressure to proceed with mediation
Professional
Conducted by qualified family mediators
When MIAMs are Required
MIAMs are mandatory before applying to court for:
- Child Arrangements Orders - Where children live and when they see each parent
- Prohibited Steps Orders - Preventing certain actions regarding children
- Specific Issue Orders - Resolving specific disputes about children
- Financial Orders - Property, maintenance, and financial settlements
- Consent Orders - Making agreements legally binding
Important: Both Parties Must Attend
The person applying to court (the applicant) must attend a MIAM. The mediator will then invite the other party (the respondent) to attend their own MIAM. If the respondent doesn't attend, the applicant can still proceed to court with their MIAM certificate.
MIAM Outcomes
After your MIAM, one of these will happen:
- Proceed to Mediation: Both parties agree to try mediation
- Mediation Unsuitable: The mediator assesses mediation isn't appropriate
- One Party Unwilling: One party refuses to participate in mediation
- Need Court Application: Urgent protection or enforcement needed
In all cases, you'll receive a MIAM certificate which you need for any court application.
MIAM Exemptions
You don't need to attend a MIAM if you qualify for an exemption. The main exemption categories are:
Domestic Violence
- Police report of domestic violence in last 12 months
- Court order for protection
- Conviction for domestic violence offence
- Evidence from health professional
- Evidence from social services
Child Protection
- Child is subject to protection plan
- Child in care or was in care
- Child protection investigation ongoing
- Social services involvement
Urgency
- Risk of significant harm to child
- Risk of unlawful removal from UK
- Risk of significant financial hardship
- Delay would cause significant injustice
Whereabouts
- Other party cannot be contacted
- Other party is in prison
- Other party lives outside England/Wales
- Other party has limited mental capacity
Previous Attempts
- MIAM attended in last 4 months
- Mediation started but stopped
- Other party failed to attend MIAM
Court Proceedings
- Application to vary existing order
- Application for contempt of court
- Application for warrant of arrest
- Appeal against court order
Evidence Required
Most exemptions require evidence to be provided with your court application. The court will check that exemptions are valid and may ask for additional evidence if needed.
Our MIAM Process
At Peaceful Path Mediation, we make the MIAM process as straightforward as possible:
Book Online
Easy online booking with flexible appointment times
Secure Video Call
Attend from home via our secure video platform
Professional Assessment
60-minute session with qualified mediator
Immediate Certificate
MIAM certificate issued the same day
What to Expect
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Cost: £120 per person
- Format: Secure video call (phone also available)
- Certificate: Issued within 24 hours
- Validity: 4 months for court applications
How to Prepare
- Think about what you want to achieve
- Consider what matters most to you
- Prepare any questions about mediation
- Ensure you have a quiet, private space
- Test your video/audio connection
MIAM Certificate
Your MIAM certificate is an official document that confirms you've attended a MIAM session. It's required for most court applications.
Certificate Details
- Valid for: 4 months from date of issue
- Required for: Court applications (unless exempt)
- Includes: Mediator assessment and recommendations
- Format: Secure PDF document
Certificate Outcomes
Your certificate will show one of these outcomes:
- Mediation Suitable: Both parties willing to try mediation
- Mediation Unsuitable: Not appropriate for your situation
- Other Party Unwilling: Refused to participate
- Mediation Attempted: Tried but was unsuccessful
Using Your Certificate
- Submit with your court application
- Keep copies for your records
- Share with your solicitor if you have one
- Present to court if requested