Family Mediation MIAM
MIAM Appointment
Book your Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting online. Required before most court applications in England and Wales. Appointments conducted via Zoom or WhatsApp video.
What Is a MIAM?
A MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is a confidential meeting with a qualified family mediator. It is your first step in the mediation process and is required by law before you can apply to court for most family matters in England and Wales.
During a MIAM, the mediator will listen to your situation, explain what mediation involves, and help you understand all your options. The meeting is held separately from the other person involved in your dispute.
The other person is not told you have booked a MIAM. They will only be contacted if you decide to proceed with mediation after your meeting.
A MIAM typically lasts around 45 minutes and is conducted entirely online via Zoom or WhatsApp video call. At the end, you will receive your MIAM certificate or an exemption certificate if mediation is not suitable.
Attending a MIAM does not commit you to mediation. It is simply an opportunity to explore your options.
What Happens During a MIAM?
We listen to your situation
You can explain your circumstances and the issues you want to resolve, whether about children or finances.
We explain your options
The mediator will explain how mediation works and discuss all the options available to you.
We assess suitability
We consider whether mediation is safe and appropriate for your circumstances.
You receive your certificate
After the meeting, you receive a MIAM certificate or exemption, which you need for court applications.
When You Need a MIAM Before Court
In most family cases, you are legally required to attend a MIAM before applying to court.
Child Arrangement Applications
- Where your children will live
- Time spent with each parent
- Holiday and special occasion arrangements
- Decisions about schooling or healthcare
Financial Applications
- Division of property and assets
- Pension sharing arrangements
- Spousal maintenance
- Division of savings and debts
Exemptions: There are some exemptions to the MIAM requirement, including cases involving domestic abuse, urgency, or where the other person is in prison. If you are unsure whether you need a MIAM, contact us and we can advise you. Even if exempt, mediation may still be a good option.
MIAM for C100 Child Arrangements Applications
If you are planning to apply to court using Form C100 for a Child Arrangements Order, you must first attend a MIAM. The court will not accept your C100 application without a valid MIAM certificate or evidence of an exemption.
A C100 application is used when you need the court to make decisions about:
- Where your child will live (formerly called residence)
- When your child will spend time with each parent (formerly called contact)
- Specific issues such as schooling, medical treatment, or travel abroad
- Prohibited steps to prevent certain actions
By attending a MIAM first, you may be able to resolve these issues through mediation without the cost, stress, and delay of going to court.
Child arrangement cases may also be eligible for up to £500 through the Government Mediation Voucher Scheme.
£500 Voucher Scheme
Government Funded Support
Family Mediate is part of the Ministry of Justice Mediation Voucher Scheme. If you are mediating about child arrangements, you may be eligible for up to £500 towards your mediation costs.
We will assess your eligibility during your MIAM appointment and help you understand what funding is available.
MIAM for Form A Financial Applications
If you are getting divorced and need to apply to court for a financial order using Form A, you must attend a MIAM first. This applies to applications for orders about:
Financial mediation can help you and your spouse reach a fair agreement about dividing your assets without the expense and conflict of court proceedings. Many couples find they can resolve all their financial matters through a few mediation sessions.
A MIAM is your opportunity to learn how financial mediation works and whether it could help you reach a fair settlement.
Booking a MIAM Appointment
All MIAM appointments are conducted remotely via Zoom or WhatsApp video call. Choose the option that suits your needs.
Standard MIAM
£150
Appointment within 5 working days
Within 24 Hours
£180
Urgent appointment within 24 hours
Same Day
£200
Appointment on the same day you book
Out of Hours
£225
Evenings and weekends available
Legal Aid Available
If you are on a low income or receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for Legal Aid which covers the full cost of your MIAM and mediation sessions.
£500 Voucher Scheme
For eligible child arrangement cases, the Government Mediation Voucher Scheme provides up to £500 towards your mediation costs.
After Your MIAM
Following your MIAM, if mediation is suitable, you can move on to resolve your specific issues.
Child Arrangements Mediation
Agree on living arrangements, contact schedules, and decisions about your children.
Learn moreDivorce Financial Mediation
Divide property, pensions, savings and debts fairly without going to court.
Learn moreOnline Family Mediation
All sessions via secure video call from anywhere in England and Wales.
Learn moreBook Your MIAM Appointment
Take the first step towards resolving your family dispute. Contact us to book your online MIAM appointment at a time that suits you.