The short answer
A MIAM is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. It is a confidential, one to one meeting with a mediator, and a legal requirement before most family court applications in England and Wales. The mediator explains your options and checks whether mediation is suitable. You are not obliged to continue.
| Full name | Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting |
|---|---|
| Who attends | You and a mediator. Your former partner has a separate MIAM |
| Length | Up to 60 minutes |
| Where | Online |
| Cost | See our fees page |
| Urgent option | MIAM and signed court form within 24 hours, see our fees page |
| Do I have to mediate afterwards? | No |
Court deadline or urgent application?
Our urgent service delivers your MIAM and signed court form within 24 hours of confirmed booking and payment, seven days a week.
Do I need a MIAM before going to court?
Yes, in most cases. Before you apply to the family court about child arrangements or finances, you must attend a MIAM unless an exemption applies.
Exemptions include some cases involving domestic abuse, child protection concerns or genuine urgency. The court checks any exemption you claim. The full list is in Practice Direction 3A of the Family Procedure Rules. If you think an exemption applies, contact us and we will talk it through.
What happens in a MIAM?
The mediator meets you on your own, listens to your situation and explains your options.
- You tell the mediator what has happened and what you want to sort out.
- The mediator explains how mediation works and what it can cover.
- They talk through your other options, including solicitor negotiation, arbitration and court.
- They assess whether mediation is safe and suitable for your situation.
- You decide what to do next.
Do I have to go to mediation after my MIAM?
No. The MIAM is information, not a commitment. After the meeting you decide whether mediation is right for you.
If mediation is not suitable, or the other person will not take part, the mediator can sign the court form you need to apply to court, such as the C100 for child arrangements or Form A for finances.
Can I get help paying for mediation?
You may be eligible for the government’s £500 family mediation voucher if your case involves child arrangements. It is not means tested. Read how the £500 voucher works. Legal aid can also cover mediation if you qualify. You can check if you can get legal aid on GOV.UK.
Not sure yet whether you need a MIAM?
This guide is for people who have booked or are about to book. For a fuller explainer on whether you need one, read what is a MIAM and do I need one.
Common questions
Does my former partner attend my MIAM?
No. Each person has their own MIAM, separately and confidentially.
How long does a MIAM take?
Up to 60 minutes, online.
How much does a MIAM cost?
Prices are on our fees page. The price you see is the total per person.
Can I have a MIAM urgently?
Yes. Our urgent service delivers your MIAM and signed court form within 24 hours of confirmed booking and payment, seven days a week, excluding UK bank holidays.
How long is a MIAM valid for?
A MIAM is generally valid for four months before you apply to court. If yours is older, contact us and we will advise on your next step.
Is a MIAM confidential?
Yes. What you say is confidential, subject to the usual safeguarding limits your mediator will explain.
Next step
Read how to prepare for your MIAM, or see all client guides.
This guide is general information, not legal advice.
