Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAM) in Family Mediation
If you’re thinking about applying to the family court, you may be required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment meeting—commonly known as a MIAM. This is often the first step in resolving family disputes through mediation rather than litigation.
At Brighter Future Mediation, we guide you through this process with clarity and care, helping you explore your options and move forward with confidence.
What is a MIAM?
A MIAM is a confidential 1-2-1 meeting with a qualified family mediator. It’s designed to help you understand how mediation works and whether it’s suitable for your situation. You’ll learn about alternative ways to resolve disputes—such as child arrangements or financial matters—without going to court.
The meeting up to one hour and they are held online enabling you to access our services at your convenience.
Is a MIAM required before going to court?
Yes. In most cases, UK family law requires anyone applying to the family court to attend a MIAM first. This applies to applications involving child arrangements, financial orders, and other family matters. The aim is to encourage families to consider mediation before starting legal proceedings.
If you don’t attend a MIAM and no valid exemption applies, the court may delay your application and ask you to meet with a mediator before continuing.
Do both parties need to attend?
The person making the application is legally required to attend a MIAM. However, the court may expect the other party to attend as well. If they choose not to, the applicant can still proceed with their court application. If, after attending your MIAM you want to mediate we then contact the other person with information about MIAMs and family mediation and invite them to attend. Both parties must have had their own MIAM before joint sessions begin.
When is a MIAM not required?
You may be exempt from attending a MIAM if:
- you’ve already attended a MIAM or mediation in the last four months
- you’re currently involved in another form of dispute resolution
- there are child protection concerns involving a local authority
- the matter is urgent or requires an application without notice
See all exemptions here
Your mediator will help you determine whether an exemption applies and provide the necessary documentation.
How much does a MIAM cost?
At Brighter Future Mediation, we aim to keep costs accessible; we offer MIAMs at £99 per person (A MIAM typically costs between £105 and £125+VAT per person).
If you’re eligible for legal aid, the MIAM and any follow-up mediation sessions may be fully covered. We do not currently offer legal aid funded sessions, but we can point you in the direction of services who do and you can check your eligibility here.
What happens after the MIAM?
If mediation is suitable and both parties agree to proceed, we’ll arrange your first joint session. If mediation isn’t appropriate or the other person declines to take part, we’ll issue the MIAM certificate you need to apply to court. If you are mediating child arrangements, you will be entitled to the government’s £500 voucher (split between both clients equally) and we will forward a simple form to complete ahead of your session and we then apply directly to the MOJ for the funding.
Ready to book your MIAM?
A MIAM is more than just a legal requirement—it’s an opportunity to be heard and explore a calmer, more constructive way forward for you and your family.
Contact or call us today to book your MIAM and take the first step toward resolution.
Disclaimer: Please note, the information provided is general information and not legal advice in any sense. For legal advice, please contact a solicitor.
