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What is a MIAM?
A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is the first step in family mediation. It's a confidential, one-hour meeting where I meet with you individually to understand your situation, explain how mediation works, and help you decide whether it's the right path forward.
The MIAM is not mediation itself—it's an opportunity for you to get information, ask questions, and make an informed choice without any pressure or commitment.
Why Attend a MIAM?
There are two main reasons people come to a MIAM:
1. You Want to Explore Mediation Voluntarily
Many people choose mediation because they want to avoid court, reduce conflict, and retain control over decisions about their children, finances, and future. A MIAM gives you the chance to explore whether mediation could work for you—with no obligation to proceed.
2. You've Been Directed to Mediation by the Court
In most family disputes, the court expects parties to attend a MIAM before making an application. This is because the legal system recognises that mediation is often a better, cheaper, and less stressful alternative to litigation.
If you're applying to court for a child arrangements order or a financial order, you will usually need to attend a MIAM and have the mediator sign a Form FM1 (or provide a signed statement explaining why mediation is not suitable). I can complete this for you after our meeting.
Important: Even if you are court-directed, attending a MIAM does not commit you to mediation. It simply fulfils the court's requirement and gives you the information you need to decide your next step.
What Happens in a MIAM?
Your MIAM is a private, confidential conversation. I will meet with you alone—the other person will have their own separate MIAM at a different time.
During our meeting, we will:
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Talk through your situation – what's happening, what you're worried about, and what you'd like to achieve
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Explain the mediation process – how it works, what it costs, and what's involved
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Assess whether mediation is suitable – considering factors like safety, power imbalances, and whether both parties are willing to engage
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Explore other options – if mediation isn't right for you, I can signpost you to other forms of support (solicitors, counselling, collaborative law, etc.)
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Answer your questions – anything you're unsure about, we can discuss openly
The meeting lasts approximately one hour. Everything you share is confidential. Nothing is reported back to the other person unless you specifically ask me to.
What Happens After the MIAM?
Once we've met, what happens next depends on your situation and what feels right for you.
If both of you attend your MIAM and agree to try mediation, we'll arrange your first joint session together. I'll guide you through what to expect and help you prepare.
If mediation isn't suitable—perhaps due to safety concerns, unwillingness to participate, or other factors—I will sign your court form confirming exemption. I'll also talk through other options, such as solicitor-led negotiation, collaborative law, or other forms of support.
If you're not sure and need more time, that's absolutely fine. There's no pressure to decide straight away. You can take time to think, seek legal advice, and come back to me if and when you're ready.
If one of you attends but the other doesn't, I can still complete the court form for the person who attended. I will also attempt to contact the other party to see if they're willing to engage. If they choose not to, your case may proceed to court—and I can help you understand what that looks like.
How to Book a MIAM
You can book your MIAM by contacting me directly. I will arrange separate appointments for each of you—usually within the same week if possible.
Before your MIAM, I will send you a brief confirmation email with:
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The date and time of your appointment
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A link (if online) or the address (if in person)
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A short information sheet to help you prepare
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My terms and conditions for you to review
What to Prepare
There's no need to prepare extensively. However, you may find it helpful to think about:
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What you hope to achieve from mediation (or from your next steps)
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Any concerns you have about safety or communication
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Any questions you want to ask me
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If finances are involved, it can be helpful to have a rough sense of income, assets, and outgoings—but you don't need detailed figures for the MIAM
Cost
The MIAM is £150 per person. This is a fixed fee regardless of whether you choose to proceed with mediation afterwards.
Payment is made at the time of booking or on the day of the appointment.
MIAMs and Domestic Abuse / Coercive Control
If domestic abuse or coercive control has been a factor in your relationship, please know that I am trained to work sensitively in these situations. During the MIAM, we will:
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Discuss any safety concerns openly
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Explore whether mediation can be made safe (for example, through shuttle mediation or online sessions)
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Consider whether mediation is appropriate at all
If mediation is not suitable, I will sign your court form confirming exemption, and we can discuss other options such as solicitor-led negotiation or collaborative law.
Your safety is my priority.
Legal Aid and Financial Support
I am a private practice and do not offer legal aid. However, if you are experiencing financial difficulty, and therefore eligible for legal aid I am open to adjusting fees where possible. We can discuss this during your MIAM.
If you think you may be eligible for legal aid, please check using the government calculator:
legal-aid-checker.justice.gov.uk
What If the Other Person Doesn't Attend?
Sometimes one person attends a MIAM and the other doesn't. If this happens:
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I can still complete your court form (if you're applying to court)
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I can also attempt to contact the other person to see if they're willing to engage in mediation
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If they remain unwilling, we will discuss the next steps that are right for you
Book Your MIAM
If you're ready to book your MIAM, or if you'd like a free 15-minute telephone call to ask any initial questions, please get in touch.