MIAMs: What to Expect
A private first step to understand your options.
If you've been told you need a MIAM, or you're considering family mediation and aren't sure where to begin, this is usually the starting point.
A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is an individual, confidential meeting with a family mediator. It gives you space to explain what is happening, understand your options and consider whether mediation is appropriate for your circumstances.
What happens at a MIAM?
A MIAM is not a mediation session and the other person does not attend your individual meeting with you.
We'll talk about:
what is happening for you and your family
the decisions or difficulties you are trying to resolve
how family mediation works
other ways of resolving matters outside court
any concerns about safety, domestic abuse or your ability to participate freely
whether mediation may be appropriate for your circumstances
what the next steps could be
There is no expectation that you have everything figured out before you come.
The purpose of the meeting is to understand your situation and help you make an informed decision about what happens next.
Do I have to attend a MIAM?
If you're considering making certain applications to the Family Court about children or finances, you will usually need to attend a MIAM before applying.
There are circumstances where you may be exempt from attending — for example, in some cases involving domestic abuse, child protection concerns or urgency.
If you're unsure whether you need a MIAM, we can discuss this when you get in touch.
Is mediation always appropriate?
No.
Part of my role during the MIAM is to consider whether mediation is appropriate and safe in your particular circumstances.
We'll talk privately about any concerns you have, including domestic abuse, coercive or controlling behaviour, safeguarding concerns, significant power imbalances or anything else that may affect your ability to participate safely and make decisions freely.
Where mediation isn't appropriate, I'll explain what happens next and, where relevant, the other options or services that may be available to you.
What happens after the MIAM?
There isn't one automatic next step.
If you would like to explore mediation, the other person will usually need to attend their own individual MIAM before joint mediation begins.
If mediation is suitable and you both choose to proceed, we can then arrange mediation sessions.
If mediation isn't appropriate
Mediation will not proceed simply because you've attended a MIAM.
Depending on your circumstances, I can explain other options that may be available and, where appropriate, provide the relevant mediator confirmation needed for a court application.
If you're not ready to decide
That's okay too.
Attending a MIAM does not commit you to mediation. The meeting is there to give you information and help you understand your options.
What if there has been domestic abuse?
Experiencing domestic abuse does not mean you need to work out for yourself whether mediation is safe or appropriate.
The MIAM gives us an opportunity to discuss your circumstances privately, including any concerns about coercive control, intimidation, fear, safety or your ability to negotiate freely.
Your safety and ability to participate freely are part of the assessment of whether mediation is appropriate.
There are also circumstances in which domestic abuse may provide an exemption from the requirement to attend a MIAM before making a court application.
How long does a MIAM take?
Allow approximately 45–60 minutes for your appointment.
MIAMs are available in person in Whitstable or online across England and Wales.
Do I have to speak to my ex-partner?
No.
Your MIAM is an individual meeting.
You don't need to contact the other person before booking your appointment, and attending a MIAM does not mean you have agreed to take part in joint mediation.
If mediation is going to be explored, I will explain how contact with the other person and their own MIAM can be managed.
Ready to take the first step?
You don't need to know whether mediation is right for you before booking.
Your MIAM is an opportunity to talk privately about what is happening, ask questions and understand the options available to you.