If you are dealing with a divorce, separation or family dispute, you may be considering an application to the family court. Before doing so, many people are required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, commonly known as a MIAM.
A MIAM is not the same as full mediation. It is an initial meeting with an authorised family mediator to explain how mediation works, assess whether it may be suitable, and discuss other ways of resolving the dispute without going to court.
At Lakes Mediation, we provide MIAMs for separating couples and parents who need help understanding their options before taking the next step.
Why Is a MIAM Required?
In many family cases, you must attend a MIAM before applying to the family court, unless a valid exemption applies. This includes many applications about child arrangements and certain financial matters.
The aim is to make sure that people consider mediation and other non-court options before starting court proceedings. Court can be stressful, expensive and time-consuming, while mediation can often help families reach agreements in a calmer and more constructive way.
Attending a MIAM does not mean you have to continue with mediation. Mediation itself remains voluntary. The MIAM simply helps establish whether mediation is suitable and whether both people are willing to take part.
What Happens at a MIAM?
A MIAM is usually a private meeting between you and the mediator. Your former partner does not usually attend your individual MIAM with you.
During the meeting, the mediator will:
- explain how family mediation works
- listen to the issues you need to resolve
- assess whether mediation is suitable
- discuss child arrangements, financial issues or property matters where relevant
- explain other ways of resolving the dispute
- consider any safety, urgency or safeguarding concerns
- explain what happens if the other person refuses mediation
The meeting also gives you the chance to ask questions and understand whether mediation could help in your situation.
Is a MIAM the Same as Mediation?
No. A MIAM is an assessment and information meeting. It helps you decide whether mediation is suitable.
Mediation sessions only take place afterwards if both people agree to proceed and the mediator considers the case suitable.
If mediation goes ahead, the mediator will help both people discuss the issues in a structured and impartial way. This may include arrangements for children, finances, property, pensions, debts or communication after separation.
When Might You Not Need a MIAM?
There are some situations where a MIAM exemption may apply. These can include cases involving domestic abuse, urgency, safeguarding concerns, child protection issues, bankruptcy in certain financial cases, or where the other person cannot be located.
An exemption may also apply where mediation has recently been attempted or where there is no authorised mediator available within the required distance or timeframe.
Whether an exemption applies depends on the facts of the case and the evidence available. If you claim an exemption, the court can still consider whether that exemption has been validly claimed.
What If Mediation Is Not Suitable?
Mediation is not appropriate in every case. If there are concerns about domestic abuse, coercive control, intimidation, safety, urgency or serious imbalance between the parties, the mediator may decide that mediation should not proceed.
If mediation is not suitable, or if the other person refuses to attend, the mediator can provide the relevant MIAM confirmation so that you can proceed with a court application where required.
What Issues Can Be Discussed in Family Mediation?
Family mediation can help with a wide range of issues, including:
- child arrangements
- parenting plans
- school holidays
- handover arrangements
- communication between parents
- divorce and separation issues
- finances
- property
- pensions
- debts
- future living arrangements
The mediator does not take sides, give legal advice or make decisions for you. Their role is to help both people communicate more constructively and explore practical options for agreement.
Why Consider Mediation Before Court?
Mediation can often be quicker, less expensive and less stressful than court proceedings. It also gives both people more control over the outcome.
Court may still be necessary in some cases, especially where there are urgent issues, safeguarding concerns, refusal to engage, or a complete breakdown in trust. However, where mediation is suitable, it can help reduce conflict and support more workable long-term arrangements.
This is particularly important where children are involved, as parents may need to continue communicating for many years after separation.
How Lakes Mediation Can Help
At Lakes Mediation, we help separating couples and parents understand whether mediation is suitable and what steps are available before going to court.
We can help with:
- MIAM appointments
- child arrangements
- parenting plans
- financial mediation
- property discussions
- pension discussions
- shuttle mediation
- online mediation
Our mediators provide a calm, impartial and structured process designed to help families resolve disputes wherever possible.
Contact Lakes Mediation Today
If you need to attend a MIAM or want to understand whether family mediation could help, Lakes Mediation can support you.
Contact Lakes Mediation today or call 01539 644 002 to arrange a MIAM and discuss your next steps.