MIAMs and family mediation assessments
A MIAM is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. It is usually the first step before family mediation and helps establish whether mediation is suitable for your situation.
A MIAM can help with
- Understanding mediation
- Assessing whether mediation is suitable
- Discussing children or financial issues
- Considering safety or safeguarding concerns
- Explaining possible next steps
What is a MIAM?
A MIAM is a private individual meeting with a family mediator. The mediator explains how family mediation works, asks about your situation and considers whether mediation or another non-court process may be suitable.
A MIAM is not the same as a joint mediation session. It is an assessment and information meeting. It can help you understand your options before deciding whether to proceed with mediation, seek legal advice or take another route.
What happens during a MIAM?
The mediator explains the process
You are told how mediation works, what the mediator can and cannot do, and how sessions may be arranged if mediation goes ahead.
Your situation is assessed
The mediator asks about the issues involved, such as children arrangements, finances, property, communication or safety concerns.
Suitability is considered
The mediator considers whether mediation is appropriate, whether any safeguards are needed, or whether another route may be more suitable.
Options are explained
You may be told about mediation, shuttle mediation, online mediation, solicitor advice, court options or other non-court dispute resolution routes.
Next steps are discussed
If mediation is suitable, the mediator can explain how the other person may be invited and what the first joint session may involve.
Court forms may be discussed
If mediation is not suitable or does not proceed, the mediator may be able to complete the relevant MIAM section of the court form where appropriate.
Do both people attend together?
A MIAM is usually attended individually. The mediator can meet each person separately to understand their situation, explain the process and consider whether mediation is suitable.
If mediation later goes ahead, the format may depend on the case. Some sessions may be joint, online or arranged as shuttle mediation if suitable.
When is a MIAM needed?
A MIAM is usually required before making many family court applications, unless an exemption applies. Exemptions may include domestic abuse, urgency, child protection concerns or other specific circumstances.
The mediator can explain whether a MIAM certificate or court form section may be needed if mediation does not go ahead.
How the MIAM process works
| Initial enquiry | You contact Lakes Mediation and explain whether the issue relates to children, finances, property, pensions or another family matter. |
| MIAM booked | An individual Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting is arranged with a family mediator. |
| Information given | The mediator explains mediation, confidentiality, possible costs, legal aid where relevant and other non-court options. |
| Suitability assessed | The mediator considers whether mediation is safe and suitable, including any safeguarding or power imbalance concerns. |
| Other person contacted | If mediation may be suitable, the other person may be invited to attend their own MIAM. |
| Next step confirmed | If both people agree and mediation is suitable, mediation sessions can be arranged. If not, other options can be explained. |
What a MIAM can help you understand
Whether mediation is suitable
The meeting helps assess whether mediation is appropriate, safe and likely to be useful in your circumstances.
What issues need resolving
You can identify whether the main issues involve children, communication, finances, property, pensions or a mixture of matters.
What happens if mediation does not proceed
If mediation is not suitable, or if the other person does not attend, the mediator can explain possible next steps.
A MIAM is about informed choice, not pressure
The purpose of a MIAM is to help you understand mediation and other options. It should not be used to pressure anyone into mediation, ignore safety concerns or bypass independent legal advice where that advice is needed.
MIAM FAQs
| What does MIAM stand for? | MIAM stands for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. |
| Is a MIAM the same as mediation? | No. A MIAM is an information and assessment meeting. Mediation sessions only follow if mediation is suitable and both people are willing to take part. |
| Do I attend with my ex-partner? | Usually, each person attends their own individual MIAM. The mediator can explain the options for later mediation sessions if the process goes ahead. |
| What issues can be discussed? | A MIAM can cover children arrangements, finances, property, pensions, communication and other family separation issues. |
| Is a MIAM confidential? | MIAM discussions are generally confidential, but there are exceptions for safeguarding, risk of harm, criminal activity or where disclosure is required by law. |
| Can the mediator give legal advice? | No. The mediator is impartial and cannot give legal advice to either person. They can explain the mediation process and suggest when independent legal advice may be useful. |
| What if mediation is not suitable? | The mediator can explain other possible options and may be able to complete the relevant MIAM section of the court form where appropriate. |
| What if the other person refuses to attend? | Mediation cannot be forced. If the other person will not engage, the mediator can explain possible next steps. |
| Do I need a MIAM before court? | In many family court applications, a MIAM is usually required before applying to court unless an exemption applies. |
| Can I still go to court after a MIAM? | Yes. Attending a MIAM does not prevent you from going to court if mediation is unsuitable, does not proceed or does not resolve the issues. |
Start with a confidential MIAM assessment.
Speak to Lakes Mediation about MIAMs, children arrangements, financial mediation, online mediation, shuttle mediation or next steps before a family court application.