Do I need a MIAM? – Quick Check

A MIAM is normally the first step

If you want to start family mediation, the usual starting point is your own individual MIAM.

You will meet privately with a mediator, explain your situation and find out how mediation could work.

The mediator will also consider whether mediation is appropriate before any joint mediation takes place.

You do not need the other person's agreement before booking your own MIAM.

You will normally need a MIAM before you apply

For most family court applications about arrangements for children, you normally need to attend a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) before making your application.

There are limited exemptions from this requirement, but they apply only in specific circumstances. The court checks any exemption that is claimed and may require you to attend a MIAM if it does not accept that the exemption applies.

A MIAM is a private meeting with a family mediator. You can explain your situation, understand your options and consider whether mediation or another way of resolving the issues could be appropriate.

Need to move quickly?

Fairbright offers urgent online MIAM appointments if you need to arrange your meeting promptly.

Urgent appointments available.

You will normally need a MIAM before you apply

For most family court applications about financial arrangements following separation or divorce, you normally need to attend a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) before making your application.

There are limited exemptions from this requirement, but they apply only in specific circumstances. The court checks any exemption that is claimed and may require you to attend a MIAM if it does not accept that the exemption applies.

A MIAM is a private meeting with a family mediator. You can explain your situation, understand your options and consider whether mediation or another way of resolving the issues could be appropriate.

Need to move quickly?

Fairbright offers urgent online MIAM appointments if you need to arrange your meeting promptly.

Urgent appointments available.

You will normally need a MIAM before you apply

For most family court applications following separation or divorce, you normally need to attend a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) before making your application.

There are limited exemptions from this requirement, but they apply only in specific circumstances. The court checks any exemption that is claimed and may require you to attend a MIAM if it does not accept that the exemption applies.

A MIAM is a private meeting with a family mediator. You can explain your situation, understand your options and consider whether mediation or another way of resolving the issues could be appropriate.

Need to move quickly?

Fairbright offers urgent online MIAM appointments if you need to arrange your meeting promptly.

Urgent appointments available.

Your next step is to arrange a MIAM

If the court has directed you to attend a MIAM, your next step is to arrange an appointment with an authorised family mediator.

Your MIAM takes place privately and individually. You can explain your situation, understand your options and discuss whether mediation or another form of non-court resolution may be appropriate.

If the court has set a deadline for attending, make sure you book an appointment in time to meet it.

Online appointments available.

A MIAM may still be useful, but the position is different once proceedings have started

The usual MIAM requirement relates to the stage before certain family court applications are made.

However, mediation and other forms of non-court dispute resolution can still be considered after proceedings have started.

The court can also encourage or direct parties to consider non-court dispute resolution during proceedings.

If you would like to explore mediation, you can arrange an individual MIAM with Fairbright.

Your court documents should confirm this

If court proceedings have already started and you are not sure whether the court has told you to attend a MIAM, check the most recent court order or directions you have received. Any requirement to attend a MIAM will usually be recorded there.

Even if the court has not specifically directed you to attend one, a MIAM can still be used to explore whether mediation may be appropriate while proceedings are underway.

If you remain unsure, you can read more about how MIAMs fit into court proceedings before deciding what to do next.

Your next step is to arrange a MIAM

If the court has directed you to attend a MIAM, your next step is to arrange an appointment with an authorised family mediator.

Your MIAM takes place privately and individually. You can explain your situation, understand your options and discuss whether mediation or another form of non-court resolution may be appropriate.

If the court has set a deadline for attending, make sure you book an appointment in time to meet it.

Online appointments available.

Booking a MIAM is likely to be your next step

If your solicitor or another professional has advised you to arrange a MIAM in connection with mediation or a family court application, you can book your appointment directly with Fairbright.

You will meet individually with an authorised family mediator to discuss your situation and the possible next steps.

A MIAM may help you understand your next step

You do not need to understand the entire mediation or court process before arranging a MIAM.

A MIAM is an individual meeting where you can explain your situation, learn about mediation and other ways of resolving family disputes, and consider what may be appropriate in your circumstances.

If you are thinking about mediation, or about making a family court application concerning children or finances, a MIAM will often be an appropriate place to start.