Book Your MIAM
Your first step before a family court application — or the first step towards resolving matters without court.
If you need a MIAM in England or Wales, we can help you move forward quickly and clearly. A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting is usually required before certain family court applications, unless an exemption applies. It is a private meeting with a qualified family mediator to assess whether mediation is suitable and to explain your options.
- Authorised MIAM appointments
- Private one-to-one meeting
- Court paperwork completed where appropriate
- Clear next steps after your appointment
Book your MIAM online or call 0330 010 1571
Our team is available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
What Is a MIAM?
A MIAM is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. It is usually a private meeting lasting about an hour, where you speak to a family mediator on your own. You do not attend with your ex-partner at this stage. The meeting is designed to help you understand mediation, talk through your situation, and decide what should happen next.
During the meeting, we can:
- assess whether mediation is suitable and safe
- explain your options clearly
- discuss child arrangements, finances, or property issues
- explain what happens next if mediation goes ahead
- complete the relevant mediation section of court paperwork where appropriate
Only an authorised family mediator can conduct a MIAM and complete the relevant court certification.
Why Book Your MIAM With Us?
When you are dealing with separation, uncertainty can make everything feel harder. A MIAM gives you a clear starting point.
We help you:
- understand whether mediation is right for your situation
- take the first required step before a court application, where needed
- get clear guidance without unnecessary delay
- explore whether matters can be resolved in a calmer way
- move forward with confidence, whether through mediation or another route
Family mediation is designed to help people work out arrangements for children and finances after separation, and GOV.UK says it can be a quicker and less stressful way to resolve disputes than going straight to court where appropriate.
The MIAM Process in 3 Simple Steps
1. Book your appointment
Complete the enquiry form or call our team to arrange your MIAM.
2. Attend your private meeting
You meet with a qualified mediator one-to-one to explain your situation, discuss the issues, and explore your options.
3. Get a clear next step
If mediation is suitable and you want to continue, the next stage can be arranged. If mediation is not suitable or you need to proceed with court, we can complete the relevant paperwork where appropriate.
Book your MIAM online or call 0330 010 1571
Do I Need a MIAM?
In many family cases, yes. Before making certain applications to the family court in England and Wales, applicants are generally expected to attend a MIAM unless a valid exemption applies. This includes many applications relating to children and some financial remedy applications.
A MIAM is commonly relevant if you need help with:
- child arrangements
- contact with your children
- parenting disputes after separation
- financial issues following separation
- property-related disputes linked to separation
When Might You Be Exempt?
You may not need to attend a MIAM if a recognised exemption applies. Common examples include:
- evidence of domestic abuse
- immediate child protection concerns
- urgency
- certain existing proceedings or recent MIAM attendance
- situations where attending is not practically possible under the rules
The exemptions are set out in the Family Procedure Rules and related Practice Direction. If you are unsure, we can help you understand whether a MIAM is required in your circumstances.
What Happens After the MIAM?
After the meeting, there are usually two possible routes:
If mediation is suitable
If mediation is appropriate and you want to continue, the other person can be invited to attend their own initial meeting and the mediation process can begin.
If mediation is not suitable
If mediation is not appropriate, or you need to move ahead with a court application, the mediator can complete the relevant section of the court paperwork where appropriate.
Cost and Funding
We will always explain costs clearly before you proceed.
If legal aid is relevant to your situation, we can explain that during the enquiry process. Family Mediation Council guidance states that legal aid may cover the MIAM and mediation for eligible people, and if one person qualifies, the MIAM and first full mediation session can be covered for both people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I attend the MIAM with my ex-partner?
No. A MIAM is normally a private one-to-one meeting with the mediator. You attend separately so you can speak freely and safely.
How long does a MIAM take?
A MIAM usually lasts about an hour.
Can a MIAM help me avoid court?
It can. The purpose of the MIAM is to explore whether mediation or another non-court process may help resolve the issues before court action is taken.
What if I need a MIAM for a C100 or Form A?
An authorised mediator can conduct the MIAM and, where appropriate, complete the relevant mediation section of forms such as C100, Form A, Form A1, and FM1.
What if I think I am exempt?
We can help you understand the common exemptions and what they mean for your application.
Start Your MIAM Today
Whether you need a MIAM for a court application or want to explore whether mediation could resolve matters more calmly, we are ready to help.
Book your MIAM online or call 0330 010 1571
Our team is available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm