What is a MIAM?

A MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is the first step into family mediation. It is a confidential 1:1 meeting with a trained mediator to discuss your situation and explore mediation as an alternative to court.

Key points about MIAMs:

·       Valid for 4 months

·       Legal requirement for most family court applications

·       Usually, we will invite the other party after your MIAM

·       Payment: £110 per session

Book Your MIAM Today

You can use the form at the bottom of this page to book a MIAM. Our sessions are relaxed, confidential, and informative, helping you understand your options, including what’s required if you need to make a court application.

Take the first step toward resolving family matters amicably and safely.

The MIAM allows the mediator to provide information and assess if the process is appropriate for your situation. It provides an opportunity to answer any question you may have.

Before applying to court for issues such as child arrangements, financial disputes, or family disagreements, the law usually requires you to attend a MIAM (unless you qualify for an exemption).

A MIAM helps you:

·       Understand your options outside of court

·       Discuss your situation confidentially with a trained mediator

·       Explore whether joint mediation could work for you and the other party

Exemptions: In certain situations, such as domestic abuse or urgent court matters, a MIAM may not be required.

We will also look at:

• FREE £500 voucher from ministry of justice when child issues are discussed

• how to prepare for a joint meeting

MIAMs are relaxed, informal, and confidential. You do not need to bring anything, but a pen and paper can be helpful. The meeting covers four main areas:

1. Information for You

The mediator will share guidance and explain the process. You can take notes but cannot record the meeting.

2. Your Details

There is an opportunity to discuss your situation, including:

·       What led to your current circumstances

·       How you and your children are coping

·       Any concerns about mediation

3. Welfare and Safety

Questions ensure that both parties can participate safely. Safety is always our top priority.

4. Next Steps

The mediator outlines the process, costs, and timescales. Usually, the other party will be invited to a MIAM unless you formally request otherwise.

No. A MIAM is attended by one party to assess whether mediation is suitable. If mediation is recommended, both parties may then attend joint mediation sessions. If you request that the other party not be invited, your reasons are recorded.

- £110 per session

- Cancellation Policy: If you cancel or postpone within 24 hours, the full cost is payable.

How Do I Get a MIAM Certificate?

After attending a MIAM, we can provide a MIAM certificate if requested, which is required for court applications. Certificates are valid for 4 months.

If your certificate expires before submitting your court application, you may need to attend another MIAM.

Booking is simple:

Use our online contact form

We aim to contact you the same day and where possible and arrange your meeting quickly.

Time-Limit on a MIAM

MIAMs are valid for four months as set by the Ministry of Justice. Your court application must reference a MIAM or your last joint mediation session within this period, unless exemptions apply.

For online sessions:

·       Ensure a stable broadband/Wi-Fi connection

·       The call cannot be recorded

·       Attend from a private, safe environment (no driving, cafés, or public areas)

If your internet connection is unstable, the session may need to be paused or rescheduled.

What Should I Bring to a MIAM?

You don’t need to bring anything. A pen and paper may help if you want to take notes.

How Long Does a MIAM Last?

A typical MIAM lasts around 45–60 minutes, depending on your situation.

What Happens if the Other Party Refuses Mediation?

If mediation is not possible, we can advise on next steps, including providing the required mediator signed MIAM certificate.

We offer this service to families in Henley-on-Thames, Reading, Maidenhead, Marlow and Oxford, as well as online across England and Wales.

Following your Information meeting (MIAM), we will talk about what you want to do next. There are two options:

• If you decide you would like to try a joint meeting, we can invite the other participant to a MIAM.

• If mediation is not appropriate for your case or you do not wish to mediate, we can issue a MIAM certificate for a C100 or Form A application, so you could take your case to court.