Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)
A private first meeting to help you understand your options
A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, usually called a MIAM, is a private meeting with an accredited family mediator. It gives you the opportunity to explain what is happening, understand the options available and consider whether family mediation may be suitable for you and your family.
A MIAM is not mediation. The other person will not attend your appointment, and attending does not commit you to taking part in mediation.
Meet Your FMC-Accredited Family Mediator
Every MIAM provided by Just Family Law is conducted by Emma Sanders, who is accredited by the Family Mediation Council to help with matters involving arrangements for children, finances or both.
She is also an experienced specialist family solicitor. Her legal background enables her to explain the mediation process and the general legal framework clearly and practically.
When acting as mediator, however, Emma is independent and impartial. She does not act as solicitor for either person and cannot provide either person with individual legal advice.
What Happens at a MIAM?
A MIAM will usually last approximately one hour.
Before your appointment, we will ask you to complete a short confidential questionnaire. This helps Emma understand the broad background, identify any urgent or practical issues and make the best use of your meeting.
During the MIAM, Emma will:
- Listen to you explain the current situation and the issues you would like to resolve
- Explain how family mediation works
- Discuss other ways of resolving matters without going to court
- Consider whether mediation would be safe and suitable
- Discuss any practical arrangements that may be needed
- Explain the possible next steps
The meeting is intended to give you clear information and a private space in which to consider your options. It is not about pressuring you to mediate.
After the appointment, Emma will explain what she considers to be the appropriate next step. This may include inviting the other person to attend their own MIAM, arranging mediation or discussing other available options.
What If the Other Person Does Not Want to Attend?
You can arrange and attend your own MIAM without the other person’s agreement.
If it is appropriate to do so, Just Family Law can invite them to attend their own individual appointment. If they decline or do not respond, Emma will contact you and explain what this means for your next steps.
Do I Need to Attend a MIAM?
Before mediation begins, each person will usually attend their own MIAM.
You will also usually need to attend a MIAM before making certain applications concerning children or financial matters to the Family Court, unless an exemption applies.
Attending a MIAM does not require you to continue into mediation. Mediation remains voluntary.
What Is a MIAM Exemption?
A MIAM exemption means that, because of your particular circumstances, you may be able to make a relevant application to the Family Court without attending a MIAM first.
An exemption may apply where, for example:
- There is evidence of domestic abuse
- There are urgent safety or safeguarding concerns
- A child is subject to a child protection plan or certain local authority enquiries
- You have recently attended a MIAM about the same dispute
- The application is being made without notice to the other person
- You cannot reasonably access a MIAM because of detention, disability or the lack of an available mediator
Some exemptions require supporting evidence, and the court will decide whether an exemption has been validly claimed.
Emma can provide general information about the MIAM requirement and exemptions. As an impartial mediator, she cannot advise you personally about whether you should rely upon a particular exemption. You may wish to obtain independent legal advice if you are unsure.
Can I Attend a MIAM If Court Proceedings Have Already Started?
Yes. A MIAM or mediation may still be helpful after court proceedings have begun.
Please tell us when booking if an application has already been issued and provide the date of the next hearing or deadline.
Safety and Confidentiality
Your safety and wellbeing are an important part of the MIAM assessment.
Emma will speak to you privately about any concerns involving domestic abuse, controlling behaviour, intimidation, safeguarding or an imbalance of power. Mediation will not be recommended where it is not considered safe, suitable or capable of being conducted fairly.
Where mediation may be possible, Emma can discuss arrangements designed to make the process feel safer and more manageable. These may include online mediation or each person remaining in a separate room.
What Can We Discuss at My MIAM?
Emma is accredited to conduct MIAMs relating to arrangements for children, financial matters or both.
Your MIAM is private and confidential, subject to safeguarding responsibilities and the limited circumstances in which disclosure may be required by law or professional obligations.
Arrangements for Children
This may include where children will live, the time they spend with each parent, communication, holidays, schooling and other important decisions.
Finances and Property
This may include the family home, other property, savings, pensions, income, maintenance, businesses and debts.
Children and Finances
Where both parenting and financial matters need to be resolved, they can be considered as part of one coordinated mediation process where appropriate.
Online and In-Person Appointments
MIAMs are available online or in person by prior arrangement. The same fee and professional service apply whether your appointment takes place online or in person.
How Much Does a MIAM Cost?
The fee is £150 plus VAT per person.
The fee includes completion of the relevant mediator section of the court application form, sometimes referred to as the MIAM certificate, where appropriate.
Just Family Law does not provide legally aided MIAMs or legally aided family mediation.
Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
Just Family Law participates in the Government’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme. Subject to eligibility and the availability of funding, the scheme can provide a contribution of up to £500 per family towards the cost of mediation sessions where arrangements for children are being discussed. It is not means-tested.
The scheme does not cover the cost of a MIAM, so the MIAM fee remains payable in full. It also does not cover outcome documents or other paperwork.
During your MIAM, Emma will explain the scheme and consider whether your case may be eligible. A voucher application can be made if mediation is suitable, both people wish to proceed and both consent to the application.
The contribution is paid directly to Just Family Law and applied to the joint cost of eligible mediation sessions.
What Happens If We Decide to Mediate?
If mediation is suitable and both people decide that they would like to proceed, Emma will explain how the first mediation session will be arranged.
Our dedicated Family Mediation page explains the process, fees, meeting arrangements and the documents that may be prepared following mediation.
Book a MIAM with Emma Sanders
Arrange a private MIAM with Emma through this link:
You can also view Emma Sanders’ profile on the Family Mediation Council website.
Ready to Understand Your Family Mediation Options?
Arrange a private MIAM with Emma Sanders.
Book a MIAM with EmmaOur meeting rooms
We can meet you remotely via Teams, or at one of our meeting rooms:
Alresford
Ash-Unit 2
Gander Down Barns
Rodfield Lane
Ovington
Alresford
Hampshire
England, SO24 0HS