MIAM

What happens at a MIAM

A MIAM is a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting. A MIAM is a meeting with a specially qualified family Mediator the aim of which is:

• to explain to you the alternatives to the court process available to separating or divorcing couples. These alternatives include mediation which is a voluntary process, involving qualified and supportive Mediators, who provide information about clients' legal and financial options but not advice on their 'best interests'.

• to give you an opportunity to decide whether going to court would be the best way of resolving the issues surrounding your relationship or marriage breakdown (e.g., children, property and / or financial issues).

• to explore whether mediation would be a safe and effective alternative to court in your circumstances.

mediation Intake meeting

Every client who expresses an interest in mediation begins the process with an intake meeting (also called a MIAM).

Since 22 April 2014, almost all divorcing and separating couples in England and Wales who want to use the court process to resolve any disagreements about children or money must prove that they have had a referral to a MIAM first. You cannot issue an application at court without either (a) a record of a MIAM referral having been made or (b) claiming one of the specific exemptions explained in the form. If there has been a referral for a MIAM, the Mediator must sign the court application form. The court will check whether any exemption is validly claimed and will usually require that you attend a MIAM if no exemption in fact applies. A judge may also choose not to hear a case until both parties have demonstrated that they have considered mediation.