What Is a MIAM

Before making most types of application to the family court, you are generally required to attend a MIAM, a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. This is a meeting with a trained mediator to find out about mediation and whether it might help you resolve your dispute without going to court.

What happens at a MIAM?

A MIAM is usually held with just one party at a time, you do not meet your ex at this stage. The mediator will explain how mediation works, ask about your situation and assess whether mediation is suitable. The meeting typically lasts around 45 to 60 minutes.

Do you have to mediate after a MIAM?

No, attending a MIAM does not commit you to mediation. You are free to decide mediation is not suitable and proceed to court. The MIAM certificate confirming your attendance is what the court requires before accepting your application.

MIAM exemptions

There are exemptions to the MIAM requirement. You may not need to attend if:

• There has been domestic abuse
• The matter is urgent
• The other party has failed to attend their own MIAM
• A mediator confirms mediation is not suitable
• Previous mediation has been attempted in the last four months

What happens at a MIAM

A MIAM is a meeting with a trained mediator, usually lasting 45 to 90 minutes, where you discuss your situation and explore whether family mediation is appropriate. The mediator will explain how mediation works, assess whether there are any reasons why it is not suitable (such as domestic abuse), and help you understand your options. The MIAM is confidential and you attend separately from your ex-partner.

MIAM exemptions

There are circumstances in which you do not need to attend a MIAM before making a court application:

• Domestic abuse — where there is evidence of abuse by the other party
• Child protection concerns — where a child is at risk
• Urgency — where the matter is so urgent there is no time
• Previous MIAM attendance within the last four months
• The other party is unwilling to attend