What is a MIAM? Everything You Need to Know Before Your Family Court Application

If you are facing a family court application, you may have heard the term MIAM and wondered what it actually means and why it matters. Here is everything you need to know.

What Does MIAM Stand For?

MIAM stands for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. It is a one-to-one meeting between you and a trained family mediator, held before most applications to the family court in England and Wales.

Who Needs a MIAM?

You will usually need a MIAM before applying to court for child arrangements orders, financial remedy orders, prohibited steps orders, or specific issue orders. There are limited exemptions, such as in cases involving domestic abuse or urgent safety concerns.

What Happens in a MIAM?

Your MIAM is a private, confidential meeting between you and your mediator. Your ex-partner attends their own separate MIAM — you do not need to be in the same session. During the meeting, your mediator will explain how mediation works, listen to your situation, assess whether mediation is suitable, and answer any questions you have.

How Long Does a MIAM Take?

A MIAM typically lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. At Our Mediation, all MIAM appointments are conducted fully online via secure video call, so there is no need to travel.

What Does a MIAM Cost?

At Our Mediation, a MIAM appointment costs £120 per person. Both parties attend separately and book their own individual appointment.

What Happens After the MIAM?

If mediation is assessed as suitable, your mediator will contact the other party and invite them to attend their own MIAM. If both parties agree to proceed, joint mediation sessions can be arranged. If mediation is not suitable or the other party declines, you will receive your MIAM certificate to use in your court application.

Ready to book your MIAM? At Our Mediation we offer online MIAM appointments 7 days a week including evenings. Book yours today at ourmediation.co.uk.