The Mediation Process
Individual MIAM Meeting
The first step is for me to meet with both you and your ex-partner separately in a preliminary meeting called a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting). This meeting is usually held
online and is confidential.
Is Mediation suitable?
During the MIAM you'll learn more about the mediation process and and have the opportunity to explain your situation, outline the issues you'd like to resolve and discuss what you hope to achieve.
You will be able to decide whether mediation is right for you and explore alternative non court options. I will also ask you questions to assess whether your case is suitable for mediation.
Joint Mediation Sessions
Once I have met with each of you individually and assessed that your case is suitable for mediation, and provided you both wish to proceed, we will begin joint mediation sessions. These sessions, which can take place online or in person, are where we work together to address and explore the issues you’ve raised.
If you want to resolve property and financial issues you will be asked to fill in a financial disclosure document with which the mediator will draw up an Open Financial Statement (OFS). This document will form the basis for discussion and negotiation with the aim of reaching a fair and realistic division of assets considering everyone's needs and children's welfare.
Reaching an Agreement
If the joint sessions lead to a workable outcome the mediator will create a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in which they document all agreements reached.
The MOU is a without prejudice document, meaning it cannot be shown to the court and is not legally binding.
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Next steps
Agreements reached in mediation are not legally binding until approved by a court. Your solicitor, using the mediation documents as a foundation, will turn the agreements into legal language - a Consent Order - and take them to the court to be approved.