Mediation Information
and Assessment Meeting
A confidential first step to explore whether mediation is right for you.
Since April 2024, the Family Procedure Rules require parties to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before starting court proceedings, unless an exemption applies. Exemptions typically relate to situations involving domestic abuse or child protection concerns.
The purpose of the MIAM is to give you the opportunity to learn about mediation, as well as other forms of non-court dispute resolution for family matters. The confidential meeting allows the mediator to understand your situation from your perspective and the issues you
wish to resolve, such as child agreements, parental responsibility, or financial matters following separation.
The meeting also allows the mediator to ask you some questions to assess whether mediation is suitable in your case. If suitable, you will then move to joint meetings with your ex-partner to start constructive conversations regarding the issues you wish to resolve.
After explaining how mediation works the mediator will, if relevant, signpost you to additional services that can offer help and support.
If mediation is not suitable for your case the mediator will issue you with
a MIAM certificate which will allow you to fill in the relevant court forms
if you wish to proceed with a court application.