Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM)

Before making a family court application, you have a legal obligation under the Children and Families Act 2014 (CFA 2014), to attend a family Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).

If someone applies to the court without having done this, the court wil not be able to proceed with the matter.

The purpose of this meeting is to evaluate whether mediation, rather than court proceedings, would be the most appropriate route to resolve any issues you have.

The cost of an MIAM will vary on certain factors such as whether or not both parties attend the MIAM together and whether or not one or both parties is entitled to legal aid.

What Happens in a MIAM?

At your MIAM meeting, the Mediator will explain to you:

• what are the options available to resolve your dispute
• what mediation is, and how it works
• the advantages of mediation and other appropriate forms of resolving disputes

You can choose to attend the MIAM by yourself or with your ex-partner.

What Happens if Mediation is not Suitable in my Case?

If, after your MIAM, it is considered that mediation is not suitable in your case, the Mediator will supply you with a signed form that proves you have attended a MIAM.  This form will allow you to issue court proceedings if you wish to proceed with litigation.

If you are considering making a court application and need to talk to us, please call us on 020 8290 0333 to make an appointment.