MIAM Meeting: What to Expect at Your MIAM

What is a MIAM Meeting?

A MIAM meeting (Mediation Information Assessment Meeting) is a required appointment with an FMC-accredited mediator before you can apply to family court for child arrangements. At your MIAM meeting, the mediator explains mediation and assesses whether it's suitable for your case.

The MIAM meeting is not mediation itself - it's an information and assessment session. Understanding what happens at a MIAM meeting helps you prepare effectively.

What Happens at a MIAM Meeting?

Your MIAM meeting typically follows this structure:

Total MIAM meeting duration: about an hour (Family Mediation Council).

How to Prepare for Your MIAM Meeting

Before your MIAM meeting, prepare by:

Think About Key Issues

• What arrangements do you want for the children?
• What are the main areas of disagreement?
• What is your ideal outcome?
• Where might you be flexible?

Consider Practical Matters

• Current living arrangements
• Children's school and activities
• Work schedules
• Holiday arrangements

Gather Information (Optional)

You don't need documents for a MIAM meeting, but having these ready helps:

• Children's names and dates of birth
• Current contact arrangements
• Any existing court orders
• Relevant dates (separation, etc.)

Prepare Mentally

Your MIAM meeting may bring up difficult emotions. Be prepared to:

• Discuss your relationship breakdown
• Stay focused on the children
• Listen to information about mediation
• Consider options with an open mind

Questions Asked at a MIAM Meeting

At your MIAM meeting, the mediator typically asks:

| Topic | Example Questions | |-------|------------------| | Relationship | How long were you together? When did you separate? | | Children | Names, ages, current living arrangements? | | Issues | What needs to be resolved? What are the disagreements? | | Safety | Any domestic abuse? Any concerns for children? | | Other party | What is the other person's position? Are they willing to mediate? | | Previous attempts | Have you tried to resolve things? What happened? | | Court | Have you already applied to court? Are there existing orders? |

The MIAM meeting is confidential - the mediator won't share what you discuss with the other party or the court.

After Your MIAM Meeting

After your MIAM meeting, several outcomes are possible:

If Mediation Is Suitable

1. The mediator contacts the other party for their MIAM
2. If both agree, joint mediation sessions are scheduled
3. You work towards agreement on children/finances

If Mediation Is Not Suitable

Reasons might include:

• Domestic abuse concerns
• Significant power imbalance
• One party refuses to engage
• Urgency requiring court

You receive your MIAM certificate to apply to court.

If You're Undecided

You can take time to consider your options. Your MIAM meeting certificate is valid for 4 months.

MIAM Meeting: What Not to Expect

Your MIAM meeting is NOT:

• Mediation itself (that comes later if you proceed)
• Joint with the other party (you attend alone)
• Legal advice (mediators can't advise)
• Couples counselling
• A chance to "win" arguments

Tips for a Successful MIAM Meeting

1. Arrive prepared - Think about your situation beforehand
2. Be honest - The mediator needs accurate information
3. Stay child-focused - Frame things around children's needs
4. Listen openly - Even if you're set on court, hear about mediation
5. Ask questions - Clarify anything you don't understand
6. Mention safety concerns - If there are any, the mediator needs to know

Frequently Asked Questions About MIAM Meetings

What happens at a MIAM meeting?

At a MIAM meeting, the mediator explains how mediation works, discusses your situation, assesses whether mediation is suitable, and issues your FM1 certificate. It lasts 45-60 minutes and you attend alone.

Do I attend the MIAM meeting with my ex?

No, you attend your MIAM meeting alone. The other party has a separate MIAM. You are not in the same room until joint mediation sessions (if you proceed).

What if I don't want mediation at my MIAM meeting?

You still receive your certificate after the MIAM meeting even if you don't want to mediate. The mediator must explain mediation, but proceeding is voluntary.

How much does a MIAM meeting cost?

A MIAM meeting typically costs £90-£150. It's free if you qualify for legal aid. See our MIAM cost guide.

Can I have a MIAM meeting online?

Yes, many mediators offer online MIAM meetings via video call. These are equally valid and often more convenient.

What changed in April 2024 for MIAMs?

The April 2024 Family Procedure Rules amendments made MIAM requirements stricter: fewer exemptions, new Form FM5 requirements, and judges can now adjourn cases for mediation at any stage. Courts take a "dim view" of parties who refuse alternatives without good reason.

What if my ex refuses to attend a MIAM?

If the other party refuses to attend their MIAM, the mediator will still sign your Form FM1 confirming you attended and that mediation is not possible due to non-engagement. You can then proceed with your court application.

What is Form FM5?

Form FM5 (Statement of Position on Non-Court Dispute Resolution) is a new form required since April 2024. It must be filed 7 days before the first hearing, setting out your views on engaging with non-court dispute resolution.

Book Your MIAM Meeting

1. Find a mediator - FMC directory
2. Check costs - See MIAM cost guide and legal aid
3. Prepare with Miam - Our AI assistant helps you get ready
4. Attend your meeting - In-person or online
5. Receive your certificate - For court applications

---

Official Resources & Further Reading

Primary Legal Sources

• Family Procedure Rules 2010 - Court procedure rules
• Practice Direction 3A - Pre-application protocol
• Guide to Family Mediation for Courts 2024 - Judiciary guidance

Government Guidance

• Gov.uk - MIAM Requirements - Official MIAM guidance
• Gov.uk - MIAM Exemptions - Valid exemptions list
• Form FM5 - Statement on NCDR

Mediation Bodies

• Family Mediation Council - Find accredited mediators
• FMC - What is a MIAM - Official MIAM guidance
• National Family Mediation - Mediation services

Court & Advisory

• Cafcass - Family court advisory service
• HMCTS - Court service
• Citizens Advice - Mediation - Free guidance