MIAMs · England & Wales
After your MIAM: what happens next
After your MIAM you will have a clear outcome and one of a few next steps: move on to joint mediation, apply to the family court with your signed form, or, if you have already agreed everything, make it binding with a consent order. The mediator sets the direction at your MIAM.
You do not have to arrange the next stage on your own. If mediation is going ahead, our office helps you set up the joint sessions, so there is nothing complicated to organise yourself.
Last reviewed · 12 June 2026 · Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy
Your signed court form is treated as valid for four months · Mediation conducted to the FMC Standards
The possible next steps
Where you go next depends on what was decided at your MIAM:
| Outcome | What happens next |
|---|---|
| Mediation suitable, both willing | You move on to joint mediation sessions. Our office arranges these for you, at times that suit you both. |
| The other person will not take part | The mediator signs your court form, and you can apply to the family court. Family Law Service can help with the application. |
| Mediation is not suitable | The mediator signs your court form so you can apply to court, and signposts other support where it helps. |
| You have reached an agreement | You can make it legally binding through a consent order, without further mediation. |
If you are going ahead with mediation
All mediation begins with a MIAM, and once yours is done, our office takes care of arranging your joint sessions. There is no separate booking system to work out; we contact you to set up the first session and guide you from there.
As a rough guide, child arrangements cases often take two to three joint sessions, and financial cases three to four, though every situation is different. Sessions are charged from £120 per hour per person. Where the case involves children, the £500 voucher may go towards the cost, and if you qualify for legal aid, your sessions can be free.
If you are applying to court
If mediation is not the route, your signed form lets your application proceed. A couple of practical points are worth keeping in mind:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Your form is valid for four months | Apply within four months of your MIAM, or you will usually need a fresh one. |
| The signed certificate | Included with an urgent MIAM and free with legal aid; £66 inc VAT on a standard MIAM. See the MIAM certificate. |
| You will complete an FM5 | The court asks you to set out what you have done to try to resolve things out of court. Attending a MIAM shows exactly that. |
| You do not have to do it alone | Family Law Service offers fixed-fee help with court applications and forms. |
If you have reached an agreement
If you and your ex-partner have settled things, whether at the MIAM stage or through mediation, you can ask the court to turn your agreement into a legally binding order. For financial matters this is a consent order, which protects what you have agreed and prevents future claims.
You do not need to go back through a contested process to do this. Family Law Service can prepare a consent order for a fixed fee, so the agreement you reached is made properly binding.
Not had your MIAM yet? Everything starts there. Book online and we will guide you through whatever comes next. Not sure which route fits your situation? Book a free 15-minute call, or call the office on 0330 999 0959 during office hours.
Quick answers
After your MIAM: common questions
How do I book mediation sessions after my MIAM?
You do not need to book them yourself. All mediation starts with a MIAM, and once yours is done, our office arranges your joint sessions for you and contacts you to set up the first one.
How many mediation sessions will I need?
It varies. Child arrangements cases often take two to three joint sessions, and financial cases three to four, but it depends on how much there is to resolve and how close you are to agreement.
How long is my signed form valid?
Four months. If you do not apply to court within four months of your MIAM, you will usually need to attend a fresh MIAM before the court will accept your application.
What if the other person will not mediate?
You can still proceed. The mediator records that they declined and signs your court form, so you can apply to court. Family Law Service can help with the application.
We have agreed everything, what now?
You can make your agreement legally binding through a consent order, without a contested hearing. Family Law Service can prepare one for a fixed fee.
Can mediation still help if we are already heading to court?
Yes. Many people run both in parallel, applying for a court date while attempting mediation, so nothing is lost if mediation does not resolve everything. There is more about this on our urgent MIAM page.
Sources and further reading
- Family Mediation Council, MIAM Standards
- Apply for a consent order, GOV.UK
- Family Procedure Rules, Part 3
Reviewed by Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy, Mediate UK. MIAM UK is a trading name of Family Legal Ltd. Last reviewed 12 June 2026.