The short answer
The MIAM process is the first step in family mediation. It begins with a meeting of about an hour, usually held on your own with an accredited mediator, who explains your options and assesses whether mediation could work for your situation. In England and Wales, attending a MIAM is a legal requirement before you apply to the family court about children or finances, unless an exemption applies.
Key facts
- A MIAM lasts around an hour and is usually attended individually, not with your ex-partner.
- An FMCA-accredited mediator runs the meeting and assesses whether mediation is suitable and safe.
- You must attend a MIAM before most family court applications about children or money, unless you are exempt.
- A standard MIAM at MIAM UK costs £138 including VAT, and is free if you qualify for legal aid.
If you are starting family mediation, or you have been told you need a MIAM before going to court, the first step is the same: the MIAM process. MIAM stands for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, and it is the doorway into mediation rather than mediation itself.
This guide explains what the MIAM process involves, what happens in the meeting, who you will see, what it costs, and what your options are afterwards. A MIAM is a meeting, not a commitment. You leave it free to decide what to do next.
What the MIAM process actually involves
A MIAM is a single, confidential meeting with a qualified family mediator. It usually lasts about an hour. You normally attend on your own, although the other person in your case will be invited to attend their own separate meeting. The mediator has three jobs in that hour: to understand your situation, to explain the different ways you could sort things out, and to assess whether mediation is safe and suitable for you.
The mediator will also check for anything that would make mediation unsuitable, such as domestic abuse or safeguarding concerns.
The role of the mediator at this stage is set out by the Family Mediation Council, which registers and regulates family mediators in England and Wales.
The MIAM process, step by step
Here is how a typical MIAM works, from first contact through to the outcome.
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Booking | You book your MIAM online and pick a time. Appointments are available by video or phone, so you can attend from home. |
| 2. Before the meeting | There is no form to fill in and nothing we send you in advance. It helps to note any questions you want to ask the mediator, and to think about what you would like to achieve from mediation, so you can share your hopes at the meeting. |
| 3. The meeting | For about an hour, you meet your mediator one to one. You explain what is going on, the mediator explains mediation and the alternatives, and you can ask anything you like. |
| 4. The assessment | The mediator assesses whether mediation is suitable and safe, including screening for domestic abuse or safeguarding concerns. You and the mediator each have a say in whether mediation goes ahead. |
| 5. The outcome | If mediation is suitable and you both want to proceed, the mediator arranges the first joint session. If you need court instead, the mediator can sign your court form. |
Each stage is straightforward, and the whole thing can often be arranged within a few days of getting in touch.
Ready to book your MIAM?
Book online in minutes with a named, accredited mediator. If you qualify for legal aid, your MIAM is free.
Who conducts your MIAM
A MIAM can only be carried out by an accredited family mediator, or a mediator working towards accreditation whose work is signed off by an accredited colleague. At MIAM UK, your meeting is held by a named, Family Mediation Council registered mediator, not a call handler. You can see the team on our mediators page.
How long does a MIAM take, and how is it held?
A MIAM usually lasts around an hour. Most people attend by video call, which means you can do it from home, at a time that fits around work and childcare. A phone appointment works too. An online MIAM is treated exactly the same as a meeting in person by the family court.
What happens after the assessment meeting
Once the assessment meeting is over, the MIAM process leads to one of two routes.
If mediation goes ahead after your MIAM
If your case is suitable and the other person is willing, you move on to joint mediation sessions. If you are sorting out arrangements for children, you may be able to use the £500 voucher, and if you qualify for legal aid, your mediation is free.
If your MIAM leads to a court application
If mediation is not suitable, or the other person does not want to take part, the mediator can issue your signed MIAM certificate (the FM1 form). This confirms you have attended a MIAM and lets you make your court application. The certificate is valid for four months from the date it is signed.
From our sister service, Family Law Service
Need the court forms completed for you?
If your next step is court, Family Law Service can prepare and check your forms for a fixed fee, so they are right first time. Whether your case is about money or children, there is a service to match.
In my experience, people build the MIAM up into something far bigger than it is. It is a calm, confidential conversation, not a test. By the end of the hour, you will understand every option open to you, and you get to choose the one that fits your family.
Do you actually need to attend a MIAM?
For most people applying to the family court about children or finances, a MIAM is a legal requirement, not an optional extra. There are exemptions, for example where there has been domestic abuse, where the matter is genuinely urgent, or where social services are already involved. Whether one applies to you depends on your circumstances. We cover this in full in our guide to whether you need a MIAM before family court, and you can check the list of MIAM exemptions for the detail.
What does the MIAM process cost?
A standard MIAM at MIAM UK is £138 including VAT (£115 plus VAT). If you need to apply to court, the signed certificate is a small add-on, while an urgent MIAM booked for the same week includes it. If you qualify for legal aid, your MIAM and any mediation that follows cost you nothing. For a full breakdown, see our guide to how much a MIAM costs and when it is free, or the headline figures on our MIAM cost page.
You don’t have to go through this on your own. The Divorce Circle is a free, private community where people across England and Wales share experiences and support each other through separation and divorce.
MIAM process: frequently asked questions
Is a MIAM the same as mediation?
Do I have to attend the MIAM with my ex-partner?
How long does the MIAM process take to arrange?
What if mediation is not suitable for my case?
Can I do the MIAM online?
Still have questions?
If you are not sure whether a MIAM is the right next step for your situation, talk it through with us first. A free 15-minute call comes with no obligation.