What is the Family Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)?

Introduction

The Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, commonly called a MIAM, forms the gateway to most family mediation in England and Wales. The MIAM gives separating couples information about mediation, assesses whether mediation suits their circumstances and explores alternative dispute resolution options before parties consider court proceedings. Courts expect attendance at a MIAM in most cases unless a recognised exception applies.

Purpose of the MIAM

The MIAM has three practical objectives. First it explains what mediation involves and how the process works. Second it assesses whether mediation is suitable given any safety concerns such as domestic abuse or coercive control. Third it identifies whether any urgent court orders are necessary, for example freezing orders or child protection measures, that make immediate court action appropriate.

Who conducts a MIAM

An accredited family mediator conducts the MIAM. Mediators must follow standards set by the Family Mediation Council and provide independent, impartial information. The meeting may take place in person, by telephone or by secure video link depending on parties’ availability and the mediator’s arrangements.

What happens during the MIAM

The mediator outlines mediation formats, typical timescales and likely costs. They explain the mediator’s role, confidentiality rules and how a mediated agreement becomes a consent order if parties want it made legally binding. The mediator then assesses safety and power dynamics by asking about history of the relationship, any threats, controlling behaviour, and whether either party feels unable to negotiate freely.

If mediation appears feasible the mediator discusses the issues that parties wish to resolve such as property pensions child arrangements or maintenance and explains the practical steps involved in preparing for mediation. The mediator may request initial disclosure of key financial or welfare information to focus the sessions and to protect fairness.

Suitability and exceptions

Mediation suits many disputes but not all. The MIAM identifies clear exceptions where court application should proceed without mediation, including urgent child protection needs, non‑accidental risk to a child, or where a party lacks capacity to participate. The mediator records reasons for any recommendation against mediation and issues a certificate that explains the outcome. That certificate accompanies any subsequent court application.

Duration and practicalities

A MIAM typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes. Mediators charge a fee for the meeting unless a local legal aid or pro bono scheme applies. Parties often attend their own separate MIAMs but one mediator can provide bilateral information where appropriate. The mediator cannot provide legal advice but may suggest that parties seek legal consultation before or during mediation to understand rights and the legal effect of proposed agreements.

The MIAM certificate and court proceedings

If mediation does not resolve the dispute the mediator issues a MIAM certificate confirming attendance and the recommendation. Courts will normally expect a certificate with any application for a financial remedy or a children order unless an exception applies. Failure to attend a MIAM without good reason may lead the court to question whether the applicant exhausted alternatives to litigation.

Benefits of attending a MIAM

The MIAM educates parties about non‑court pathways, narrows issues, and may lead to quicker, less adversarial settlements. It helps identify safety concerns early and reduces wasted cost by steering unsuitable cases straight to court. For many couples the MIAM triggers constructive negotiation and a route to a confidential mediated settlement.

Conclusion

The MIAM is a short but important step before many family law applications in England and Wales. It informs parties about mediation, screens for safety and produces the certificate courts expect. Parties facing separation should consider a MIAM early to understand mediation options and to decide the most appropriate route to resolve disputes.

At Alexander JLO we have many years of experience of dealing with all aspects of family law and will be happy to discuss your case in a free no obligation consultation. Why not call us on +44 (0)20 7537 7000, email us at info@london-law.co.uk or get in touch via the contact us button and see what we can do for you?

This blog was prepared by Peter Johnson on 1st December 2025 and is correct at the time of going to press. With over forty years of experience in almost all areas of law Peter is happy to assist with any legal issue that you have. He is widely regarded as one of London’s leading divorce lawyers. His profile on the independent Review Solicitor website can be found Here.

To follow up on any of the above please contact Guy Wilton of our family department. Guy has wide experience of acting for the firm’s clients, their family and their businesses. Guy’s experience as a lawyer started in the Northern and Welsh Circuits, including the Liverpool Courts, where he represented numerous clients after being called to the Bar, before opting to join Alexander JLO in 2017 and qualifying as a solicitor in 2024. He is a highly experienced family lawyer with a particular interest in financial remedy proceedings and child contact disputes.

Guy’s profile on the independent Review Solicitor website can be viewed here.