The initial meeting with a mediator is commonly referred to as a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). Whether it’s called a MIAM or a first meeting, the purpose remains the same.
The MIAM typically lasts around an hour, providing an opportunity for you to discuss your situation and the issues that require resolution with the mediator. The mediator will explain the mediation process and present alternative options for reaching agreements.
Towards the end of the meeting, the mediator will assess whether your case is suitable for mediation. You can then decide whether you want to proceed with mediation or explore other avenues for resolving your issues. The mediator can also provide information about additional services that offer support and assistance.
If applicable, the mediator may refer you to other organisations that can help, such as those offering counselling, debt advice, or guidance on cooperative parenting after separation.
If you have children aged 10 or older, the mediator will discuss their right to have their views taken into account. This crucial aspect of the process supports the well-being of the children and assists parents in making informed decisions. Research indicates that involving children in this way brings tangible benefits to both children and parents when making family-related decisions. This is called Child Inclusive Mediation.
To arrange an information and assessment meeting, you can contact an FMC (Family Mediation Council) Registered Mediator. You can find a mediator through the search function available on the FMC website.
Cost-wise, if you qualify for legal aid, the MIAM and subsequent mediation sessions will be free of charge. The mediator will help determine your eligibility for legal aid, and the search tool indicates which mediators are approved for legal aid work.
If you are ineligible for legal aid, the mediator will charge for the meeting. The cost varies depending on the provider and their location, so it’s advisable to inquire about the specific cost when contacting the mediator. As a rough estimate, a MIAM typically costs around £130 per person.
What happens after the first meeting or MIAM? If all parties agree to proceed with mediation, an appointment is scheduled for the first mediation session.
If you decide not to continue with mediation or if it’s deemed unsuitable for your circumstances, the mediator will have explained other options for resolving matters during the information and assessment meeting or MIAM. If you choose to file a court application to address an issue discussed during the MIAM, the mediator can sign the court form, provided you attended the MIAM within the past four months.
Do I have to attend a MIAM? In most cases, if you intend to take your case to court, attending a MIAM is a requirement before making an application. There are only a few specific circumstances where this requirement doesn’t apply, mainly involving instances of domestic abuse. The intention is for court action to be utilised only when legal protection is necessary or as a last resort when alternative methods of resolution have been unsuccessful.
If the court has informed you that your ex-partner has applied to resolve child or financial-related issues following divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, the judge will also expect you to have attended a MIAM, unless the aforementioned specific circumstances apply.
Attending a MIAM is distinct from attending mediation. A MIAM helps you understand the available options for addressing the issues at hand and allows you to choose the most suitable course of action.
Only mediators accredited by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) can sign court forms confirming your attendance at a MIAM. Accredited mediators are known as “FMCA” (Family Mediation Council Accredited). You can find your nearest FMCA mediator on the FMC website by entering your postcode and selecting the option “Qualified to sign court forms.”
What To Do Now
If you’re considering divorce or separation, family mediation offers a constructive, cost-effective way to resolve disputes without the stress and expense of going to court. By working with a professionally trained mediator, you can reach practical agreements that reflect the needs and interests of everyone involved — especially children.
At We Mediate, we provide a comprehensive range of services to support you through every stage of your separation. Our experienced and accredited mediators help you navigate complex issues such as financial arrangements, child contact schedules, co-parenting strategies, and communication challenges, all in a safe and confidential setting.
We believe every family deserves a fair, respectful, and accessible path through separation. Our focus is on creating balanced outcomes that prioritise the wellbeing of all parties, and our commitment to affordability means we can support families across England and Wales, no matter their circumstances.
Before starting mediation, you will need to attend a MIAM — a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. This is a confidential one-to-one session with an accredited family mediator, where you’ll learn more about how mediation works and whether it’s suitable for your situation. We can usually arrange MIAMs quickly, often within 24–48 hours, with daytime and evening appointments available. Book your MIAM today to take the first step towards resolving matters in a more cooperative and less adversarial way.
If you’re ready to explore a more amicable approach to divorce or separation, we invite you to browse our website or contact us directly. Whether you’re just beginning to consider your options or are already in the midst of proceedings, our team is here to guide and support you at every stage. Schedule your consultation today and discover how mediation can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
You can call us on 0333 567 1676 or click here to send us a confidential email.
