Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs)
We help you explore your options, mediate, negotiate, and settle with expert support focused on keeping you out of court.
We help you explore mediation, understand your options and move towards resolving family disputes.
If you’re considering separation or facing a family dispute, a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is often the first essential step.
As experienced family law solicitors and accredited mediators, we offer MIAMs to help you understand your options, assess whether mediation is suitable for your situation, and guide you toward resolving issues without going to court.
- Our flexible approach allows you to choose the level of support you need, with clear pricing and no unnecessary work.
- Trusted family law experts who advise families with practical solutions that prioritise children’s wellbeing.
- With the support of our in-house mediator, we help clients find constructive solutions wherever possible, reducing conflict, minimising costs and avoiding the stress of court proceedings.
- Backed by a leading full-service law firm, with access to other specialist legal advice whenever you need it.
What is a mediation information and assessment meeting?
A MIAM, or mediation information and assessment meeting, is a confidential initial meeting with a qualified family mediator. It’s designed to help you understand whether mediation or another out-of-court process could be a suitable way to resolve issues such as divorce, financial arrangements, or child contact. The mediator will explain how mediation works, assess whether it is appropriate for your situation, and provide information about other dispute resolution options. In most family law cases, attending a MIAM is a legal requirement before you can make an application to court, unless you are exempt.
Benefits of mediation information and assessment meeting
A MIAM is a valuable opportunity to explore your options with professional guidance in a calm and confidential setting. Benefits of a MIAM include:
Explore all resolution options – Understand whether mediation or another out-of-court method is right for you.
Avoid court where possible – Discover alternative routes that are typically quicker, less costly, and less stressful than litigation.
Receive tailored legal guidance – Get advice that reflects your specific circumstances and goals.
Meet legal requirements – In most cases, a MIAM is legally required before you can apply to court.
Encourages constructive discussions – Start on a path that prioritises communication and cooperation.
Save time and money – Early support can lead to faster, more cost-effective outcomes.
Supports emotional wellbeing – Reduces conflict and stress, especially when children are involved.
MIAMs FAQs
Who must attend a MIAM? is a MIAM mandatory?
In most family law cases, anyone who is considering making an application to the court for issues such as divorce, child arrangements, or financial matters must attend a MIAM first. This includes both individuals in the dispute, although you will usually attend separate meetings.
There are some exemptions, such as cases involving domestic abuse, urgency, or where the other party is not willing to engage. However, in general, the court expects both parties to have explored whether the matter can be resolved without going to court.
What should I expect during a MIAM?
In a MIAM, depending on your circumstances, here is what you can expect:
If you’re separating or divorcing – The mediator will talk through how mediation works to resolve financial arrangements or child-related issues, and what steps you could take without going to court.
If you’re dealing with child arrangements – You will explore options like mediation or collaborative law to help you agree on where your child lives, how often they see each parent, and how to handle co-parenting in a constructive way.
If your dispute involves finances or property – The mediator will explain how financial disclosure works in mediation and whether it is a suitable forum to negotiate a fair financial settlement.
If there’s a history of conflict or imbalance – The mediator will assess whether mediation is safe and appropriate, and may advise another process if it is not.
How long is a MIAM?
A MIAM typically lasts between 45 minutes to an hour. During this time, the mediator will explain how mediation works, assess whether it is suitable for your situation, and answer any questions you may have. It is a one-off meeting unless both parties agree to proceed with mediation afterwards.
What is the cost of a mediation information and assessment meeting?
The cost of a MIAM can vary depending on the mediator and the complexity of your situation, but it typically ranges from £75 to £150.
What happens after the MIAM?
What happens next depends on whether both parties are willing to try mediation or another form of out-of-court resolution:
If both parties agree to mediate – the mediator will help you arrange your first joint session. From there, you will begin working together to reach an agreement on the issues you want to resolve.
If mediation isn’t suitable or one party doesn’t take part – the mediator will sign a court form confirming you have attended a MIAM. This allows you to make a formal application to court, if necessary.
In either case, the MIAM ensures you have explored all possible options before proceeding, and helps to keep court as a last resort where appropriate.
Contact us
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Why use our MIAMs services?
Proactive advice, constructive family law solutions
We take a proactive approach to family law, helping clients put measures in place to protect their future, such as cohabitation agreements and nuptial agreements. Where disputes do arise, we focus on resolving matters constructively through negotiation, mediation and alternative dispute resolution wherever possible.
Trusted, specialist advice you can rely on
We provide expert family law advice backed by professional regulation and years of experience, ensuring agreements and legal documents are carefully prepared to provide you with confidence and clarity for the future.
We are a leading full-service law firm
Boyes Turner is recognised as a leading law firm by Chambers UK and The Legal 500. As a full-service firm, we can draw on the expertise of specialist teams such as private wealth and property to provide seamless support whenever you need it. We also work closely with other professional services that may be beneficial to you, such as counselling, financial advice and coaching, to ensure you have the full support you require.
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