Our Services
MIAM’s
What is a Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM)?
A MIAM is an initial confidential meeting with a qualified mediator. It is usually held online and typically lasts around an hour. The meeting gives you the opportunity to talk through your situation and discuss the issues you would like help resolving. Your mediator will explain how mediation works, answer any questions you may have, and talk you through the options available to help you move forward.
There is no obligation to continue with mediation after the MIAM. The meeting is designed to help you understand the process and decide whether it feels right for your circumstances.
If mediation is suitable and both parties are willing to take part, sessions can then be arranged at a pace that works for everyone involved.
Where appropriate, we may also signpost you to other support services, such as counselling, debt advice or parenting support.
If children are involved, their wellbeing will remain a key consideration throughout the process. In some cases, and where appropriate, the mediator may also discuss whether child-inclusive mediation could help ensure children’s voices are appropriately considered.
Giving you the opportunity to discuss issues that you would like help to resolve
When is a MIAM needed?
In many family cases, attending a MIAM is an important first step before making an application to the court.
This may include:
- Married couples dealing with financial matters following separation or divorce
- Parents needing support with arrangements for children
- Unmarried couples who would like help resolving family issues without court proceedings
Even where a MIAM is not legally required, many people find it a helpful way to understand their options and explore whether mediation could work for them.
Online MIAMs
We recommend holding MIAMs online wherever possible. This allows you to attend from the comfort of your own home, avoids unnecessary travel, and can help the process feel more relaxed and manageable.
MIAMs are an important first step before making an application to the court
Why Choose EMG Mediation?
Family mediation services for divorce, children and financial arrangements.
Our mediators are specialist family lawyers with years of experience supporting families through difficult situations with care, clarity and understanding.
With their background in family law, they are well placed to guide constructive discussions around financial matters and arrangements for children in a calm, supportive and confidential environment.
We can help with divorce and financial arrangements, child arrangements, living together agreements, separation, pre or post-nuptial agreements and civil partnerships.
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Costs
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM) fixed fee | £147.50 + VAT |
| Mediation sessions and documents | £147.50 + VAT per person, per hour |
To enquire or book an appointment, please fill out our contact form or email us at enquiry@emgmediation.co.uk and a member of our team will be in touch.
FAQs
We understand that you may have questions about mediation and the process involved. Below are answers to some of the questions we are asked most often.
A MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is an initial confidential meeting with a qualified mediator. The meeting gives you the opportunity to talk through your situation and discuss the issues you would like help resolving. Your mediator will explain how mediation works, answer any questions you may have, and talk you through the options available to help you move forward. There is no obligation to continue with mediation after the MIAM. The meeting is designed to help you understand the process and decide whether it feels right for your circumstances.
In many family law cases, attendance at a MIAM is required before making certain applications to the family court, unless an exemption applies.
No. A MIAM is a private and confidential meeting between you and the mediator. The other person will not attend your appointment and, if mediation is being considered, they will be invited to attend their own separate MIAM with the mediator.
The mediator will explain how mediation works, discuss your circumstances, consider alternative dispute resolution options, and assess whether mediation is suitable.
A MIAM typically lasts between 45 minutes to an hour, although this can vary depending on the issues being discussed.
If mediation is considered suitable and both parties are willing to participate, mediation sessions can be arranged. If mediation is not appropriate, or one person chooses not to proceed, the mediator will explain the available options and discuss the possible next steps.
Yes. MIAMs are usually conducted remotely via either Microsoft Teams or Zoom, offering flexibility and convenience while maintaining confidentiality. We recommend holding MIAMs online wherever possible.
Appointments are often available within a matter of days, depending on availability. Early attendance can help avoid delays if court proceedings are being considered.
Unsure of your next steps? Our legal mediation experts are here to help.
Complete our enquiry form and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.