What Does MIAM Stand For?

MIAM stands for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting.

It is an individual meeting between you and an accredited family mediator before mediation begins.

The meeting is designed to:

• Explain how mediation works.
• Understand your family situation.
• Discuss the issues that need resolving.
• Assess whether mediation is appropriate.
• Consider whether there are safeguarding concerns.

It is not a mediation session itself.

What Happens During a MIAM?

The meeting is usually private and confidential.

The mediator will ask questions about your family circumstances, the issues you're experiencing and what outcome you're hoping to achieve.

You may discuss:

• Child arrangements.
• Communication problems.
• Holiday arrangements.
• School decisions.
• Financial issues.
• Any safeguarding concerns.

The mediator will then decide whether mediation appears suitable.

Do Both Parents Attend Together?

Usually not.

Most MIAMs take place separately, with each parent attending their own appointment.

This allows everyone to speak openly and gives the mediator an opportunity to assess whether mediation would be safe and appropriate.

Is a MIAM Always Required?

Not always.

In many cases, attending a MIAM is expected before applying to the Family Court, but there are recognised exemptions.

Examples may include:

• Domestic abuse.
• Urgent applications.
• Child protection concerns.
• Certain previous mediation attendance.
• Other circumstances recognised by the Family Court.

The mediator or your legal adviser can help determine whether an exemption applies.

How Long Does a MIAM Take?

Most appointments last around 45 minutes to an hour, although this varies depending on the complexity of your situation.

The meeting is intended to give enough time for you to explain your circumstances without becoming a lengthy court-style interview.

How Much Does a MIAM Cost?

Costs vary between mediation providers.

Some people may qualify for Legal Aid, which can cover some or all of the costs if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Always check the fees directly with your chosen mediation provider before booking.

How Should You Prepare?

You don't usually need extensive paperwork, but it helps to think about:

• What issues need resolving.
• What arrangements you hope to achieve.
• Any previous agreements.
• Whether there are safeguarding concerns.
• Questions you'd like answered.

Being prepared allows you to make the most of the meeting and helps the mediator understand your situation more quickly.

What Happens After the MIAM?

Once your MIAM has finished, the mediator will decide whether mediation appears suitable for your situation.

There are generally three possible outcomes:

• You and the other parent agree to begin mediation.
• Mediation is considered unsuitable.
• One parent chooses not to take part in mediation.

If mediation is not appropriate, or it does not resolve the dispute, you may then be able to continue with a Family Court application if necessary.

What Happens During Family Mediation?

If both parents agree to proceed, mediation sessions are arranged with an independent family mediator.

The mediator does not make decisions or take sides.

Instead, they help parents discuss issues such as:

• Child arrangements.
• School holidays.
• Communication.
• Living arrangements.
• Financial matters (where appropriate).
• Future parenting plans.

The aim is to help parents reach practical agreements without asking a judge to decide for them.

MIAM vs Family Court

When Mediation May Not Be Suitable

Mediation works well for many families, but not every family.

It may be unsuitable where there is:

• Domestic abuse.
• Coercive or controlling behaviour.
• Serious safeguarding concerns.
• Fear of the other parent.
• Urgent child welfare issues.
• A significant imbalance of power.

The mediator's role includes identifying situations where mediation would not be appropriate.

How The Coparent App Can Support Mediation

Whether mediation is successful or not, organised communication makes future discussions much easier.

The Coparent App helps parents:

• Share calendars for contact arrangements and appointments.
• Create parenting plans that both parents can refer to.
• Use AI-assisted messaging to reduce conflict.
• Store court-ready communication records in one secure location.
• Use Boundary Mode to reduce message bombardment.
• Use Quiet Mode to reduce unnecessary notifications.
• Store important documents with unlimited storage.

Many separated parents search for a court approved co-parenting app. While there is not usually one official UK-wide list of approved apps, using a court-ready co-parenting app can help parents keep communication organised, factual and easier to review if mediation or court becomes necessary.

Looking for a calmer way to co-parent?
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Final Thoughts

A MIAM is designed to give separated parents an opportunity to explore whether disputes can be resolved without going straight to court.

For many families, mediation provides a quicker, less stressful and more cooperative way of reaching agreements about children.

Even where mediation does not ultimately resolve the dispute, attending a MIAM helps parents better understand the options available and demonstrates that alternatives to court have been considered where appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions