What is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting?
If you’ve done any research about family mediation then you will probably have heard about the MIAM. Judges, lawyers and mediators talk about MIAMs - but what are they?
The Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is the first meeting you will have with a mediator. It will usually just be between you and the mediator and will last around 45 minutes. If you want to, you can bring a friend or family member for support. The other person will be invited to attend a separate MIAM. If you want to make an application to the court in a family case, in most circumstances (unless, for example your situation involves domestic violence or abuse), you are required to attend a MIAM, to consider whether mediation can help you, before you can issue your application. If you just want to explore whether mediation is right for you, attending a MIAM is a really good place to start. At the MIAM, the mediator will:
- Hear from you about your circumstances
- Discuss what options are available to you.
- Explain mediation (what it is and how the process works) and other ways to resolve family disputes without going to court.
- You will be given an opportunity to ask any questions you have and the mediator will help you to consider whether mediation is right and safe for you.
Any information you give the mediator at the MIAM will be kept confidential unless you agree with the mediator that specific details can be shared. There are, however, some important exceptions to confidentiality:-
- Whenever an allegation is made that someone (particularly a child) is at risk of harm we have a duty to contact the appropriate authorities.
- We may be required to disclose information with regard to the commission of any relevant, previously undisclosed, criminal offence.
- We may disclose personal data in connection with the alleged or established commission of an unlawful act
- Our practice supervisors or the Legal Aid Agency may have sight of files (for supervision and monitoring), but access is on a similarly confidential basis
- We are required to disclose our case records for the purpose of any complaint investigation.
If everyone agrees to try mediation and the mediator considers that is appropriate, then a first joint mediation session will be arranged. Attending a joint mediation session is always voluntary. You are required to attend a MIAM before issuing a court application but you will only attend a joint mediation session if you want to. Where mediation is unsuitable, the mediator will make sure you know the alternatives to mediation and will signpost you to appropriate sources of advice and support. If mediation is not suitable for whatever reason, the mediator will supply you with a form confirming that you have attended a MIAM. You will be able to use the form to apply to the Court if that’s what you decide to do.
You can find out more about our services on our website, by emailing us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by contacting us for an initial telephone consultation on 0113 213 3662.
