If you want to take your case to Court, in most cases (unless you have made an allegation of domestic abuse and have specific evidence in support of the allegation) you will be expected to attend a Meditation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). For anyone wanting to explore whether mediation is right for them, attending a MIAM is a really good place to start.  The MIAM is an individual face-to-face meeting that will take place between you and the mediator.  Your ex-partner will not be present at the first meeting.  Sometimes, people bring a friend or family member to the first meeting for support. The mediator will not expect you to attend a joint mediation session.  At the first meeting, the mediator will help you to consider whether mediation is right and safe for you and will identify when mediation will or will not be suitable.  

Read more: Family Mediation and Domestic Abuse