If you are considering applying to the family court about child arrangements, financial matters, or other family disputes, you will almost certainly encounter the term MIAM. Understanding what it is, whether you qualify for an exemption, and how mediation actually works can save you time, money, and stress — and may help you resolve things without going to court at all.
What is a MIAM?
A MIAM stands for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. It is a meeting with an accredited family mediator — usually lasting around 45 to 60 minutes — during which the mediator explains what family mediation involves and assesses whether it might be suitable for your situation. You do not have to agree to proceed with mediation after a MIAM. You simply have to attend one (or qualify for an exemption) before you can make most types of family court application.
The requirement was introduced under the Children and Families Act 2014 as part of an effort to reduce the number of disputes going to court. In practice, many parents find that the MIAM itself is useful — it gives them a neutral, structured space to consider their options before committing to a court process that is almost always slower, more expensive, and more damaging to the co-parenting relationship than an agreed solution.
MIAMs are conducted separately in most cases: you have your MIAM, and the other party has theirs. You are not required to be in the same room. The mediator reports to the court that the MIAM took place (or why it did not) via a form called FM1.
Who is Exempt from Attending a MIAM?
There are a number of situations where you do not need to attend a MIAM before making a court application. These are set out in the Family Procedure Rules. The most common exemptions are:
Domestic abuse
You can apply for an exemption if there has been domestic abuse involving you or your child. Evidence is required — a police report, conviction, protective order, letter from a health professional, social services involvement, or other documentary evidence.
Urgency
If there is an immediate risk of harm to a child or significant asset, you can apply to court urgently without attending a MIAM first. This includes situations where a child may be removed from the jurisdiction.
Child protection enquiries
If there are active Section 47 enquiries or a child protection conference has taken place in the last 12 months, a MIAM is not required.
Previous MIAM
If either party has attended a MIAM in the last four months, a new one is not required for the same dispute.
No mediator available
If there is no accredited mediator within 15 miles of your home or available within 15 business days, you qualify for this exemption.
Other exemptions
Bankruptcy proceedings, cases with an international element, or where the other party has contacted a mediator and cannot get a response within 15 days also qualify.
How Does Family Mediation Work?
If both parties agree to try mediation after their MIAMs, the process typically works as follows:
Joint sessions
You and the other party meet with a mediator for a series of sessions, usually 50 to 90 minutes each. The mediator is neutral — they do not take sides, make decisions, or give legal advice. Their role is to help you both communicate and identify areas where agreement might be possible. Most issues are resolved over two to six sessions, though some take longer.
Shuttle mediation
If being in the same room is not appropriate — due to domestic abuse history, high conflict, or significant distress — shuttle mediation is available. The mediator moves between separate rooms, carrying proposals back and forth. Online mediation is also increasingly offered.
Reaching agreement
If agreement is reached, the mediator produces a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) — a document setting out what has been agreed. This is not legally binding by itself. To make a parenting arrangement legally binding, you would need to apply to the court for a Consent Order. For financial arrangements, a Consent Order is strongly recommended to prevent either party returning to court later.
If mediation breaks down
If mediation is attempted and fails to produce agreement, the mediator issues a signed FM1 form confirming this, which you can attach to a court application. Courts view positively the fact that you attempted mediation in good faith.
How Much Does Mediation Cost?
A MIAM typically costs between £100 and £150 per person. Subsequent mediation sessions typically cost between £80 and £200 per person per session. Costs vary significantly by region and by mediator.
Legal aid for mediation is available if you are financially eligible and your case involves children or financial matters arising from separation. Legal aid for mediation covers both your MIAM and the mediation sessions themselves. Even if you do not qualify for legal aid for legal representation, you may still qualify for legal aid for mediation. Check eligibility at gov.uk/check-legal-aid.
To find an accredited Family Mediation Council mediator in your area, use the search tool at familymediationcouncil.org.uk. Only use mediators accredited by the FMC, who are bound by a professional code of practice.
Using Records During Mediation
Mediation is most effective when both parties have a clear, shared understanding of what has actually happened — what was agreed, what was followed, what wasn’t. In high-conflict situations, this is often disputed. Having a timestamped record of your communications means you can refer to what was actually said rather than relying on competing accounts of phone conversations.
If you are heading into mediation, having organised records of your co-parenting communication, expense tracking, and any relevant incidents gives you a factual basis for discussions rather than a he-said/she-said dynamic. A clear, neutral record also demonstrates to the mediator that you have been approaching things in good faith.
After Mediation: If You Still Cannot Agree
If mediation is not possible or does not reach agreement, the next step for child arrangements disputes is usually an application to the family court using form C100. You will attach the FM1 form from the mediator confirming the MIAM was attended or an exemption applies. CAFCASS will be notified and will conduct a safeguarding check. A first hearing will be listed, typically within 4 to 6 weeks. See our Child Arrangements Order guide for what happens from there, and our CAFCASS Section 7 guide if a welfare report is ordered.
Keep clean records before, during, and after mediation.
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