A MIAM is short for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. It is a meeting between you and the mediator, it lasts around an hour and at Arch Family Mediation it costs £150. It is the first step of the mediation process, and is a prerequisite to joint meetings taking place between you and the other party. It is also a prerequisite to making a Court application in most cases regarding arrangements for children and the division of finances during divorce.
During the MIAM you can tell the mediator about what you would like to resolve through mediation, what has happened to date, what your concerns are for the future, and what your concerns are about the mediation process. It is also your chance to ask the mediator questions. The mediator will tell you more about mediation, and ask you questions to explore whether mediation will be right for you. The mediator will obtain the information needed to help them facilitate the joint meetings that may follow, and tell you about other options available to reach a resolution.
When you have had your MIAM, the mediator will invite the other person (usually your spouse or ex-partner) to attend a MIAM. If the other person attends the MIAM, the mediator will confirm the suitability of mediation, and unless there is a reason why mediation is not appropriate will invite you to arrange a joint meeting if you would like to proceed.
At Arch Family Mediation MIAMs take place online, and they can be booked directly on our website.
