MIAM REQUIREMENT
MIAM Requirement Guide
Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting | Exemptions | 2025 Guide
Since April 2014, you must attend a MIAM before applying to court for financial or children matters. The court will not accept your application without a signed MIAM form showing you attended or have a valid exemption.
What Happens at a MIAM
Step 1
Check-in
Provide ID, sign consent forms, mediator explains confidentialityStep 2
Information
Mediator explains mediation process, benefits, and limitationsStep 3
Assessment
Mediator assesses suitability - safeguarding, power imbalances, willingnessStep 4
Options
Discuss whether mediation is right for you, or if exemption appliesStep 5
Outcome
If suitable, book mediation. If not, receive signed MIAM certificate for courtMIAM Exemptions
Domestic Abuse
- Police involvement, caution, or conviction
- Relevant injunction or protection order
- MARAC referral
- Domestic Violence Adviser involvement
- Independent Domestic Violence Adviser confirmation
Child Protection
- Child subject to a child protection plan
- Section 47 enquiry ongoing
- Child involved in public law proceedings
Urgency
- Risk to life, liberty or safety
- Risk of removal of child from UK
- Risk of unlawful removal from care
- Significant financial hardship if urgent action not taken
Previous MIAM
- MIAM within past 4 months
- Mediation currently taking place
- Existing Family Mediation Council certificate
Other
- Applicant is bankrupt
- No contact details for other party
- Respondent in prison
- Applicant or child is a protected party
MIAM vs Full Mediation
MIAM
- 1-hour meeting
- Information only
- No negotiation
- Mandatory before court
- Cost: £100-£150 (or free with Legal Aid)
- Just you with mediator
Full Mediation
- Multiple sessions (2-6 typically)
- Active negotiation
- Work toward agreement
- Voluntary (after MIAM)
- Cost: £500-£2,000 total
- Both parties present
Frequently Asked Questions
Prepare for Your MIAM
Exemption checker and MIAM preparation tools.