In the vast majority of private law family matters, which includes any applications relating to either finances or children’s issues, an applicant needs to attend a meeting with a suitably qualified family mediator. before starting a court application This confidential meeting is called a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).

This is an opportunity for the mediator to share a lot of important information, including detailed information about mediation as well as all the other possible alternatives to mediation, which include the use of solicitors and the court process. It is also your opportunity to explain the issues that you are facing. The mediator will then assess whether the matter is suitable for mediation.

If the mediator assesses that the matters are suitable for mediation then it is expected that both parties will consider starting the mediation process either with the assessing mediator or another mediator, or to look for a solution via one of the alternatives to mediation but not via the courts. If the case is assessed as not being suitable for mediation, the mediator can, if requested, complete the mediator’s section of the relevant form to record this.

Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings in London and Godalming

At Godalming Family Mediation, we offer MIAMs at a fee of £120 for each party including (with no VAT to add). The meeting normally lasts approximately 1 hour which allows plenty of time for all the relevant issues to be explored and for questions to be asked to the mediator. We prefer to see each party separately for this meeting in order to ensure that each party has the opportunity to speak freely and to get information that is tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. Please note that there is an additional £60 fee if the mediator is asked to contact the other party and/or complete the mediator’s section of the court form following the MIAM.

We understand that it is sometimes difficult to find the time to meet in person and we are able to offer MIAM meetings via a video call (e.g. via Skype or WhatsApp) if preferred.

Please contact us if you would like more information about the MIAM process.