MIAM – Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting

It is a starting point and does not commit you to mediation or to court proceedings.  In other words, it provides you with information before you make any decisions.

When you feel ready, take the next step by clicking the button below to complete your participant questionnaire.  I will then be in touch to arrange your MIAM.

The court usually requires you to attend a MIAM before you submit your application for the following:

• Child arrangements

• Financial remedy or property matters

The meeting lasts up to an hour and takes place online via secure video.

Do I Need a MIAM Before Applying to Court?

In most cases, yes.

If you apply to court regarding:

• Children arrangements

• Financial arrangements after separation

• Property division

You are expected to attend a MIAM before issuing your court application.  This enables you to make informed decisions about the best way forward.

If you need help reaching an agreement about where your children live, the time they spend with each parent or other parenting arrangements, mediation for child arrangements can give you both a structured and neutral space to work through those decisions.

If your concerns are about the family home, pensions, savings, debts or your wider financial arrangements after separation, family mediation for finances can help you exchange financial information and explore possible ways forward.

Are There Exceptions?

Yes. There are recognised exemptions to the requirement to attend a MIAM. Examples can include circumstances where there is evidence of domestic abuse, certain child protection concerns, urgency, or where the other person cannot be located.

The exemptions are specific, so each situation is different. I can explain the MIAM requirements and the options available to you.

What Happens During a MIAM?

The meeting is private and confidential.

Importantly, you will have space to:

• Explain your situation

• Ask questions

• Understand your options

• Explore whether mediation feels appropriate

• Discuss next steps

Above all, the meeting focuses on helping you make informed decisions.

You will not be pressured into mediation.  Instead, you decide whether mediation feels appropriate for you.

Mediation is voluntary.

If mediation is not suitable or not chosen, you will have a clear idea of other options.

What Happens After a MIAM?

What happens next will depend on your circumstances and whether mediation appears suitable.

If mediation is suitable and you both wish to proceed, you can move on to family mediation to discuss arrangements for your children, finances, or both. If your main concern is parenting arrangements, you may wish to read more about children mediation.

Where mediation is not suitable, or either of you decides not to proceed, I can usually issue the relevant MIAM certificate if you need one for a court application.

If you are worried about what happens when the other person will not take part, you may find my guide “What Happens If My Ex Refuses Mediation?” helpful.

You may also decide to:

• take independent legal advice
• explore another form of non-court dispute resolution
• consider family arbitration or solicitor negotiation
• take some time before deciding what to do next
• make a court application where appropriate

Importantly, attending a MIAM does not commit you to mediation or to court proceedings. Its purpose is to help you understand the options available so that you can decide on the next step that is right for your situation.

Can I Get a MIAM Certificate For Court Without Mediating?

Yes.

For many clients, this is an important reassurance.

Attending a MIAM does not mean you must proceed with mediation.

Rather, it ensures you understand your options before taking further steps.

If mediation is unsuitable, declined, or the other person does not engage, I can usually issue a MIAM certificate.

Your certificate remains valid for four months from the date of your MIAM.

How Much Does a MIAM Cost?

MIAM Cost and Practical Information

• Fee: £137

• Online via secure video

• Duration: 45–60 minutes

• Individual meeting (not joint)

For clarity, payment is required before your appointment to confirm your booking.

I offer evening or urgent appointments on request, subject to availability.

If needed, I can discuss availability with you.

Feeling Unsure?

If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed About Starting Divorce

Many clients attend a MIAM feeling:

• Unsure whether separation is the right decision

• Worried about finances or pensions

• Concerned about the family home

• Afraid of being pushed into court

You may recognise some of these feelings.

A MIAM is simply a starting conversation.

At this stage, nothing is final.

You are not committing to anything by attending a MIAM.

Attending a MIAM does not commit you to starting mediation. You decide whether you want to take that next step.

My aim is to provide clarity – not pressure.

ABOUT YOUR MEDIATOR

I am Cathy O’Mahoney, an FMC-accredited family mediator and non-practising solicitor.

• Experienced in family law and mediation

• Focused on helping clients move forward calmly and constructively

In addition to my qualifications, I bring over 30 years’ legal experience – nearly 20 years’ experience in mediation.

My approach is structured, even-handed, and practical.

I help you understand your options clearly, step by step.

My aim is for you to leave your MIAM with a clearer understanding of your options and what may happen next.

To find out more about me, take a look at my ‘about‘ page.