MIAM and Mediation Services Explained: London Guide

Updated: • Checked by Jess Knauf, Mediate UK

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Quick Highlights 

• A MIAM London is a 45–60 minute confidential meeting with a qualified family mediator.

• It is usually required before applying to court for child arrangements or finances.

• A MIAM covers suitability checks, safety, options and possible next steps.

• MIAMs can be in person in London or online nationwide.

• London in-person MIAMs cost £150–£180 + VAT; online MIAMs cost £115 + VAT.

• After a MIAM, mediators can invite the other person to mediation.

• You may pursue a two-pronged approach: start a court application and try mediation at the same time.

• The mediator can sign the C100 / Form A MIAM certificate if mediation is unsuitable or does not proceed.

• Mediation in London is voluntary, impartial and child-focused.

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What is a MIAM in London?

A MIAM London (Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting) is the first step for most people dealing with separation, child arrangements or financial issues in England and Wales. It is a private one-to-one meeting with an accredited family mediator where you learn how mediation works, explore whether it’s suitable, and understand your options for moving forward, including court if needed.

This guide explains the full process, what happens at a MIAM, common London-specific considerations, typical costs, and how the meeting links to court applications such as a C100 or Form A.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect and which next steps might be right for your situation.

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Why a MIAM Matters

A MIAM is required before most court applications involving children or finances. It allows:

• safer, faster, and more affordable routes to resolution

• a chance to avoid court

• a legal requirement to be fulfilled

• an accredited mediator to sign your MIAM certificate (part of a C100 or Form A)

The government’s own guidance emphasises considering mediation before going to court.
See:

• Child arrangements guidance (Gov.uk) – https://www.gov.uk/looking-after-children-divorce

• Court forms & MIAM rules (Gov.uk) – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/family-court-applications-that-involve-children-cb1/making-an-application-children-and-the-family-courts

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What Happens in a MIAM?

A MIAM usually lasts 45–60 minutes. During the meeting, the mediator will:

✔️ Check safety and suitability

You can discuss any safeguarding concerns privately. If mediation is not safe or not suitable, the mediator will explain alternative routes.

✔️ Hear what you want to resolve

This might be:

• child arrangements

• finances

• property

• communication

• or all the above

✔️ Explain mediation & other options to resolve your dispute

The mediator sets out each route clearly:

• mediation

• solicitor negotiation

• collaborative law

• arbitration

• court proceedings

• DIY discussions

✔️ Discuss next steps

If mediation is suitable and you want to move forward, the mediator invites the other person.
If mediation is not suitable, or one of you declines, the mediator can sign the relevant MIAM certificate.

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How a MIAM Leads to the Next Step: Invitations & Joint Sessions

1. Inviting the Other Person

If you want to explore mediation, the mediator contacts the other party and offers them their own MIAM.
London Mediation Service handles this sensitively and professionally. Using our mediation software we can get an invite to them within minutes of your MIAM  concluding and agreeing to move forwards.

Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy, often explains this to clients:
“We see a lot of London clients who are anxious about inviting the other parent or former partner.
A key part of our role is to handle that communication for you, so you don’t have to.”

2. Joint Mediation Sessions

If both parties agree, joint sessions can begin. These can be:

• Online (most popular, flexible and accessible)

• Face-to-face, including:

  • North London branch – https://londonmediationservice.co.uk/north-london/

  • Central London branch – https://londonmediationservice.co.uk/central-london/

  • Sutton (South London) – https://londonmediationservice.co.uk/sutton-page/

3. Documentation

If agreements are reached, the mediator can prepare:

• Parenting Plan

• Open Financial Statement (OFS)

• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

London Mediation Service can also arrange fixed-fee legal packages to draft Consent Orders through solicitors.

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How Long Does a MIAM Take? (The 45-Minute Rule Explained)

Due to Family Mediation Council (FMC) rules on a MIAM, your MIAM must last a minimum of 45 minutes. Most sessions run closer to 60 minutes, allowing time to properly explore all issues, safeguarding, and your options.

Shorter meetings, without good reason recorded, risk being invalid for court purposes.

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London MIAM Costs: In Person vs Online 

At London Mediation Service, pricing is transparent:

Online MIAM (nationwide)

£115 + VAT – same price across the UK.
Book: https://www.mediateuk.co.uk/book-a-miam-now/

In-Person MIAM (London)

• Central London MIAM: £180 + VAT

This reflects London room rental and operational costs.

Full service list: https://londonmediationservice.co.uk/services/

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Can You Apply to Court and Mediate at the Same Time? (Two-Pronged Approach)

Yes. This is very common in London, especially in:

• high-conflict cases

• situations involving urgent schooling or holiday disputes

• financial matters with property deadlines

You can:

1. Attend a MIAM

2. Apply to court (C100 or Form A)

3. Continue trying mediation while the court process is underway

This two-pronged approach is sometimes recommended by solicitors because it demonstrates reasonable behaviour, which courts increasingly expect.

For more background:
https://www.mediateuk.co.uk/do-i-need-a-miam/

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Real Example from London Mediation Service

Jess recently reflected on a London case:

“We worked with a couple in North London who had been stuck for months in solicitor letters. Once they attended their MIAMs, they realised they didn’t actually disagree on every issue — the communication had just completely broken down.
Mediation helped them set a parenting schedule and we drafted their parenting plan in under eight weeks.”

We see this pattern often. London cases can appear complex due to housing, school catchment areas, or finances, but mediation frequently simplifies the process.

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Where Can You Have a MIAM in London?

We offer in-person MIAMs and mediation at:

• North London – https://londonmediationservice.co.uk/north-london/

• Central London – https://londonmediationservice.co.uk/central-london/

• Sutton (South London) – https://londonmediationservice.co.uk/sutton-page/

You can also view our mediators here:
Meet the Team – https://londonmediationservice.co.uk/meet-the-team/

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What Happens After a MIAM? 

Depending on suitability and agreement:

1. Mediation Starts

You can begin joint sessions online or in person.

2. Shuttle Mediation

If you prefer not to be in the same room or Zoom screen, we offer shuttle mediation online or in person.

3. Mediation Unsuitable or Declined

Your mediator can sign the MIAM certificate on your:

• C100 (child arrangements)

• Form A (financial order)

If your application type requires a separate FM1 certificate (e.g., change of name, guardianship), the mediator can complete this form too.

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Frequently Asked Questions (Google PAA Optimised)

Do both parents have to attend the same MIAM?

No. MIAMs are always separate.

How quickly can I get a MIAM in London?

London Mediation Service offers appointments within 48 hours online or in person. Urgent MIAMs can usually be set up within 24 hours.

Can a MIAM be done online?

Yes, and it is fully valid for court.

Is a MIAM legally required in London?

Yes, unless an exemption applies (e.g., domestic abuse, urgency).

What if the other person refuses mediation?

The mediator can still sign your MIAM certificate so you can apply to court.

Does attending a MIAM mean I must mediate?

No. You remain fully in control and can decide if you want to or not.

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“A MIAM is often the moment people finally feel able to move forwards.
Once they understand their options and see there is a structured way forward, everything becomes less overwhelming.
Whether you’re dealing with parenting issues, finances or communication breakdowns, our role at London Mediation Service is to help you find the safest, fairest and most constructive way to move on.”
— Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy, Mediate UK

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Key Takeaways

• MIAM London meetings are the first required step for most child and financial applications.

• They last 45–60 minutes and can be done online or at one of our London offices.

• After a MIAM, the mediator can invite the other party and start mediation.

• You can use a two-pronged approach: court + mediation.

• Online MIAMs cost £115 + VAT; in-person London MIAMs £180 + VAT.

• Family mediation is voluntary, child-focused and confidential.

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