What to Expect at a MIAM in London: A Step-by-Step Guide

What to Expect at a MIAM in London: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are about to attend a MIAM in London for the first time, it is completely normal to feel uncertain about what to expect. The word “meeting” can sound formal and daunting, especially when you are already dealing with a separation or a dispute over children. The good news is that a MIAM is actually a straightforward, supportive conversation, and most people feel considerably more at ease once it is over.

This guide walks you through every stage of the process, from booking your appointment to what happens after the MIAM ends. Whether you are attending because a solicitor has advised it or because you have been told a court requires it, you will find everything you need to know right here.

What to expect at a MIAM in London Step 1: Understanding What a MIAM Is (and Why You Need One)

A MIAM stands for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. It is a legal requirement for most people who wish to apply to a family court in England and Wales. Before a judge will accept an application relating to children, finances, or other family matters, the applicant must show that they have attended a MIAM, or that a recognised exemption applies.

The requirement comes from the Children Act 1989 and subsequent court rules, and it reflects a broader push within the family justice system to encourage people to resolve disputes away from court wherever possible. In London, where the family courts at the Principal Registry of the Family Division and across the boroughs deal with very high caseloads, this has become particularly important.

A MIAM is not a mediation session itself. It is an information and assessment meeting. The mediator is not there to take sides or make decisions. They are there to explain your options and to assess whether mediation could work for your circumstances. You can read a fuller overview in the MIAM London guide on our site.

Step 2: Booking Your MIAM in London

MIAMs must be conducted by a mediator who is accredited by the Family Mediation Council (FMC). It is important to check that whoever you book with holds FMC accreditation, as a certificate from a non-accredited mediator will not be accepted by the court.

London Mediation Service offers MIAMs at three London locations, in Waterloo (Central London), St Pancras (North London), and Sutton (South London), as well as online video appointments for those who prefer not to travel. Appointments are available quickly, often within a few days, which matters when you are working to a court deadline.

You do not need to arrange a MIAM for the other party. Each person books and attends their own separate MIAM. You will not be in the room together at this stage.

When booking, you will typically be asked to provide a brief outline of your situation so the mediator can prepare appropriately. You do not need to have documents ready or know all the legal terminology at this point.

Step 3: Preparing for Your MIAM Appointment

There is no formal preparation required for a MIAM. You do not need to bring solicitor letters, financial statements, or court paperwork. The meeting is exploratory, and the mediator will guide you through it.

That said, it can help to think through a few things beforehand:

• What is the main issue you need to resolve? Is it where the children will live, financial arrangements, the family home, or something else?
• Are there any safety concerns? If there has been domestic abuse, controlling behaviour, or you have concerns about the other party, let the mediator know from the outset. There are MIAM exemptions and safeguarding protocols in place.
• What outcome are you hoping for? You do not need a clear answer, but having a rough idea of what you want to achieve will help the conversation.

If you are in London and attending in person, plan your travel to one of our offices at Waterloo, St Pancras, or Sutton. All three are well served by public transport, which makes them easy to reach from most parts of the capital.

Step 4: What Actually Happens During the MIAM

The meeting itself usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. It takes place one-to-one, between you and the mediator only. Here is a breakdown of what to expect as the meeting unfolds.

The mediator introduces themselves and explains confidentiality

The mediator will start by explaining who they are and confirming their FMC accreditation. They will outline the confidential nature of the MIAM. What you say in the meeting is not shared with the other party, the court, or anyone else, with very limited exceptions (such as a risk of serious harm to a child).

You share your situation in your own words

The mediator will ask you to outline your situation. This does not need to be a formal account. You are not making a legal statement. You are simply explaining what has happened and what you are hoping to resolve. The mediator will listen and may ask some gentle questions to better understand your circumstances.

For Londoners, this part of the conversation often involves specific local factors: shared ownership of a London property, a child’s school catchment area, international family connections, or complex employment situations. A mediator experienced in London family disputes will understand these nuances.

The mediator explains how family mediation works

Once they have a picture of your situation, the mediator will walk you through the mediation process, what it involves, how many sessions it typically takes, and what the likely costs are. They will also explain the alternatives, including collaborative law, arbitration, and going to court. This is a good moment to ask any questions you have about the process.

You can also find a comprehensive overview of the full process in the Mediate UK MIAM guide.

The mediator assesses whether mediation is suitable

This is a key part of the MIAM. The mediator will consider whether mediation is appropriate given your circumstances. If there are concerns around domestic abuse, significant power imbalances, or urgent safeguarding matters, the mediator may decide that mediation is not suitable at this time. If that is the case, they will issue a signed Form FM1 confirming this, and you can proceed with a court application.

If mediation is considered appropriate and the other party has also attended their MIAM and agreed to take part, you can move straight into joint sessions.

Step 5: What the Mediator Will Ask You

People often worry about being put on the spot. In practice, the questions you will be asked at a MIAM in London are straightforward and designed to help the mediator understand your situation. You might be asked:

• What are the main issues you need to resolve (children, finances, property, or a combination)?
• How long have you been separated, or is separation still in progress?
• Are there any safeguarding concerns, such as domestic abuse or concerns about the children’s welfare?
• Has there been any contact with a solicitor or the court already?
• Do you have legal aid funding, or are you funding the process privately?
• How do you feel about the prospect of sitting in a room with the other party?

You are not being tested. There are no wrong answers. If you do not know the answer to something, it is absolutely fine to say so.

Step 6: Legal Aid at a MIAM

If you qualify for legal aid, your MIAM is free. The mediator must check your eligibility and, if you qualify, offer the meeting at no cost. Legal aid for mediation is means-tested, and the thresholds are set by the Legal Aid Agency. If the other party qualifies for legal aid, mediation is free for both of you.

Given the high cost of living in London, it is worth checking whether you may be eligible, even if you do not think of yourself as someone who qualifies for legal aid. You can use the MIAM eligibility checker on the Mediate UK site to get a quick indication before you book.

For those who are funding the process privately, MIAM fees are generally modest. Prices vary between providers; at London Mediation Service, you will be given a clear quote when you book.

Step 7: What Happens After the MIAM

At the end of the meeting, the mediator will complete a Form FM1 (the MIAM certificate). This sets out whether mediation is suitable or not. There are three possible outcomes:

Outcome 1: Mediation is recommended and both parties agree to proceed

This is the most positive outcome. If both you and the other party have attended your MIAMs and agreed that mediation is worth trying, joint mediation sessions can be arranged. These typically involve both parties meeting together with the mediator to work through the issues. London Mediation Service can usually arrange these quickly at any of its London offices or online.

Outcome 2: Mediation is recommended, but the other party declines

If the mediator assesses that mediation is appropriate but the other party either has not attended their MIAM or has declined to take part, the Form FM1 will reflect this. You are then free to make a court application. Having done everything required of you demonstrates good faith, and the court will take that into account.

Outcome 3: Mediation is assessed as unsuitable

If the mediator concludes that your situation is not suitable for mediation, for example because of domestic abuse, serious safeguarding concerns, or a significant power imbalance, they will sign the Form FM1 accordingly. You can then proceed directly with a court application. The 15 exemptions to attending a MIAM listed on the Mediate UK site cover circumstances where you may not need to attend at all.

Step 8: What the MIAM Certificate Covers

The MIAM certificate (Form FM1) is a signed document from the mediator confirming that you have attended a MIAM. It must be completed by an FMC-accredited mediator to be valid.

The certificate does not contain the details of what was discussed in your MIAM. It simply confirms attendance, whether mediation was deemed suitable or unsuitable, and (if applicable) whether the other party attended or declined. This is the document you will attach to your court application.

If you go on to mediate successfully, no court application may be needed at all. Agreements reached in mediation can be drawn up in a Memorandum of Understanding and, where finances are involved, converted into a legally binding consent order. You can find more about this in the consent order guide on Mediate UK.

Frequently Asked Questions