Whether you are breaking up with a spouse or partner or sorting out Child Arrangements with a former partner, it is never easy. No matter how tumultuous or unbearable the relationship has become, it can still be incredibly difficult to part ways and move on with your lives.
More often than not, disagreements and disputes are involved with the separation or divorce proceedings. If you have children, property, or finances, it’s common for both parties to disagree about what should happen to them.
But it is in the benefit of everyone involved to come to a mutually-agreed arrangement as swiftly as possible. No one wants a length legal dispute, as it will be time-consuming, exhausting, and expensive. Not to mention the emotional toll it will take on you and your family.
In cases of disagreement, mediation is often an effective way of coming to an agreement. You and a qualified mediator can get together in a safe, confidential environment to discuss future arrangements for your family. But before you undertake mediation, you must separately attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, or MIAM.
The following article explains exactly what is involved in a MIAM and how it can benefit you and your family when going through a divorce or separation. The article will outline what takes place during the meeting, your obligations afterwards, and how much it is likely to cost. Read on to learn more.
What is a MIAM?
A MIAM is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. If you plan to undertake family mediation, a MIAM will be your first meeting. You will sit down with a mediator to find out about the mediation process as well as different ways to find a solution to your dispute.
Mediation is often an effective solution to common disagreements involving the division of property, finances or child arrangement orders. Over the course of the MIAM you will explain your situation to the mediator, and they will determine whether or not your case is suitable for mediation. It also gives you the opportunity to decide whether or not you want to opt for mediation or if you’d prefer to explore other options.
Do you have to go to a MIAM?
If you are taking your separation or divorce or Child Arrangements case to court, in most cases, you will be required to attend a MIAM. Courts always prefer you to resolve your difficulties first. Upon attending the MIAM, you will have no legal obligation to continue with mediation if you don’t want to, and the mediator can sign a court form to confirm you have attended if using FMC guidelines Mediation is not suitable.
What happens after a MIAM?
After the Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, your mediator will tell you whether or not your case is suitable for mediation. You can then decide whether or not you wish to proceed with mediation or explore alternative options.
How much does a MIAM cost?
The cost of attending a MIAM can vary, but as a general guideline you can expect to pay around £100. The meeting will not cost you anything if you are eligible to receive legal aid.
What are the benefits of mediation?
There are many excellent reasons to opt for mediation instead of taking your divorce, separation or childcare issues case to court. For a start, it is cheaper, quicker, and less stressful than a court case and will therefore put less of a strain on your family. It allows you to resolve your differences in a calmer, safer environment where people can talk about their feelings and come to mutually agreed on solutions that are in the best interests of everyone. Through mediation, you and your former partner may find you are able to maintain a more amicable relationship and have more control over your family’s shared future.
Mediation can help you sort out all issues relating to child arrangement orders, property division and finances. Your mediator will guide you through the process and, where relevant, signpost you both to information that may be useful to help you take the next steps.
Get in touch
Suppose you are filing for divorce or separating from a long-term partner or cannot agree on Child Arrangements now that you have separated. In that case, you may need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. Get in touch to learn more about the process and how mediation services can benefit you and your family.
Call us now for a Free 15 minute chat to find out more.