Judges, lawyers and mediators talk about MIAMs – but what are they?
The Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is the first meeting you will have with a mediator. It is an important part of the process to enable the Mediator to establish whether Mediation is suitable for your unique situation. Sometimes if there are safely issues it may not be suitable for Mediation to proceed. In this case The Mediator will discuss alternative options open to you. However, this is rare and generally mediation is suitable for most disputes. MIAM will usually be between you and the mediator and will be online. If you want to, you can bring a friend or family member for support.
After your MIAM if you want to move forward with Mediation and the Mediator agrees the person you are looking to mediate with will be invited to attend a separate MIAM.
If you want to make an application to the court in a family case, in most circumstances (unless, for example your situation involves domestic violence or abuse), the judge will insist that you attend a MIAM, to consider whether mediation can help you, before you can issue your application. If you just want to explore whether mediation is right for you, attending a MIAM can be a really good place to start.
At the MIAM, you will have the chance to explain what you would like to resolve at Mediation. The mediator will explain mediation (what it is and how the process works) and other ways to resolve family disputes without going to court. You will be given an opportunity to ask any questions you have, and the mediator will help you to consider whether mediation is right and safe for you and will identify when mediation will or will not be suitable.
If everyone agrees to try mediation (remember mediation is voluntary) and the mediator considers that is appropriate, then a first joint mediation session will be arranged. Where mediation is unsuitable, the mediator will make sure you know the alternatives to mediation and will signpost you to appropriate sources of advice and support. If mediation is not suitable for whatever reason, the mediator will supply you with a form for court confirming that you have attended a MIAM. You will be able to use the form to apply to the Court if that’s what you decide to do.
MIAM joint meetings
Once the Individual MIAM meetings have been completed for both clients we then look to set a date for your first Mediation session, where the Mediator and both clients meet a in room together (see online Mediation) to discuss your unique situation, our Mediators are professionals, they are qualified and experienced and will guide you through what can sometimes be difficult and stressful discussions. Our aim is the make the process as smooth as possible find solutions you both agree on and help you move forward with your lives.
Mediation is the modern way to resolve issues, even though you are no longer in a relationship together, particularly when a child is involved, you are actually in a relationship together forever. Mediation will help make that relationship as strong as it can be and help provide your children with the caring/loving relationship with both parents they deserve.