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• A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is an individual, confidential meeting with a mediator to explore options for resolving family disputes regarding children or financial matters outside of the court system.

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• The meeting normally lasts approximately one hour.

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During this meeting the mediator will:

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• Provide information about mediation and other support that may be available to you, and discuss these with you.

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• Assess if mediation is safe and suitable for your specific situation.

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• Undertake necessary screening for domestic abuse and child protection issues.

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• Assess eligibility for legal aid and explain the timescales.

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• Assess the issues to be mediated upon to consider an agenda for the first joint session.

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Court Forms our accredited mediator can sign:

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• If you decide not to proceed with mediation, or the mediator determines it is unsuitable, they will sign the relevant court form to enable you to apply to the court. 

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• Form C100: Used for most applications concerning child arrangements, prohibited steps, or specific issue orders.

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• Form A: Used for applications for a financial order within divorce or dissolution proceedings.

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• Form A1: Used for applications for financial provision for children (e.g., where parties were not married).

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• Form FM1: Used as a supplement for specific, less common Children Act orders, such as an order for parental responsibility.

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• The signature on these forms is valid for 4 months from the date of your assessment meeting.