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The MIAM, explained
A single meeting, about 45 minutes, on your own with me. It's the door into mediation and, in most cases, the step the court expects you to have taken first.
What the letters mean
MIAM stands for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. It does two jobs. The information half is me explaining your options, including the ones that aren't mediation. The assessment half is me checking, carefully and privately, whether mediation is safe and suitable for your situation.
You attend on your own. Your ex-partner has their own separate MIAM, at a different time. You will not be in a room together at this stage.
What we'll cover
- What you're hoping to sort out, and what's already agreed
- How mediation works, what it costs and how long it takes
- The alternatives — solicitors, arbitration, court — and when each makes sense
- Whether there's anything that would make mediation unsafe or unsuitable
- Whether you may be eligible for help with the cost
- What happens next, either way
What happens, step by step
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You get in touch
Use the enquiry form or call. I'll come back to you with times, including evenings. There's no obligation at this point.
Reply within one working day -
The meeting
In person in Guildford or over video. Just you and me. Bring questions — most people have more than they expect.
About 45 minutes -
You decide
If mediation looks right, I'll invite your ex-partner to their own MIAM. If it isn't, I'll tell you plainly and point you somewhere better.
No pressure either way
Do you actually need one?
If you're planning to apply to court for a child arrangements order or a financial order, the court will normally expect you to have attended a MIAM before it accepts your application. There are exemptions — the most important being where there has been domestic abuse — and I'll talk you through whether one applies to you.
[CONFIRM before publishing] Only a mediator registered with the Family Mediation Council can sign the MIAM certificate on court forms C100 and A. This page must state Lucy's actual position accurately: either that she is FMC-registered and can sign, or that the certificate is issued by her supervising mediator. See LAUNCH-CHECKLIST.md.
Plenty of people come to a MIAM with no intention of going to court at all. It's a low-cost way to find out where you stand before spending money on solicitors.
When mediation isn't the answer
I'd rather turn work away than take on a case that shouldn't be mediated. Mediation depends on both people being able to speak freely and negotiate as equals. That isn't possible where one person is frightened of the other.
The assessment part of the MIAM exists precisely to catch this. Anything you tell me in that meeting stays with me. If mediation isn't suitable, that isn't a failure and it isn't the end of the road — it means a different route is the right one, and I'll tell you what it is.
If you or a child are in immediate danger, call 999. For confidential support at any time, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247, free, 24 hours a day.
MIAM questions
How much is a MIAM?
£60 per person at the introductory rate, normally £120. You each pay for your own. See full pricing.
Will my ex-partner know what I said?
No. Your MIAM is confidential and separate from theirs. Nothing you tell me in it is passed on without your agreement.
What if I've already started a court application?
You can still mediate, and many people do — cases settle at every stage. Mediating alongside proceedings can shorten them considerably.
Do I need a solicitor as well?
Not for the MIAM. For financial cases most people take legal advice at some point, and you'll need a solicitor at the end if you want your agreement turned into a court order.
How soon can I be seen?
Usually within a week, often sooner, and evening slots are available. If you're up against a court deadline, say so when you get in touch.
Book your MIAM
£60 per person. In Guildford or online, evenings available. I aim to reply within one working day.
Get in touch