If you are thinking about going to court, you may need to attend a MIAM. If you want to know more about what a MIAM is then read on as this article has all the information you need.
What Does MIAM stand for?
MIAM is short for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. It is usually refered to as MIAM but you may also hear people call it a first meeting.
The MIAM is an initial meeting with a mediator. Whether you are planning to enter into mediation with your ex or if you simply need to begin the court process, you will need to attend one of these unless you are exempt.
What Happens At The MIAM?
This first meeting will give you vital information about the mediation process. You will meet with a qualified mediator who is specially trained to find out whether or not mediation would work for a couple or not. Sometimes, communication has broken down to such an extent that the mediator may agree that it wouldn’t be appropriate to move forwards with mediation.
You will have the opportunity to extend an invitation to mediation to your ex. If you are initiating the court process, this is not compulsory, but inviting your ex for mediation will give them a chance to let you know if they are open to communication.
Who Carries Out The MIAM?
Your MIAM must be carried out by an approved mediator. Mediators are qualified and can guide you in making amicable decisions with your ex partner. You must ensure that the mediator that you speak with is Family Council Accredited to ensure that your application to court will be accepted.
Who Is Allowed To Attend The MIAM?
You need to attend the MIAM for yourself, obviously, but if you wish, you can sometimes take another person with you. This could be a new partner or a family member for support. Not all mediators allow this, so you should check first. If you like, you can even attend the MIAM with your ex if they agree. This may mean that you don’t need to attend court if the two of you agree to move forwards with mediation.
If someone else attends the MIAM with you, you should be aware that this will be the only time that this will be allowed. Mediation is intended for the family, so usually it will only be you and your ex who attends. Sometimes, your children may be invited to mediation but this is not common.
Do You Need To Attend A MIAM?
If you want to take a case to court, it is likely that you will have to attend court. Not all cases require a MIAM first however. Sometimes, you may be exempt if for example you have experiences domestic violence in the relationship or if you are requesting a emergency hearing, you may not need to attend.
If you are the ex partner who is acting as the respondent in the case, you do not have to attend a MIAM. Don’t worry if a case goes to court without giving you the opportunity to go to one. if the court thinks that it would be beneficial, an order may be made for you and your ex to attempt mediation before moving forward in court.
How Much Should I Expect To Pay?
A MIAM and subsequent mediation sessions may be free for you if you are entitled to legal aid. You will be able to talk to the mediator who will be able to advise you about legal aid.
Fees for mediation vary. Your MIAM may cost between £60 and £200, although most people find that they won’t pay more than £100 for the session. In addition to this, there is usually an added charge to have the relevant form signed in your C100 form. This can cost between around £30 and £60.
What Happens After The MIAM?
Once you have attended a this first meeting, there are a few options.
You could continue with mediation if your ex agrees. This would mean that you will need to attend mediation either with or without your ex present.
Alternatively, if you think that court would be appropriate, you will need to have the page in your C100 form completed and signed by the mediator. If you have this page signed, you will only get one copy from the mediator but it is recommended that you photocopy this page so that you have plenty of copies. You will need at least 4 copies when you apply to court.
