What is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting - a MIAM?
What is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting – a MIAM?
The first meeting with a mediator is called a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting known as a MIAM.
A MIAM is a meeting between you and the mediator to find solutions to your problems and the mediator will explain how mediation works.
Mediators are professional. We are trained and qualified to practice. We are skilled at solving problems and reaching agreements.
Only Family Mediation Council Accredited (FMCA) mediators can conduct MIAMs and they have their own Unique Reference Number. I am an FMCA mediator.
The MIAM is an individual meeting and it is usually held separately from your former partner. This is because the mediator needs to meet with each person alone to make sure they have made their own decision to come to mediation.
Your point of view is important because you and the mediator assess whether mediation is right for you and your family during the MIAM.
The mediator will explain to you: what mediation is and how it works; the benefits of mediation; the time needed and costs of using mediation; ; the other forms of resolving disputes and all your options.
Most MIAMs take about 1 hour and the meeting is charged for by a fixed fee paid before the meeting, so that you stay in control of the cost.
What happens after the MIAM?
If you decide to go ahead with mediation, the mediator will invite your former partner to a MIAM. After that, if everyone agrees to try mediation, an appointment is made for your first mediation session with you, your former partner and the mediator.
If you decide not to go ahead with mediation, the mediator will tell you about the next steps and the mediator will be able to sign your court application form.
If you want to go to court, it is a legal requirement to attend a MIAM. The other person involved is also expected to attend a MIAM, but they do not have to go to the same meeting as you.
Please contact me if you need more information.