FAMILY MEDIATION SERVICE FARNBOROUGH

A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is the first step in the mediation process for resolving family disputes. The purpose of a MIAM is to provide information about mediation and other forms of non-court dispute resolution, and to assess whether mediation is suitable for your case.

Purpose of a MIAM

1. Information Provision: The mediator explains what mediation is, how it works, and the benefits it offers compared to going to court.
2. Assessment: The mediator assesses whether your case is suitable for mediation. This involves understanding the issues at hand and determining if mediation can help resolve them.
3. Exploring Options: The mediator discusses other options for resolving disputes, such as collaborative law or arbitration, if mediation is not suitable.
4. Legal Aid Eligibility: The mediator checks if you are eligible for legal aid to cover the costs of mediation.

Process of a MIAM

1. Initial Meeting: The MIAM typically lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. It is usually conducted with just you and the mediator, although sometimes both parties may attend separately.
2. Discussion: During the meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss your situation and the issues that need to be resolved. The mediator will explain the mediation process and answer any questions you may have.
3. Decision Making: At the end of the MIAM, the mediator will inform you whether your case is suitable for mediation. You can then decide whether to proceed with mediation or explore other options.
4. Certification: If you decide to go to court, the mediator can provide a signed form confirming that you attended a MIAM. This form is often required before you can submit a court application.

FM1 Form

The FM1 form is a document used to confirm attendance at a MIAM. It is required when making certain applications to the family court.

Purpose of the FM1 Form

1. Court Requirement: The FM1 form is used to confirm that you have attended a MIAM before making an application to the court. This is a legal requirement for most family court applications.
2. Exemptions: The form also allows you to indicate if you are exempt from attending a MIAM. Exemptions may apply in cases involving domestic abuse or other specific circumstances.

Process of the FM1 Form

1. Completion: After attending a MIAM, the mediator will complete the FM1 form. This includes details about the MIAM and whether mediation was deemed suitable.
2. Submission: The completed FM1 form must be submitted to the family court along with your application for a court order. This form is not an application for a court order itself but a prerequisite for filing certain types of applications.