MIAMs, mediation and court forms
MIAMs and family mediation forms.
A MIAM is often the first step before making certain family court applications. Solent Family Mediation can explain the process, assess whether mediation is suitable and discuss what happens next.
Need child arrangements?
Need information on FM1?
Want to understand mediation?
Need help with family disputes?
What is a MIAM?
A MIAM is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. It explains mediation and checks whether it may be suitable for your family dispute.
The mediator’s role
The MIAM helps you understand your options before court.
During a MIAM, the mediator explains how family mediation works, asks about the dispute and considers whether mediation is safe and suitable. The meeting is not relationship counselling and the mediator does not take sides.
The mediator can also explain other options, including shuttle mediation, legal aid mediation and the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme where relevant.
What happens at a MIAM?
The meeting gives you clear information before deciding what to do next.
The mediator explains mediation
You will be told how mediation works, what the process involves and how sessions are usually arranged.
Suitability is assessed
The mediator considers safety, willingness to participate and whether mediation is appropriate for the issues involved.
Next steps are discussed
If mediation is suitable, sessions can be arranged. If not, the mediator can explain court-form options where appropriate.
After a MIAM
What happens after your MIAM depends on suitability and the other person’s position.
If mediation is suitable
The mediator can invite the other person to a MIAM and, if both people agree, mediation sessions can be arranged.
If mediation is not suitable
The mediator can explain why mediation is not proceeding and may complete the relevant MIAM section or form for a court application where appropriate.
If you need court
You may need a C100, Form A or another court form depending on the type of application. The mediator can explain which mediation confirmation is relevant.
C100, Form A and FM1
Which form you need depends on the application.
A C100 is commonly used for child arrangements, prohibited steps or specific issue applications. Form A is commonly used for financial remedy applications. FM1 is used to confirm MIAM attendance or explain why a MIAM has not happened in relevant cases.
The mediator does not give legal advice, but can explain the mediation process and complete the relevant mediation confirmation where appropriate.
MIAM and court form questions
Do I always need a MIAM before court?
Many family court applications require a MIAM unless an exemption applies. Exemptions can include urgency, domestic abuse, child protection concerns or other specific circumstances.
Does the mediator give legal advice?
No. The mediator explains mediation and helps assess whether mediation is suitable. They do not advise either person what legal outcome to accept.
What if the other person refuses mediation?
If the other person does not want to attend or mediation is not suitable, the mediator can explain the next steps and provide the relevant mediation confirmation where appropriate.
Can I still mediate if direct communication is difficult?
Yes, where mediation is suitable. Shuttle mediation may allow both people to take part while remaining in separate rooms or separate online spaces.
Can legal aid or voucher funding help?
Legal aid may cover the MIAM and mediation sessions if you qualify. The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may also contribute towards eligible child-related mediation sessions, subject to eligibility and availability.
Useful related pages
Before you book
- Think about the issue you need help with.
- Bring details of any existing court dates or forms.
- Tell the mediator about safety or domestic abuse concerns.
- Ask whether legal aid or voucher funding may be relevant.
Need a MIAM or mediation form?
Contact Solent Family Mediation to discuss MIAM appointments, child arrangements, family mediation and court-form next steps.