Family Mediation & MIAM — Book Online Today
Book your MIAM online with a trained family mediator. Whether you need divorce mediation, child custody mediation, or a financial mediation — we offer fast certificates, transparent pricing, and expert guidance across the UK.
Fast Certificates
Get your signed MIAM certificate quickly. Urgent same-day service available for court deadlines.
Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees. Clear pricing upfront. Government £500 mediation voucher scheme accepted.
Trained Mediator
Professional, empathetic, and experienced guidance through your family mediation process.
What Is a MIAM?
A MIAM stands for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. It is a short, confidential meeting with a trained family mediator, and it is a legal requirement before you can make most applications to family court in England and Wales. If you have been searching for a MIAM near me or family mediation near me, you can book a MIAM appointment online and attend from anywhere in the UK.
Whether you are applying for a child arrangement order (C100) or a financial order (Form A) after separation or divorce, the court expects you to have attended a MIAM first. This requirement was introduced under the Children and Families Act 2014 and is enforced through the Family Procedure Rules 2010.
The purpose of a MIAM is not to force you into mediation. It is an opportunity to:
- Understand your options — your mediator will explain how mediation works and whether it could help resolve your dispute without going to court.
- Learn about alternatives — including solicitor-led negotiation, collaborative law, and arbitration.
- Assess suitability — your mediator will check whether mediation is appropriate for your situation, particularly where there are concerns about domestic abuse or safeguarding.
- Get your certificate — if mediation is not suitable, or the other party refuses to take part, your mediator will sign the relevant section of your C100 or Form A so you can proceed to court.
A MIAM typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes. It takes place individually — you do not need to be in the same room (or on the same call) as the other party. All our MIAMs are conducted online via video call, so you can attend from home, from work, or from anywhere with an internet connection. There is no need to search for an online MIAM UK provider near your location — our service covers the whole of England and Wales.
Do I Need a MIAM?
In most cases, yes. You need a MIAM before you can apply to family court for:
Child Arrangements (C100)
If you need a court order about where your child lives, who they spend time with, or decisions about their upbringing (schooling, holidays, medical treatment, relocation).
Financial Orders (Form A)
If you need the court to decide how finances are divided after divorce or dissolution — including property, pensions, savings, and spousal maintenance.
When You Might Be Exempt
There are situations where you do not need a MIAM. The main exemptions include:
- MIAM domestic abuse exemption — if you have evidence of domestic abuse (such as a police report, protective injunction, or referral from a domestic abuse support service), you are exempt from attending a MIAM.
- Child protection concerns — if a local authority is involved in protecting the child.
- Urgency — if there is a risk to the life, liberty, or physical safety of you or your child, or if a delay would cause a risk of significant harm.
- Previous MIAM — if you attended a MIAM in the last four months about the same dispute and the mediator confirmed the case was not suitable for mediation.
- The other party is in prison, or the applicant does not have sufficient contact details for the other party.
- Bankruptcy — for financial applications only.
If you are unsure whether you need a MIAM or whether an exemption applies, book a MIAM anyway. Your mediator will assess the situation and, if an exemption does apply, will sign the relevant section of your court form at no additional cost.
How It Works
Book Online
Choose a date and time that works for you. Standard and urgent appointments available.
Attend Your MIAM
Meet your mediator online via video call. We will explain your options and assess whether mediation is suitable.
Mediation
If both parties agree, attend mediation sessions to reach an agreement on child arrangements, finances, or both.
Consent Order or C100
Reached an agreement? Make it legally binding with a consent order. If mediation is not suitable, get your signed C100 or Form A to proceed to court.
What Happens at a MIAM?
Many people feel anxious about attending a MIAM because they are not sure what to expect. Here is exactly what happens:
Before the Meeting
After you book, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to join the video call. There is nothing to prepare in advance, although it can be helpful to think about what outcome you are hoping for.
During the Meeting
The meeting is private and one-to-one — it is just you and the mediator. The other party is not present. Your mediator will:
- Ask you to explain your situation in your own words.
- Explain the mediation process and how it differs from going to court.
- Discuss whether mediation could be appropriate for your circumstances.
- Carry out a screening assessment, including checking for any domestic abuse or safeguarding concerns.
- Explain the costs involved and whether you might be eligible for legal aid or the £500 government voucher scheme.
The mediator will not take sides. They will not tell you what to do. The MIAM is not a therapy session and it is not a legal advice session — it is an information meeting designed to help you understand your options.
After the Meeting
After your MIAM, one of the following will happen:
- You decide to try mediation — your mediator will contact the other party and invite them to attend their own MIAM. If both parties agree, mediation sessions will be arranged.
- Mediation is not suitable — your mediator will sign the relevant section of your C100 or Form A, confirming that you have attended a MIAM and that mediation is not appropriate. You can then proceed with your court application.
- The other party refuses — if the other party declines to attend a MIAM or engage in mediation, your mediator will sign your court form confirming this.
Your signed certificate is typically sent by email within 1–2 working days of your MIAM (or within 24 hours if you booked an urgent appointment).
Mediation vs Court — Why Mediation Works
Going to family court is stressful, expensive, and slow. Whether you are considering divorce mediation or separation mediation, mediation offers a faster, cheaper, and less adversarial way to resolve family disputes. Here is how mediation costs and timelines compare to court:
| Mediation | Court | |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost | £500–£2,000 total | £5,000–£30,000+ per person |
| Typical timeline | 6–12 weeks | 12–18 months (often longer) |
| Who decides? | You and the other parent/party | A judge decides for you |
| Tone | Collaborative, problem-solving | Adversarial, win/lose |
| Confidential? | Yes, completely | No — court records are formal |
| Flexibility | Tailored agreements that work for your family | Standard orders — limited flexibility |
| Impact on children | Less conflict, children are shielded | High conflict, children often involved via Cafcass |
Research consistently shows that agreements reached through mediation are more likely to be followed by both parties, because both sides have had a say in the outcome. Court-imposed orders, by contrast, often lead to further disputes and enforcement applications.
Mediation is not about giving in or compromising on things that matter. It is about having a structured, guided conversation with the help of a trained professional, so that you can reach practical solutions that work for your family.
What We Can Help With
Whether you need to book family mediation for divorce, child custody, or finances — we provide MIAM and mediation services for all types of family disputes across England and Wales.
Child Custody Mediation
Child arrangement mediation covering who your child lives with, how much time they spend with each parent, holiday arrangements, schooling decisions, and relocation disputes.
Financial Mediation
Financial mediation for division of property, pensions, savings, debts, and spousal maintenance. Reach a fair financial agreement without the cost of solicitors and court.
MIAM for C100
Need to apply for a child arrangement order? You must attend a MIAM first. We will sign your C100 form so you can proceed with your application.
MIAM for Form A
Applying for a financial order after divorce? A MIAM is required before you submit Form A. We will assess your situation and sign your form.
Consent Orders
Already reached an agreement? We can help you understand how to turn it into a legally binding consent order through the court.
Urgent MIAM
Court deadline approaching? Book an urgent MIAM and get your signed certificate within 24 hours. Same-day and next-day appointments available.
The £500 Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
The UK government offers a £500 Family Mediation Voucher Scheme to help families cover the cost of mediation. The scheme was introduced in March 2021 and has been extended to the 2026–27 financial year.
How It Works
- The voucher covers up to £500 towards mediation sessions that take place after the initial MIAM.
- It applies to disputes about children only — financial disputes are not covered.
- Both parties must agree to mediation for the voucher to be used.
- You do not apply for the voucher yourself — your mediator claims it on your behalf.
- The voucher is available on a first-come, first-served basis each financial year.
Am I Eligible for Legal Aid?
If you are on a low income or receive certain benefits, you may qualify for legal aid, which can cover the full cost of both the MIAM and any mediation sessions. Eligibility depends on your income, capital, and the nature of your case. Your mediator can help you check during the MIAM.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees. You may also be eligible for the government's £500 family mediation voucher scheme.
Standard MIAM
Appointments within days
- 45–60 minute meeting
- Online via video call
- Signed court certificate
- £500 voucher eligible
Urgent MIAM
Certificate within 24 hours
- Same-day or next-day appointment
- Priority scheduling
- Fast certificate turnaround
- Ideal for court deadlines
Court Forms Explained: C100 and Form A
Two of the most common family court forms require a MIAM before submission:
C100 — Child Arrangement Order Application
The C100 form is used to apply to the family court for orders about children. This includes who a child lives with, how much time they spend with each parent, and specific issues like schooling or medical decisions. The C100 form cost (court fee) is currently £263. Section 1 of the C100 asks whether you have attended a MIAM — your mediator will complete this section after your MIAM for C100.
Form A — Financial Order Application
If you are going through a divorce or dissolution and need the court to make a financial order (covering property, pensions, maintenance, or other assets), you must submit Form A. Since April 2024, a MIAM for Form A is required before you can submit your application. Your mediator will sign the relevant part of the form after your MIAM.
In both cases, if mediation is not suitable, or the other party refuses to attend, your mediator will certify this on the form so that you can proceed directly to court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a MIAM cost?
A standard MIAM costs £130 per person. Urgent MIAMs (with same-day or next-day appointments) cost £185 per person. You may be eligible for the government's £500 family mediation voucher scheme or legal aid, which can cover the cost entirely.
Can I do a MIAM online?
Yes. All our MIAMs are conducted online via secure video call. You can attend from anywhere in England and Wales. You just need a device with a camera and a stable internet connection. There is no need to travel or take time off work.
How quickly can I get a MIAM certificate?
Standard MIAM appointments are usually available within a few days, and your certificate is sent within 1–2 working days. If you have an urgent court deadline, our urgent MIAM service can provide a signed certificate within 24 hours.
Do both parties need to attend a MIAM?
Only the person making the court application (the applicant) is required to attend a MIAM. However, for mediation to proceed, the other party (respondent) will also need to attend their own separate MIAM. If the other party refuses, your mediator will sign your form confirming this so you can proceed to court.
What if the other party refuses to attend?
If the other party refuses to attend a MIAM or engage in mediation, your mediator will sign the relevant section of your C100 or Form A confirming this. You can then proceed with your court application without delay.
How long is a MIAM certificate valid for?
A MIAM certificate is valid for four months from the date of the meeting. If you do not submit your court application within four months, you will need to attend another MIAM.
Is a MIAM confidential?
Yes. Everything discussed in a MIAM and in mediation is confidential. It cannot be used in court proceedings. The only information shared with the court is whether you attended the MIAM and whether mediation was considered suitable.
What's the difference between a MIAM and mediation?
A MIAM is a one-off information meeting (usually 45–60 minutes) where a mediator explains your options and assesses whether mediation is suitable. Mediation itself is a series of sessions (usually 3–5) where both parties work with the mediator to reach an agreement. The MIAM always comes first.
Can my solicitor attend my MIAM?
MIAMs are attended individually — just you and the mediator. Solicitors do not usually attend. However, you are free to seek legal advice before and after your MIAM. Many people find it helpful to have independent legal advice alongside the mediation process.
Does the £500 voucher cover the MIAM cost?
The £500 Family Mediation Voucher Scheme covers mediation sessions that take place after the initial MIAM. It does not typically cover the MIAM itself. However, if you qualify for legal aid, the MIAM cost may be covered in full.
Do I need a MIAM for a consent order?
If you have already reached an agreement and are applying for a consent order by consent (i.e. both parties agree), a MIAM is generally not required. However, if the application is contested or one party is applying without the other's agreement, a MIAM will be needed.
Can grandparents attend a MIAM?
Yes. Grandparents who wish to apply to the court for a child arrangement order (for example, to obtain contact with a grandchild) will need to attend a MIAM first. The process is the same as for parents.
Ready to Book Your MIAM?
Take the first step toward resolving your family matter. Book your MIAM online and attend from the comfort of your home.