The first meeting with a mediator is often called a Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting or MIAM. Whether it’s called a MIAM or a first meeting, it will cover the same things.
Why Do I Need To Attend A MIAM?
Before you can start a court case (except in certain special cases), you need to first talk to a mediator.
The court will reject your application if you have not done so first.
What Happens At The MIAM?
The MIAM will last about an hour and will give you an opportunity to tell the mediator about your situation, and the issues that need to be decided. The mediator will tell you about the mediation process and other options for reaching agreements.
At the end of the meeting, the mediator will tell you whether your case is suitable for mediation, and you can decide whether you want to proceed with mediation or explore another option for resolving issues.
If everyone agrees to try mediation, great, then an appointment is made for you to both attend mediation.
If, however, you decide not to continue with mediation, or you want to issue court proceedings anyway, (for example, because you have already tried other forms of “mediation” through Solicitors and both parties' positions are very entrenched) then you can ask the mediator to sign the MIAM court form.
That is the form you need to lodge with your application, which the court will want to see has happened within the preceding four months before the court will issue your application.
Only accredited mediators can sign a court form to say you have attended a MIAM.
How Much Does it Cost?
The mediator will charge for the meeting. The cost will vary depending on your provider and where in the country they are based, so you should ask for details of the cost of the meeting when you contact the mediator, but it is around £100 for the MIAM session.
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The information provided in this article is not intended to constitute professional advice and you should take full and comprehensive legal, accountancy or financial advice as appropriate on your individual circumstances by a fully qualified Solicitor, Accountant or Financial Advisor/Mortgage Broker before you embark on any course of action.
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