Glossary

MIAM

Definition: A MIAM is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, a first meeting with an accredited mediator that most people must attend before applying to the family court.

Reviewed by Chris Yaffes, FMC-accredited mediator (FMC URN 0961A). Last reviewed 9 July 2026.

A MIAM lasts around 45 to 60 minutes. The mediator explains your options, screens for safety, and assesses whether mediation could work for you. It is an assessment and information meeting, not mediation itself.

Attending a MIAM is a legal requirement before most family court applications, under section 10 of the Children and Families Act 2014, unless a valid exemption applies.

Frequently asked questions

Is a MIAM the same as mediation?

No. A MIAM is the assessment meeting that comes first. Mediation is the joint process that may follow if both people agree and it is suitable.

Do I always need a MIAM?

In most family cases, yes, unless a valid exemption applies, such as domestic abuse with accepted evidence or urgency.

Sources

  1. Children and Families Act 2014, section 10, legislation.gov.uk. Accessed 9 July 2026.