- From April 2012 anyone wishing to go to court about children or finances following relationship breakdown will have to attend a Mediation Information Assessment meeting.
- The Government now expects anyone who wishes to start court proceedings relating to family matters, e.g. orders for contact with a child or financial orders in divorce or civil dissolution proceedings, to first have a meeting with a qualified mediator.
- The regulation has been introduced because it is generally believed that it is better for couples to reach their own agreements than go to court. Court proceedings lead to conflict, are usually expensive and a Judge decides what should happen to you and your family by making appropriate court orders. As a result you lose control over your own family circumstances.
- Most couples reach agreement in mediation.
- Most couples report it as having been an overall positive experience.
- At the Information and Assessment meeting you will have chance to talk to the mediator about your situation and the things you hope to achieve in mediation. You will be given information on how mediation works. You will be able to have your questions about mediation answered. The mediator will assess whether mediation is suitable to your situation and whether you will be likely to reach agreement with the other party.
If mediation is not found to be suitable to you or if one of the exemptions apply the mediator can discuss other options with you.
- At the end of the MIAMs session a form FM1 is completed which you take to your solicitor or produce to the court before applying for orders.What does it cost for a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAMs) ?
We have fixed fees for the MIAMs which are as follows:
- £50 plus VAT for an individual session and,
- £90 plus VAT for a joint session (as a couple)
