Online Family Mediation Specialists

In most cases, yes. Before you can apply to a family court in England and Wales for orders relating to children or finances, you are legally required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This requirement applies to most family disputes and is designed to encourage families to resolve matters without court intervention.

There are some exemptions to the MIAM requirement, including cases involving domestic abuse, child protection concerns, or situations requiring urgent court action. A mediator can help you understand whether an exemption applies to your situation.

Even if you qualify for an exemption, mediation can still help you resolve disputes more quickly, affordably, and with less stress than court proceedings. Many families find that mediation helps them reach better outcomes because they remain in control of the decisions rather than having a judge decide for them.

A MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is a confidential meeting with a qualified family mediator. It is usually the first step in the mediation process and is required before most family court applications in the UK.

The purpose of a MIAM is to give you information about mediation and help you understand your options. You attend separately from the other person involved in your dispute. The other party is not contacted until after your MIAM has taken place, and they will not be told that you have booked unless you want them to be.

What happens during a MIAM?

During your MIAM appointment, the mediator will:

• 1Listen to your situation and understand the issues you want to resolve
• 2Explain how mediation works and what to expect from the process
• 3Assess whether mediation is safe and appropriate for your circumstances
• 4Discuss funding options including Legal Aid and the Government voucher scheme
• 5Answer any questions you have about mediation or alternative options

Attending a MIAM does not commit you to mediation. If you decide not to proceed, or if the mediator assesses that mediation is not suitable for your situation, you will receive a signed MIAM certificate that allows you to make a court application.

Online family mediation UK offers all the benefits of traditional mediation with added convenience and flexibility. Our sessions are conducted via secure video call, allowing you to participate from anywhere in England and Wales.

How does online mediation work?

Our family mediator online service uses secure video conferencing via Zoom or WhatsApp. Here is what to expect:

1. 1

   Book your MIAM

   Contact us to arrange your initial assessment meeting. We will send you a secure video link before your appointment.

2. 2

   Attend your MIAM

   Join the video call from your device. The mediator will explain the process and assess whether mediation is suitable.

3. 3

   Invite the other party

   If you decide to proceed, we contact the other person to invite them to attend their own MIAM.

4. 4

   Joint mediation sessions

   Work together with the mediator to discuss issues and reach agreements. Most families need 2-4 sessions.

5. 5

   Document your agreement

   We prepare a written summary of your agreements. This can be made legally binding through a consent order if needed.