What is a MIAM?
A MIAM (Mediation Information and assessment meeting) is a 45 minute meeting which provides you with the opportunity to talk to the mediator about your situation and consider your options in confidence. The Mediator can help you work out if mediation is right for you and tell you about other help and support that may be available to you.
Do I have to go to a MIAM?
If you want to take your case to court, it is now – in most cases – a legal requirement that you attend a MIAM (mediation information assessment meeting). The other person involved is also expected to attend one.
What issues can I mediate about?
We can help with issues about your finances and children following separation or divorce or the breakdown of a relationship with your co-parent. We can also offer mediation for neighbours, colleagues, landlords and help with inheritance issues.
What happens next?
Once you have both attended your MIAM and agree to try mediation, a joint appointment will be arranged. If however, mediation between the two parties does not proceed for whatever reason, you will receive the necessary form to include in your court application. This form is only valid for 4 months so if you do not use it before that time you may have to return for another mediation meeting.
When and where can I see a mediator?
The majority of our sessions are held online but we can offer some face-to-face appointments. Contact us to discuss this.
Can I mediate online
Yes we do offer online mediation if meeting face to face is not possible. We use Zoom, a simple secure online video conferencing platform.
All you’ll need is a computer, tablet or smartphone with a webcam, a reliable internet connection and somewhere private to take our video call.
Do I have to be referred to mediation by a solicitor?
You don’t have to be referred to Relate for Mediation although we welcome referrals from solicitors, courts, social services and many other agencies. You can contact us directly to arrange for a mediation appointment on 0300 0032324 option 2.
Is what I say confidential?
Yes. All records are kept securely and are only seen by authorised Relate personnel. These records are subject to the General Data Protection Regulation May 2018. We will not give your name or any other information about you to anyone outside Relate unless someone’s personal safety is at risk.
How much does it cost?
The initial MIAM meeting with a Mediator costs £115 per person for a 45-minute appointment. Mediation is free for those on a low income who are eligible for Legal Aid. You can check if you qualify by using the Legal Aid checker on www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid
If you’re not eligible you will be asked to pay a charge related to your income. Full mediation can cost less than £600, a similar process through the courts could cost over £6,000.
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme – £500 per case/family
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is a time-limited scheme that offers a contribution of up to £500 per case/family to the mediation costs of a child arrangements case. The scheme aims to encourage separating families with children to resolve their disputes outside of court. The scheme is run by the Ministry of Justice Family Mediation Voucher Scheme and is available through accredited family mediation services only. THE VOUCHER IS AVAILABLE THROUGH Relate London North West, Hertfordshire, Mid Thames and Buckinghamshire.
Find out if you are eligible for the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme and how to apply.
Call 0300 0032324 option 2 or email Mediation@relatentc.org.uk
Do we have to be married?
NO we often work with clients who were never married. Mediation can help with lots of issues after the breakdown of a relationship including extended family members and grandparents.
What training do your mediators have?
All our mediators are accredited members of the Family Mediation Council who are responsible for mediation standards nationally. They are trained to the highest possible standard available. They are also all able to offer legally aided mediation and some are qualified to see children within the mediation setting.
https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/us/
https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/us/code-practice/
