Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMS)

Karin Walker and Simon Clark are accredited mediators approved to undertake Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs) following the change in the Family Procedural Rules in April 2011.

Anyone wishing to issue an application to Court in the context of family proceedings (whether financial or child-related) must first attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, either on their own or with the other person who will be involved in those proceedings.

The purpose of the meeting is to receive information about the process for mediation and to access the suitability of the couple for that process. Both parties will be given the opportunity to attend such a meeting. It is believed that many cases which go to court could have been resolved via a more conciliatory, quicker and cost effective route. If a couple receive information about mediation they may see the process as a viable option  to assist with the resolution of their dispute. This in turn may help to reduce the delay within the court system.

The cost of a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting is £180 inclusive of VAT if one person attends alone or £262 inclusive of VAT if the couple attend together on the basis that the cost would be shared equally. The duration of the meeting is between 30 to 45 minutes.