Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)

What happens in a MIAM? 

MIAMs are designed to give information and help parties decide whether mediation is the most suitable option. It is not a meeting in which mediation takes place.  Both parties must be offered a MIAM before any application to court can be made.  In a MIAM, parties are encouraged to talk about their situation and worries, find out what mediation is and how mediation will help. The parties are provided unbiased information from a qualified family mediator and will be able to talk about what their options are, the benefits of mediation and where to go next.  

The mediator will also make an assessment as to whether mediation will work. If mediation is suitable at this time, the mediator will be able to let you know what your next steps might be and will sign the appropriate forms that let the court know that you have attended mediation.

Situations where parties must attend a MIAM:

You will need to attend a MIAM if you are:  

• Applying for a court order 
• Applying for a parenting matter on a Form C100 
• Applying for a financial order on Form A 
• Wanting to invite someone to mediation to resolve an issue 
• Where you both agree you want to attend mediation to resolve an issue 
• Plus, several other areas where you are issuing specific proceedings at court 

You do not need to attend a MIAM if you are looking to enforce an existing court order or if you agree on the outcome and want to get a legally binding order by consent.