Quick Answer
Yes — in most family law cases in England and Wales, you must attend a Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before applying to court.
You don't have to proceed with full mediation if it's unsuitable, but you're expected to consider mediation first unless you qualify for an exemption (for example, domestic abuse, urgency, or child protection concerns).
Mediation aims to help you reach an agreement faster, privately, and at lower cost than court.
What Is a MIAM?
A MIAM (Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting) is your first conversation with a qualified mediator.
- It helps you understand whether mediation could work for your case
- You meet separately (online or in person) with the mediator
- The mediator explains how mediation works and checks if there are risks or exemptions
- After the MIAM, you receive a certificate showing whether you attended or were exempt — needed for most court applications
When Is Mediation Mandatory?
Mediation is expected before family court in most cases about:
- Child arrangements
- Financial or property disputes after separation
Attending mediation is not always compulsory — but attending a MIAM is usually required by law under the Family Procedure Rules (Part 3). Without a MIAM certificate, a court can pause or reject your application.
When You Don't Have to Attend
You may be exempt from a MIAM if:
- There's domestic abuse or safeguarding concerns
- You need an urgent court order
- You've tried mediation in the last 12 months
- The matter involves enforcing an existing order
- One person can't attend due to health, location, or another valid reason
The mediator will confirm your exemption during the MIAM screening.
What If You Refuse Mediation?
If you don't attend a MIAM and have no valid exemption:
- Your court application may be delayed or rejected
- The judge can ask why you didn't consider mediation
- It may affect how the court views your cooperation
- Even if you later go to court, mediation often helps narrow issues and reduce legal costs
Benefits of Mediation
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Faster | Mediation can resolve matters in weeks instead of months |
| Cheaper | It costs far less than court or solicitors' fees |
| Private | Discussions remain confidential |
| Flexible | You decide outcomes – not a judge |
| Supported | Professional mediators guide you neutrally and calmly |
National Coverage — Online & In-Person
At The Mediation Station, we provide MIAMs and full mediation sessions across England and Wales, both online and in-person. You can access mediation from anywhere – home, work, or abroad – with sessions that meet UK court standards.
Key Takeaways
- You usually must attend a MIAM before applying to court in England and Wales
- Mediation itself is voluntary, but highly recommended
- Exemptions exist for domestic abuse, urgency, or past attempts
- MIAM certificates are essential for court applications
- The Mediation Station can guide you through the entire process online or locally