If you have been told you need a MIAM before applying to the family court, or if you are exploring mediation as an alternative to court proceedings, you may be searching for a MIAM near you in Essex. This guide explains exactly what a MIAM is, who needs one, how to find an accredited mediator, and what to expect from your appointment.

At Families First Mediation, we offer MIAM appointments in person at our Southend-on-Sea office and online via video call — serving families across Essex, including Basildon, Chelmsford, Colchester, Rayleigh, and Leigh-on-Sea.

What Is a MIAM?

A MIAM — Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting — is a confidential, one-to-one meeting between you and a qualified family mediator. It is not a mediation session itself; it is an initial meeting to:

• Explain what family mediation is and how it works
• Assess whether mediation is suitable for your particular situation
• Explore the options available to you
• Answer any questions you have about the process

A MIAM typically lasts around 45 to 60 minutes. You attend on your own — your ex-partner or the other party does not attend your MIAM (though they will need to attend their own separate MIAM if you both decide to proceed with mediation).

Who Needs a MIAM?

Under the Children and Families Act 2014, most people who want to make a family court application in England and Wales must attend a MIAM first. This applies to applications for:

• Child arrangements orders — deciding where children live and how much time they spend with each parent
• Prohibited steps orders and specific issue orders
• Financial remedy orders — dividing assets, property, savings, and pensions on divorce or separation

There are limited exemptions — for example, where there is evidence of domestic abuse, where the other party is not contactable, or in cases of urgency. A mediator can advise at your MIAM whether an exemption applies to your situation.

Even if you are not required to attend a MIAM, it is often worth doing so. Many families find that after attending a MIAM, they choose mediation over court proceedings — saving significant time, money, and stress.

How to Find a MIAM Near You in Essex

When searching for a MIAM near you in Essex, it is important to choose an accredited mediator. Look for a mediator who is:

• FMC-accredited — registered with the Family Mediation Council, the regulatory body for family mediators in England and Wales
• Experienced in family mediation — with specific experience in the issues relevant to your situation (children, finances, or both)
• Able to offer flexible appointments — including online sessions if you cannot travel easily

You can search the Family Mediation Council's directory to find accredited mediators near you. Families First Mediation is listed on the FMC directory and is also a member of the Family Mediators Association (FMA).

MIAM Appointments in Southend-on-Sea and Across Essex

Families First Mediation is based at 119 Shaftesbury Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 3AN, and offers MIAM appointments to families across Essex. We offer:

• In-person appointments at our Southend-on-Sea office
• Online appointments via video call — just as legally valid as in-person MIAMs
• Flexible scheduling — including early morning appointments (from 8am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; from 8am on Wednesday with last appointments at 1pm)

Our MIAM fee is £150 per person including VAT.

What Happens at a MIAM?

Here is what to expect from your MIAM appointment with Families First Mediation:

Before your appointment: You will receive a confirmation with details of your appointment. There is no preparation required, though it can be helpful to make a note of the key issues you want to discuss.

During your appointment: Your mediator will explain the mediation process, ask about your situation, and explore whether mediation is suitable. This is a confidential conversation — nothing you say can be used in court proceedings.

After your appointment: Your mediator will complete an FM1 form confirming you have attended a MIAM. If mediation is suitable and you wish to proceed, your mediator will contact the other party to invite them to their own MIAM. If mediation is not appropriate, or the other party declines, the FM1 form allows you to proceed with a court application.

What Happens After a MIAM?

If both parties attend their MIAMs and agree to proceed, you will move on to joint mediation sessions. These are structured meetings where both parties work with the mediator to reach agreement on the issues in dispute.

At Families First Mediation, joint sessions last 90 minutes and cost £225 plus VAT per person. Most families reach agreement within three to five sessions. Any agreement reached in mediation can then be made legally binding through a consent order drafted by your solicitors.

Eligible families may also qualify for the Government Mediation Voucher Scheme, which provides up to £500 towards the cost of joint mediation sessions.

Why Choose Families First Mediation?

• FMC-accredited and FMA member — fully qualified and regulated
• Local to Essex — based in Southend-on-Sea, serving families across the county
• Flexible appointments — in person and online
• Transparent fees — no hidden costs
• Government Voucher Scheme provider — eligible families can access up to £500 in funding
• Free initial conversation — speak to us before committing to a MIAM

Book Your MIAM in Essex Today

If you are looking for a MIAM near you in Essex, we are here to help. You can book a MIAM appointment or arrange a free initial conversation by contacting us directly.

Families First Mediation 119 Shaftesbury Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 3AN Tel: 07917 321230 Serving: Southend-on-Sea, Basildon, Chelmsford, Colchester, Rayleigh, Leigh-on-Sea, and across Essex

Book your MIAM or find out more about the MIAM process.