MIAM Requirements in Essex: What You Need to Know
Do you need a MIAM before going to court in Essex? This guide explains what a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting is, who needs one, what happens, and how to book one in Southend-on-Sea.
If you are considering applying to a family court in Essex — whether for a child arrangements order, a financial order, or another family matter — you may have heard that you need to attend a MIAM first. But what exactly is a MIAM, who needs one, and what does it involve?
This guide answers the most common questions about MIAM requirements in Essex, so you know exactly what to expect.
What Is a MIAM?
A MIAM stands for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. It is a one-to-one meeting between you and a trained, accredited family mediator, held before any joint mediation sessions begin.
The purpose of a MIAM is 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 for resolving your dispute
- Answer any questions you have about the process
A MIAM is not a mediation session itself — it is an information-gathering and assessment meeting that helps both you and the mediator decide whether to proceed.
Do I Need a MIAM Before Going to Court in Essex?
In most cases, yes. Under the Children and Families Act 2014, before making a court application for a child arrangements order, a prohibited steps order, a specific issue order, or a financial remedy order, you are legally required to attend a MIAM.
The court will ask you to confirm that you have attended a MIAM (or that an exemption applies) when you submit your application. If you have not attended and no exemption applies, the court may adjourn your application and direct you to attend one.
This requirement applies across England and Wales — including Essex and Southend-on-Sea.
Who Is Exempt from Attending a MIAM?
There are a number of circumstances in which you may be exempt from the MIAM requirement. These include:
- Domestic abuse — if there is evidence of domestic violence or abuse involving you, your children, or a relevant third party
- Child protection concerns — if a child who would be involved in the mediation is the subject of a child protection plan or enquiry
- Urgency — if there is an immediate risk of harm to a child or another person
- Previous MIAM attendance — if you have attended a MIAM in the past four months in relation to the same dispute
- Bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings — in certain financial cases
- Mediator unavailability — if no authorised mediator is available within 15 miles of your home within 15 working days
If you believe an exemption applies to your situation, the mediator can advise you at the MIAM, or you can seek legal advice from a solicitor.
What Happens at a MIAM?
A MIAM at Families First Mediation in Southend-on-Sea typically lasts around 45 to 60 minutes. It is a private, confidential meeting — just you and the mediator.
During the MIAM, the mediator will:
- Explain the mediation process — what it involves, how sessions work, and what outcomes are possible
- Listen to your situation — you will have the opportunity to explain your circumstances and what you are hoping to resolve
- Assess suitability — the mediator will consider whether mediation is appropriate, taking into account any safety concerns, power imbalances, or other factors
- Explore your options — including mediation, collaborative law, solicitor negotiation, and court proceedings
- Answer your questions — you can ask anything you are unsure about
At the end of the MIAM, the mediator will either confirm that mediation is suitable and invite you to proceed, or explain why it may not be appropriate in your case and provide you with the signed form you need for your court application.
Does My Ex-Partner Also Need to Attend a MIAM?
Yes — in most cases, both parties are required to attend a MIAM before joint mediation sessions can begin. However, MIAMs are conducted separately, so you and your former partner do not attend together.
If your former partner refuses to attend a MIAM or declines to participate in mediation, the mediator will provide you with a signed form (FM1) confirming that mediation was considered. You can use this form when making your court application.
How Much Does a MIAM Cost in Essex?
At Families First Mediation, a MIAM costs £150 per person including VAT.
This is a one-off fee for the initial assessment meeting. If you decide to proceed with joint mediation sessions, these are charged separately at £225 + VAT per person for a 90-minute session.
It is worth noting that the Government Mediation Voucher Scheme provides up to £500 towards the cost of mediation for eligible families — this covers joint sessions but not the MIAM itself. Learn more about the voucher scheme.
Can I Attend a MIAM Online?
Yes. At Families First Mediation, we offer both in-person MIAMs at our Southend-on-Sea location and online MIAMs via video call. Online sessions are just as effective and may be more convenient if you have work or childcare commitments.
What If Mediation Is Not Suitable for My Situation?
Not every situation is suitable for mediation, and that is absolutely fine. If the mediator assesses that mediation is not appropriate — for example, due to safety concerns or a significant power imbalance — they will tell you clearly and provide you with the documentation you need to proceed with a court application.
The MIAM is not a barrier to court — it is simply a requirement to show that mediation was considered.
Frequently Asked Questions About MIAMs in Essex
How quickly can I get a MIAM appointment? At Families First Mediation, we aim to offer MIAM appointments within a few days of your initial enquiry. We offer flexible appointment times including evenings and weekends.
Will what I say at the MIAM be used against me in court? No. MIAMs are confidential. What you discuss with the mediator cannot be used in court proceedings.
Can I bring a solicitor to the MIAM? MIAMs are conducted between you and the mediator only. However, you are welcome to take legal advice from a solicitor before or after your MIAM.
What if I am worried about my safety? Your safety is our absolute priority. If you have concerns about domestic abuse or feel unsafe, please let us know when you contact us. We can discuss your options and, where appropriate, arrange for shuttle mediation or confirm that an exemption applies.
Do I need a MIAM if we have already agreed everything? If you and your former partner have reached agreement and simply want to formalise it, you may still benefit from a MIAM to explore whether a consent order or parenting plan would be appropriate. Your mediator can advise you.
Book a MIAM in Southend-on-Sea
If you need to attend a MIAM in Essex, Families First Mediation is here to help. Our lead mediator Milly Wildish is FMC-accredited and based in Southend-on-Sea, serving families across Essex. You can find full details about what a MIAM involves and how to prepare on our dedicated MIAM page.
Get in touch to book your MIAM or to ask any questions about the process. We offer a warm, non-judgmental environment and flexible appointment times to suit you.
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Milly Wildish
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