MIAM Appointments in Hampshire
A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is often the first calm, structured step when facing separation, a child arrangements dispute, or a family court application. It is a private meeting where you can talk through your situation, understand your options, and decide what comes next — without pressure.
When family life feels uncertain, a MIAM gives you space to breathe and understand what comes next.
Separation and family conflict rarely feel straightforward. Whether you are worried about your children, confused about your finances, or uncertain whether going to court is the right path, it is completely natural to feel overwhelmed by the decisions ahead.
A MIAM is not a formal hearing. It is not an interrogation. It is a quiet, confidential conversation with a professionally trained mediator — someone who is entirely neutral and focused on helping you understand your choices clearly.
You do not need to have decided anything. You do not need to know what outcome you want. You simply need to take one step at a time — and a MIAM appointment can be that first, measured step.
What Is a MIAM?
MIAM stands for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. It is a private, individual appointment with an accredited family mediator — usually the first step before family mediation can begin, and in many cases a requirement before certain family court applications in England and Wales.
A MIAM is your opportunity to:
- Explain your situation to a neutral, trained professional
- Understand how family mediation works and whether it may suit you
- Discuss child arrangements, finances, property, separation or divorce
- Ask whether there are alternative options to going to court
- Raise any concerns about safety, domestic abuse or safeguarding
- Understand what may happen if mediation is not suitable or is not possible
The MIAM is an assessment and information appointment, not a mediation session itself. You are not being asked to resolve anything, make any decisions, or agree to anything during the MIAM. It is simply about understanding your options.
The mediator remains completely neutral. They will not tell you what to do, take sides, or contact the other party without your knowledge in a way that compromises the process.
It Is an Individual Meeting
You attend your MIAM separately. The other person, if they choose to engage, attends their own private appointment. You are not in the same room.
No Commitment Required
Attending a MIAM does not mean you are agreeing to proceed with mediation. Many people attend simply to understand the process before making any decision.
Usually Around One Hour
A MIAM commonly takes around one hour, depending on your circumstances and the issues being discussed.
Who May Need a MIAM Appointment?
A MIAM can be valuable at many different stages of a family separation or dispute. You do not need to have made any decisions yet — the MIAM is designed to help you work out what your next step might be.
Separating or Divorcing Parents
If you and your partner or ex-partner need help working out where your children will live, contact arrangements, school decisions or parenting plans.
People Considering a Court Application
In many family cases in England and Wales, a MIAM may be required before making certain court applications unless a valid exemption applies.
Those Facing Financial or Property Disputes
If there are decisions to make about the family home, mortgage, savings, pensions, debts or income following a separation or divorce.
People Who Are Unsure of Their Options
If communication has broken down and you are not sure whether mediation, legal advice, or another route would be most appropriate for your situation.
Those Advised to Attend by a Solicitor
Your solicitor may have suggested you attend a MIAM before considering further legal steps or a court application.
Those Hoping to Avoid Court
If you would prefer to resolve family matters without court proceedings wherever possible, a MIAM can help you understand what non-court routes may be available.
When Is a MIAM Required Before Court?
In England and Wales, many family court applications require the applicant to have attended a MIAM first, unless a specific exemption applies. This is part of the court’s wider expectation that people explore non-court dispute resolution before turning to the courts.
A MIAM may be required before applications relating to:
- Child arrangements orders (where a child lives, contact with a parent)
- Prohibited steps orders and specific issue orders involving children
- Parental responsibility applications
- Certain financial remedy applications following separation or divorce
- Other family court orders where non-court dispute resolution is expected to be considered
The mediator can explain the MIAM process clearly, but they are not able to provide legal advice about your court case, your specific legal position, or the outcome of any application.
If you are unsure whether a MIAM is required before your specific court application, you may also wish to check guidance from His Majesty’s Courts & Tribunals Service or speak with an independent solicitor.
⚠️ MIAM Exemptions
There are certain circumstances where a MIAM may not be required before a court application. These may include situations involving:
- Domestic abuse
- Urgent or emergency applications
- Child protection concerns or safeguarding issues
- Other specific grounds recognised by court rules
The rules around exemptions can be detailed and evidence may be required. A mediator can explain the general process, but cannot confirm whether an exemption definitely applies in your case. Legal advice is recommended if you are unsure.
Ready to take the first step?
Book a confidential MIAM appointment with Hants Family Mediation across Hampshire.
What Happens During a MIAM?
The MIAM is a calm, structured appointment. You will meet privately with the mediator — the other party does not attend your individual MIAM session with you.
You Explain Your Situation
The mediator will listen carefully as you explain what has happened, what the key issues are, and what decisions need to be made. You will not be judged or pressured.
Mediation Is Explained
The mediator will explain clearly how family mediation works, what happens in mediation sessions, and what outcomes mediation can and cannot achieve.
Safety Is Assessed
Safety is a core part of every MIAM. Any concerns about domestic abuse, coercive control, intimidation, safeguarding or an imbalance of power will be considered carefully.
Options Are Discussed
The mediator will outline what options may be available to you — including mediation, shuttle mediation, online mediation, legal advice, or other suitable routes.
Suitability Is Assessed
The mediator will assess whether mediation appears safe and appropriate for your circumstances. They will be honest with you about this.
Court Confirmation If Needed
Where appropriate, the mediator may complete the relevant MIAM confirmation or provide written confirmation that you attended — which may be needed for a court application.
The MIAM is not about reaching an agreement or forcing a decision. It is about giving you clear, honest information so that you can make an informed choice about what happens next.
Is a MIAM the Same as Mediation?
No. A MIAM and family mediation are two distinct things. Understanding the difference can help you feel more prepared and less anxious about what each step involves.
| What to Consider | MIAM Appointment | Mediation Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| When does it happen? | Always first, before mediation can begin | After the MIAM, if suitable and both parties agree |
| Who attends? | You and the mediator only (private) | Both parties and the mediator (or shuttle/online options) |
| What is the purpose? | Information, assessment, exploring options | Working towards agreed arrangements or resolutions |
| Do you have to commit? | No — no commitment required | Both parties must agree to take part |
| Are decisions made? | No decisions are made | Agreements can be reached and recorded |
| Is it required before court? | Often yes, unless exemption applies | Not compulsory but may be encouraged |
| Approximate duration? | Around one hour | Typically 90 minutes per session |
The MIAM Process, Step by Step
We aim to make the MIAM process as clear and straightforward as possible. Here is what to expect from the moment you contact us to the end of your appointment.
Get in Touch With Us
Contact Hants Family Mediation to enquire about booking a MIAM appointment. You can let us know briefly whether the matter relates to children, separation, finances or property — whatever feels comfortable to share at this stage.
Your Private MIAM Appointment
You attend a confidential appointment with the mediator — either in person or online, depending on suitability, availability and your circumstances. The other person does not attend your MIAM with you.
Share Your Situation
The mediator will listen as you explain what has been happening, what issues need to be addressed, and what concerns you have. They will ask relevant questions in a respectful and calm way.
Safety and Suitability Assessment
The mediator will assess whether mediation may be safe and appropriate. This includes carefully exploring any concerns about domestic abuse, coercive behaviour, intimidation, safeguarding or a significant imbalance of power between the parties.
Understanding Your Options
The mediator will explain what next steps may be available to you — which could include standard mediation, shuttle mediation, online mediation, legal advice, or another appropriate route.
Court Confirmation If Required
Where applicable and appropriate, the mediator may complete the relevant MIAM section of a court form or provide written confirmation of your attendance — which may be relevant if you are making a family court application.
🔒 Confidentiality
Everything discussed in your MIAM is treated with strict confidentiality. The mediator will explain any exceptions — for example, where there are safeguarding concerns relating to a child — before the appointment begins.
⚖️ Complete Neutrality
The mediator does not represent either party, take sides, or share what you say with the other person without your agreement. They are entirely neutral throughout the process.
💻 Online MIAM Options
If you are unable to attend in person, an online MIAM appointment may be available. You will need a private space, a stable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone.
📍 What If the Other Person Refuses?
You can attend your own MIAM even if the other person does not wish to take part. The mediator can explain what options may remain available and, where appropriate, confirm your MIAM attendance for court purposes.
Online MIAMs and Shuttle Arrangements
We understand that attending any appointment can feel like a significant step. Where appropriate, we can explore online or alternative arrangements to make the process as accessible and comfortable as possible.
Online MIAM Appointments
Online MIAM appointments may be available where suitable. An online appointment can be helpful if you:
- Live further from our main service area
- Have work commitments or childcare responsibilities
- Prefer to attend from a private and familiar space
- Find travel difficult or stressful
- Need a more flexible time or appointment option
For an online MIAM, you will typically need a quiet, private space, a stable broadband connection, and a device with a working camera and microphone.
Learn about online mediationShuttle Mediation Arrangements
In some situations, it may not feel safe or appropriate for both parties to be in the same room or online meeting during mediation sessions. In these cases, shuttle mediation may be considered.
During shuttle mediation, the mediator moves between the two parties — who remain in separate spaces — carrying information and exploring whether any agreement can be reached.
The suitability of shuttle mediation is assessed carefully, particularly where there are concerns about safety, intimidation, or coercive behaviour. The MIAM is the right time to raise any of these concerns.
Learn about shuttle mediationMIAM Appointments Across Hampshire
Hants Family Mediation provides confidential MIAM appointments for individuals and families across Hampshire. Whether you are based in a larger town or in a more rural part of the county, we aim to make access to mediation information as straightforward as possible.
Online MIAM appointments mean that geography need not be a barrier to getting the information you need — wherever you are in Hampshire or the surrounding area.
We support families across the county, including those in and around:
If you are unsure whether we cover your area, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We will always do our best to help or point you in the right direction.
🏡 Familiar With Hampshire Families
We understand the pressures facing families across Hampshire — from balancing work and childcare to navigating school catchment areas and local housing decisions during separation.
📍 Local Knowledge, Professional Support
Our mediators are experienced in supporting families in Hampshire through the challenges of separation, child arrangements, financial decisions and the steps that lead to or away from court.
🌐 Online Where You Need It
Online MIAM appointments mean you can access a confidential meeting from a private space — whether you are in central Southampton, rural Hampshire or anywhere in between.
A Calm and Structured Start
Choosing where to take your first step is an important decision. Hants Family Mediation is committed to providing a calm, respectful and professionally conducted MIAM appointment where you feel heard, informed and supported.
Confidential
Everything discussed in your MIAM is treated with care and in strict confidence, with safeguarding exceptions explained before you begin.
Neutral
The mediator does not take sides, does not give legal advice, and does not make decisions for you. Their role is purely informational and supportive.
Calm & Human
We approach every appointment with sensitivity and respect, understanding that the people we speak with are often going through a genuinely difficult time.
Practical
Our focus is on giving you clear, honest, practical information about your options so that you feel better equipped for whatever comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions About MIAM Appointments
What does MIAM stand for?
Is a MIAM compulsory before making a family court application?
Is a MIAM the same as family mediation?
Do both people attend the same MIAM?
Can I attend a MIAM online?
What if the other person refuses to attend a MIAM or mediation?
What happens if mediation is found to be unsuitable?
Can the mediator sign my court form after a MIAM?
What if there has been domestic abuse?
Will I need a solicitor as well as attending a MIAM?
How long does a MIAM appointment take?
Can I attend a MIAM if I am not ready to start mediation?
Are there any MIAM exemptions?
Related Family Mediation Services
A MIAM is often the beginning of a wider journey. Depending on your situation, one or more of the following services may be relevant once you have had your initial appointment.
Child Arrangement Mediation
For parents who need support discussing where children will live, contact arrangements, school holidays, handovers and parenting communication.
Divorce & Separation Mediation
For separating couples who need help discussing practical arrangements after separation, including children, finances and future living.
Financial & Property Mediation
For couples who need help discussing the family home, mortgage, pensions, debts, savings, income and long-term financial needs.
Online Family Mediation
For people who prefer to attend MIAM or mediation appointments remotely from a safe, private and suitable space.
Shuttle Mediation
For situations where parties do not feel comfortable being in the same room or online meeting, and the mediator moves between them.
Legal Aid & Voucher Scheme
For people who want to understand whether any funding support may be available to help with the cost of family mediation.
Need a MIAM Appointment in Hampshire?
If you are thinking about separation, considering a family court application, or simply unsure what step to take next, a MIAM appointment with Hants Family Mediation can help you understand your options clearly, calmly and without pressure.
We provide confidential MIAM appointments for individuals and families across Hampshire. We can help you understand the mediation process, whether mediation may be suitable in your circumstances, and what practical next steps may be available to you.
A MIAM is not legal advice. For legal advice on your rights, court options or binding agreements, you may also wish to consult an independent solicitor.
Hants Family Mediation · Serving Hampshire including Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth, Basingstoke, Andover, Fareham, Havant, Eastleigh, Petersfield and surrounding areas.