MIAMs in Newcastle and the North East

What happens at the MIAM?

I will explain how mediation works and answer any questions you have. You can tell me about your situation and what you would like to sort out. I will also ask some questions about your safety and wellbeing.

The purpose of the MIAM is two-fold: you get to learn how mediation works, and I get to assess your case for suitability. We will also discuss the other options you have, as mediation is not the only option for resolving conflicts outside of court.

By the end of the MIAM, we should be able to decide together if mediation is right for you.

What should I bring?

It's helpful if you jot down in advance any key facts or dates, such as the date you applied for your divorce (if applicable.)

Do I come alone?

If you wish to bring a friend, family member or partner with you for moral support, that should be fine but do just let me know.

Can I do jointly with the other person?

No. Your MIAM is just for you. If your solicitor has referred you or if you have self-referred, I will arrange your MIAM before I make any contact with the other person.

Some places do offer joint MIAMs, but personally I think it's irresponsible and goes against the principles of mediation. Both participants should get to weigh their options without the influence of the other person. You may also have things to say that you don't want them to hear.

I want to go to court. Do I need a MIAM?

In most cases, yes. You will usually need a MIAM before you apply to the family court about arrangements for children, or about money and property after separation.

Exemptions include:

• where there has been domestic abuse
• if you are bankrupt
• if you've attended one already in the last four months

The court will check any exemption you claim, so you would need to have evidence for it. If you think you may be exempt, we can discuss this during your free initial consultation but you may also need the advice of a solicitor.

I know I want to mediate. Can I skip the MIAM?

Even if you're set on mediation, the MIAM is still a necessary first step. I need to be satisfied that your decision is based on good information, and I need an opportunity to meet with you individually before joint mediation to assess for suitability.

What does it cost?

A MIAM with me costs £110 per person. This covers the meeting, all correspondence between us, and a MIAM certificate if you need one.

The meeting itself will last around an hour, or up to 2 hours if the issues are complex.

Not sure yet?

You can book a free 15-minute consultation first, to ask questions before you commit to a MIAM.

After the MIAM

If you decide not to mediate

There is no pressure to choose mediation. If you reach the end of the MIAM and you want to apply to court instead, I will issue you with a MIAM certificate that proves you've attended. If you have a solicitor, I can send it directly to them. If you are representing yourself, I will send it to you and explain the next steps. You should make your court application within four months of your MIAM, or you may need another one.

If the other person does not want to mediate

Mediation must be voluntary for both participants, so joint mediation will not go ahead if the other person decides against it or if they don't respond to the invitation to attend a MIAM. At the same time, I will always keep the door open to the possibility of mediation taking place at a later date.

If you both want to mediate

We arrange the joint sessions.

If you reach an agreement, I will write it up for you. This may take the form of an outcome statement, a Parenting Plan, or a Memorandum of Understanding, depending on the case.