Preparing for family mediation after your MIAM

What happens after the MIAM

At the MIAM, the mediator assesses whether mediation is safe and suitable. If you all agree to try it, you book mediation sessions.

The Family Mediation Council says it usually takes three to five meetings to reach agreement. This depends on what you need to sort out.

Before discussing the issues, you sign a written agreement to mediate. It sets out the terms, including confidentiality and the mediator's fees.

What a mediation session involves

The mediator is neutral and does not take sides. They help you both work out what needs deciding, discuss options and make sure each of you is heard. They do not make decisions for you.

The mediator usually sees you together, but you can ask to be seen separately. Sessions can be in person or by video or phone. GOV.UK says you do not have to be in the same room or call as the other person.

Mediators give information, not advice. The mediator will explain the benefits of getting independent legal advice before you reach a final agreement. Some mediators offer hybrid mediation, where lawyers attend the sessions.

What to prepare and bring

Citizens Advice suggests thinking beforehand about what you want to get out of mediation. Sessions work best when they focus on the things you really disagree about.

If you are discussing money or property, you will be asked to give full and frank financial disclosure. Some mediators send a financial form to fill in before your first session.

1. A short list of the topics you want to discuss.
2. Proof of income, such as payslips or benefit letters.
3. Your regular living costs, such as housing, transport, utilities and food.
4. Recent bank statements and details of savings.
5. Details of debts you owe.
6. Details of property, pensions and investments.

Children and mediation

In child-inclusive mediation, a specially trained mediator may talk to your child about what they want. This only happens if it is suitable and the child agrees.

The Family Mediation Council's Code of Practice covers children aged 10 and over. It says they should be offered the chance to be heard directly, if they wish.

What mediation costs and the voucher

A MIAM usually costs around £120 per person. Mediation sessions cost extra. The Family Mediation Council gives a guide of £130 to £170 per person per hour, depending on area and issues.

The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme gives up to £500 towards mediation sessions. It is not means tested. It covers disputes about a child, or money disputes alongside a dispute about a child. It does not cover a MIAM.

Your mediator applies for the voucher and it is paid to them directly. You can only get one voucher per family or case. Vouchers are limited, and your mediator will tell you if they are available.

The Family Mediation Council reported in March 2026 that funding continues for the 2026 to 2027 financial year. If either of you qualifies for legal aid, the MIAM and the first session are covered for both of you.

What stays confidential

Discussions in mediation are held without prejudice. That means what you say cannot usually be referred to in court, and the mediator cannot be made to give evidence.

There are exceptions. Financial facts are given on an open basis, so they can be used in court. Confidentiality also does not cover information that a child or another person is at risk of significant harm.

In a children case, Practice Direction 12B says neither of you can tell the court what was said in mediation. You also cannot say why you did not agree.

The memorandum of understanding and open financial summary

If you reach agreement, the mediator writes it down. This is often called a memorandum of understanding or mediation summary.

Where money is involved, there may also be an open financial summary or statement. It records the financial information you have both given on an open basis.

The Family Mediation Council says these decisions are not legally binding on their own. You can each take the documents to a solicitor for advice.

Making an agreement legally binding

For money and property, you can ask the court to approve a consent order based on what you agreed. You send a signed draft order, Form D81 and Form A. GOV.UK lists the court fee as £62. The guide to financial consent orders explains each step.

For children, either of you can apply to the court on a C100 with a draft consent order. You do not need a MIAM for a consent order application. The guide to parenting plans explains this route.

In both cases a judge reads the papers. There is usually no hearing.

When mediation is not suitable

Mediation is voluntary. You, the other person or the mediator can stop at any time.

The Family Mediation Council says mediation may not work where someone's safety is at risk, for example after domestic abuse or child abuse. It may also not work if someone is bankrupt in a money dispute, or you cannot contact the other person.

Practice Direction 12B says victims of domestic abuse are not expected to mediate. If the mediator decides mediation is not safe, they must not mediate. If you or a child are in immediate danger, call 999.

If you are already in a court case

You can still use mediation after an application has been made. The court can adjourn a case to give you time to try it.

If the court gives time for non-court dispute resolution, not attending does not affect the court's main decision. But Practice Direction 3A says the court may consider it when deciding about costs.

Before some hearings you complete form FM5. It asks which kinds of non-court dispute resolution you have tried.

Key dates

1. Before you discuss the issuesYou sign a written agreement to mediate, which sets out the terms and fees.Source: official page ↗ (external source, opens in a new tab)
2. Usually over three to five meetingsThe Family Mediation Council says this is how long reaching agreement usually takes.Source: official page ↗ (external source, opens in a new tab)
3. April 2026 to March 2027The Family Mediation Council reported that voucher funding continues for this financial year.Source: official page ↗ (external source, opens in a new tab)