If you are going through a separation or divorce, you may have heard of a MIAM or a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. A MIAM is a meeting with a qualified mediator that provides information about the mediation process and assesses whether mediation is appropriate for your situation. But are you required to attend a MIAM? Here’s what you need to know.
Legal Requirements In most cases, you are required to attend a MIAM before you can apply to court for certain types of family law cases, including those involving children or finances. This requirement is intended to encourage parties to try mediation before resorting to court proceedings, which can be costly, time-consuming, and stressful.
Exceptions There are some exceptions to the requirement to attend a MIAM. For example, if there is evidence of domestic violence, the requirement may be waived. Additionally, if both parties have already attended a MIAM in the past, it may not be necessary to attend another one.
Benefits of Attending a MIAM
Even if you are not legally required to attend a MIAM, there are still several benefits to doing so. These include:
- Gaining a better understanding of the mediation process and how it can help you and your family
- The opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance from a qualified mediator
- The ability to assess whether mediation is appropriate for your situation
- The potential to resolve your dispute more quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively than going to court
- The potential to improve communication and cooperation between you and the other party
At Family Mediation Choice, we highly recommend attending a MIAM, even if you are not legally required to do so. Our experienced and professional mediators are dedicated to providing you with the information and guidance you need to make an informed decision about the best way forward for your family.
Conclusion
Attending a MIAM is generally required for certain types of family law cases, but there are exceptions. Regardless of whether you are legally required to attend a MIAM, there are several benefits to doing so, including gaining a better understanding of the mediation process, assessing whether mediation is appropriate for your situation, and potentially resolving your dispute more efficiently and cost-effectively than going to court.
If you are unsure about whether you need to attend a MIAM, contact Family Mediation Choice today. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to help.