Since April 2014 any person wishing to start most court proceedings relating to divorce must first attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).
The MIAM should be seen not as a necessary hurdle to get through before commencing court proceedings, but as a constructive and supportive introductory step at the beginning of the separation process.
The MIAM offers the opportunity to properly assess your situation. You will be meeting with a qualified and experienced mediator who is able to provide information on your past and present situation. The session explores the possible alternative routes that you and your partner can take, as well as ways to avoid the considerable fees and potential acrimony of court proceedings. Your mediator can relay a detailed and structured layout of the many options available to you, which can otherwise be a daunting list.
Whether or not you select to proceed with mediation, the MIAM ensures that you are in the best possible position to make an informed decision.