Can You Do a MIAM Online? How It Works and Whether It Is Valid

Yes, you can complete your MIAM online, and the court certificate you receive is exactly as valid as one from an in-person meeting. Online MIAMs have become the norm for many families, and for good reason. This guide explains how an online MIAM works, what you need, whether it is genuinely valid, and why so many people now prefer it.

Can a MIAM really be done online?

Yes. There is nothing that requires a MIAM to be held in a physical office. An accredited family mediator can conduct your MIAM by video call, or by telephone where video is not possible, and it carries exactly the same standing as a meeting held in person. At MIAM Direct, all of our MIAMs are held online or by phone.

Is an online MIAM valid for court?

This is the question people worry about most, and the answer is a clear yes. What matters is not where the MIAM takes place, but that it is conducted by a mediator accredited by the Family Mediation Council. If mediation does not go ahead, that accredited mediator can issue the signed court certificate you need, and the court accepts it in exactly the same way as one arising from an in-person meeting. An online MIAM does not weaken your certificate in any way.

How does an online MIAM work?

The process is simple:

1. You book. Complete a short form or call, and we arrange your appointment, often for the same day.
2. You receive a link. Before your meeting, you are sent a link to join the video call, along with simple instructions.
3. You attend from home. At the appointed time, you join the call from a quiet, private space and have your confidential conversation with the mediator.
4. You get your outcome. If you wish to mediate, the other party is invited. If you need a certificate, it is issued within 24 hours.

What do I need for an online MIAM?

Very little. You need an internet-enabled device with a camera and microphone, such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop, and a reasonable internet connection. We use Zoom, which is free and straightforward. You do not need any special software knowledge, and your mediator will make sure you are comfortable before the conversation begins. Choosing a private space where you will not be overheard is the main thing.

The benefits of an online MIAM

• No travel. No commuting, parking or finding an office, which saves time and cost.
• Faster appointments. Online availability means many people are seen the same day.
• More comfortable. Many people speak more openly from the familiarity of their own home.
• Better access. Distance, mobility and childcare are far less of a barrier.
• Ideal where contact is difficult. Later joint sessions can use virtual waiting rooms so parties need not see each other.

Is an online MIAM right for everyone?

For the great majority of people, online works very well. The main practical requirement is a private, quiet space and a workable connection. If your circumstances make video difficult, a telephone MIAM is usually possible instead. Your mediator will help you find the format that works best for you.

Does the April 2024 emphasis on mediation change anything?

If anything, it strengthens the case for an online MIAM. Since April 2024, the courts expect people to have genuinely considered resolving matters away from court, and the accessibility of online MIAMs makes meeting that expectation far easier. The old argument that a mediator was too far away rarely holds now that a MIAM can be done from your own living room.

This article is general information about family mediation in England and Wales and is not legal advice.