How Much Does a MIAM Cost, and Who Pays?

Cost is one of the first things people want to know about a MIAM, and understandably so. This guide explains what a MIAM costs, what affects the price, who is responsible for paying, and how the £500 government voucher can help. All figures relate to family mediation in England and Wales.

What is a MIAM, briefly?

A MIAM, or Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, is your first meeting with an accredited family mediator. It is an individual meeting where the mediator explains your options and assesses whether mediation is suitable for your situation. For most family court applications about children or finances, attending a MIAM is a legal requirement before you can apply, unless a valid exemption applies.

How much does a MIAM cost?

There is no single national price for a MIAM. Fees vary between mediators depending on their location, experience and whether the meeting is held online or in person. As a general guide, MIAM fees commonly fall somewhere in the region of £100 to £150 per person. At MIAM Direct, our MIAM fee is £130 on weekdays (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.30pm) and £150 on Saturday mornings (9.00am to 1.00pm). Because we conduct MIAMs online, we are able to keep our fees competitive and predictable, with no hidden administration charges. We accept credit and debit card payments.

What affects the price?

A few factors influence what you will pay for a MIAM:

• Online versus in person. Online MIAMs are often more affordable, as there is no premises overhead or travel involved.
• Timing. Appointments outside standard business hours, such as evenings or weekends, sometimes attract a higher fee.
• The mediator’s experience and location. Fees can be higher in some regions and for more senior mediators.

It is always worth confirming the fee, and exactly what it includes, before you book, so there are no surprises.

Who pays for a MIAM?

As a general rule, each person pays for their own MIAM. If you are the one who wants to start mediation or make a court application, you pay for your own MIAM, and the other party pays for theirs if and when they attend. This sometimes causes worry: what if the other person will not pay, or will not take part at all? The reassuring answer is that your MIAM does not depend on them. You attend and pay for your own, and if mediation does not go ahead, the mediator can still issue the court certificate you need to apply to court.

Does the £500 voucher cover the MIAM?

This is a common point of confusion, so it is worth being clear. The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme provides up to £500 towards the cost of mediation for eligible cases involving children. However, the voucher contributes towards your joint mediation sessions, not the MIAM. You would still pay for the MIAM itself. The voucher is not means-tested, it is a one-off contribution per case rather than per person, and where eligible your mediator applies for it on your behalf, so there is nothing for you to claim yourself. We check eligibility at your MIAM.

Is a MIAM worth the cost?

For most people, yes. A MIAM is a modest, one-off cost that either opens the door to mediation, which is far cheaper than court, or provides the certificate you need to apply to court without delay. Set against the cost of contested proceedings, which can run into thousands of pounds, the MIAM is one of the most cost-effective steps you can take.

This article is general information about family mediation in England and Wales and is not legal or financial advice. Fees quoted are correct at the time of writing and may change.