Key Takeaways
- MIAMs can take place by video call; professional standards and court requirements still apply.
- Your ex-partner does not attend your individual MIAM.
- Allow around 45 to 60 minutes in a private space, with a working camera, microphone and internet connection.
- Standard and urgent MIAMs cost £125 per person, or £90 with the low-income concession. Court-form signing is £40 extra where required and appropriate.
- Contact us to confirm the turnaround for any required court-form signing.
What Is an Online MIAM?
An online MIAM is an individual Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting held by video call. You speak with your mediator about your circumstances, mediation and other options, and whether mediation is suitable.
BookMIAM offers online appointments for people dealing with family matters in England and Wales. Your ex-partner does not attend your individual MIAM.
Is an Online MIAM Valid for Court?
MIAMs can take place by video call. The applicable professional standards and court requirements still apply; attending online does not make signing automatic. See our MIAM certificate guide for the signing process and fees.
The Family Mediation Council confirms that MIAMs can take place online.
How an Online MIAM Works
- Book your slot: choose from the appointments in our live calendar.
- Join the video call: follow the joining instructions in your confirmation email. Requirements depend on your device.
- Attend individually: your ex-partner does not attend your individual MIAM.
- Discuss next steps: your mediator explains the options. Contact us to confirm the turnaround for any required court-form signing.
What You Need for Your Video Call
Have a phone, tablet or computer with a working camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a private place where you can speak freely. Allow around 45 to 60 minutes without interruptions.
Follow the joining instructions in your confirmation email. Contact us beforehand if you have accessibility needs, connection difficulties or concerns about finding a private space.
What Happens in the Meeting
The MIAM lasts around 45 minutes to an hour. The mediator will:
- Explain how family mediation works and what it can and cannot resolve.
- Ask about your situation, so you can assess together whether mediation is suitable.
- Explain the alternatives, including court, and the likely cost and timescale of each.
- Check for any safety concerns or MIAM exemptions that apply to you.
- Discuss any court-form signing you may need. Signing is provided where required and appropriate; see our MIAM certificate guide for details.
Your mediator will explain confidentiality and its limits. Exceptions can apply, including where safeguarding concerns require information to be shared. Tell us before the appointment if you have concerns about speaking privately.
What an Online MIAM Costs
Standard and urgent MIAMs cost £125 per person, or £90 with the low-income concession. Court-form signing is £40 extra where required and appropriate. See our full pricing for mediation sessions and other fees.
Attending by video call means no travel is required. You still need to allow uninterrupted time for your appointment.
Who Can Attend an Online MIAM
Anyone in England and Wales with a private, reasonably quiet space and a working internet connection. Check our live calendar for available appointments. For urgent availability, please contact us.
If you are outside the UK but your court application is in England or Wales, you can still attend an online MIAM.
If You Need It Quickly
Because there is no travel involved, online MIAMs can often be arranged at short notice. If your court deadline is close, see Book an Urgent MIAM.
Related Guides
Ready to book your online MIAM? Check MIAM appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an online MIAM accepted by the family court?
MIAMs can take place by video call. The applicable professional standards and court requirements still apply. Court-form signing is provided where required and appropriate; attending online does not make signing automatic.
How long does an online MIAM take?
Around 45 minutes to an hour. It is a one-to-one meeting between you and the mediator.
Will my ex-partner be in the same video call?
No. The MIAM is attended individually. Your ex-partner attends their own separate meeting if they choose to.
What do I need to attend an online MIAM?
A phone, tablet or computer with a working camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a private space. Allow around 45 to 60 minutes without interruptions. Follow your confirmation email’s joining instructions; requirements depend on your device. Contact us beforehand about accessibility or connection difficulties.
How quickly can I get an online MIAM?
Check our live calendar for available appointments. For urgent availability, please contact us.
Can I attend an online MIAM from outside the UK?
Yes, provided your court application is in England or Wales.
Can I book a MIAM online for divorce mediation?
Yes. BookMIAM offers individual video-call MIAMs for family matters in England and Wales. Standard and urgent appointments cost £125, or £90 with the low-income concession. Court-form signing is £40 extra where required and appropriate.
Can we do family mediation entirely online, or do we have to meet in person?
Entirely online. Every stage (your MIAM, the joint sessions and the written agreement) is handled by secure video call, so you never need to travel or sit in a shared waiting room. If you would prefer not to be on the same call as your ex-partner, we offer shuttle mediation between two separate calls.
Written by
Abdul Wahid
FMA trained family mediator, registered with the Family Mediation Council. Over 10 years of experience helping families and businesses resolve disputes through mediation.
Related Articles
How to Prepare for Your MIAM
You Do Not Need to Worry About Your MIAM If your MIAM is coming up.
MIAM Statistics 2006 to 2026: How LASPO Changed Family Mediation
Official Ministry of Justice data on MIAM assessments from 2006 to 2026, and how the.
MIAM Certificate for Court Applications
Understand MIAM court-form signing, costs and the booking process. Individual video-call appointments across England and.