MIAMs Eastbourne & Family Mediation Solutions
Start your journey toward resolution with a MIAM (Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting). At Sussex Mediation House, our registered specialist divorce and separation mediators guide families in Eastbourne and East Sussex through the mediation process. Sessions can happen quickly and at the end you can decide to move forward with mediation, or you can request your MIAM form for court.
There is never any pressure. You do not need a solicitor. Trained mediators support and guide you. MIAMs are individual meetings.
Most MIAMs last 45 minutes and are usually held online.
In person meetings are also available.
Same day emergency MIAMs available. Call or email to book.
MIAM £60 per session per person.
What is a MIAM? Your First Step Towards Family Mediation
A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is a confidential, individual meeting with a qualified family mediator. At Sussex Mediation House, we offer MIAMs in Eastbourne, East Sussex and online across England and Wales.
If you are separating, divorcing or struggling to agree child arrangements or financial matters, a MIAM helps you understand your options and decide whether family mediation could help.
Do I need a MIAM before going to family court?
In England and Wales, attending a MIAM is generally a legal requirement before making certain family court applications, including applications for child arrangements or financial orders, unless you qualify for an exemption.
What happens during a MIAM?
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Court Requirements: Understand whether you need a MIAM before applying to family court and when exemptions may apply.
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Individual, Confidential Meeting: Discuss your circumstances, concerns and what you hope to resolve, without your former partner present.
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Safety and Suitability Assessment: Your mediator will consider whether mediation is appropriate, including any domestic abuse or safeguarding concerns.
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Clear Information and Guidance: Learn how family mediation works, the likely costs, available funding and alternative ways to resolve disagreements.
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MIAM Certificate for Court: Where appropriate, your mediator can complete the relevant court form or provide the necessary MIAM documentation if mediation does not proceed. This includes C100 applications and divorce.
A MIAM does not commit you to mediation. It simply gives you the information you need to make an informed decision about your next steps.
MIAMS cost £60
Emergency same day MIAMs £80
Our MIAM Service in Eastbourne
A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is the essential first step in resolving family matters. At Sussex Mediation House, we provide a calm, safe, non-judgmental space to explore your options and see if you can avoid potentially expensive, long and stressful court proceedings.
Meetings can be scheduled quickly, including evenings and weekends.
MIAM documents for court can be provided.
The Benefits of Choosing Mediation
Peace of Mind
Mediation offers a calm, supportive space to explore alternatives to court. It reduces the stress of legal proceedings by focusing on cooperative dialogue and long-term family stability. It is confidential, so you can explore all ideas with no commitment unless agreement is reached.
Is also much faster, so you can move to the next stage of your life.
Cost-Effective Resolution
Choosing mediation over court is significantly more affordable. We help families in East Sussex resolve disputes efficiently, avoiding the spiralling costs and lengthy delays associated with family law courts. Court can cost £30,000+ per person. Mediation is usually under £500 per person. £500 Government vouchers are also available if arrangements for children are involved.
Tailored Solutions
Our Mediators ensure that your family's unique voice is heard. We help you create bespoke arrangements for children and finances that work for your specific lifestyle, rather than accepting a court-imposed inflexible order. Anything that is important to you can be discussed and solutions can be creative.
Why Choose Us for Your MIAM in Eastbourne?
At Sussex Mediation House, we understand that a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is often a necessary step for court applications. We provide a warm, supportive environment in Eastbourne, with local expertise and connections, to ensure your family's transition is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. We offer a fast service, at a competitive price, from specialist FMC registered divorce, separation and child arrangements mediators.
MIAM cost: £60
Emergency MIAMs within 48 hours: £80
Ready to Move Forward in Eastbourne?
Whether you need a court-required MIAM or you're looking for family mediation to find a peaceful resolution for your children and financial matters, Sussex Mediation House is here to help. Our warm, professional mediators in Eastbourne provide the calm space you need to navigate these important steps.
All are welcome.
Book your free consultation or MIAM to find out more.
We offer both in-person sessions in Eastbourne and convenient online mediation for clients across East Sussex. Expert support for your path towards calmer horizons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a MIAM?
A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is a short, private meeting with a professional mediator. It's designed to help you understand how mediation works and whether it’s a suitable way to resolve your family or financial disputes outside of the court system. They usually last just under an hour.
After a MIAM you can either take your MIAM form and proceed to court. Or you can start joint mediation sessions, to discuss your issues (finance, child related or both) and see if you can find solutions without the expense of court.
Is a MIAM court-required?
Yes, in most cases, the law requires you to attend a MIAM before applying to a family court for an order about children or finances. It ensures that you have at least considered a less adversarial, faster and cheaper way of reaching an agreement. After your MIAM, you can receive a MIAM certificate or get your C100 or court papers signed. This is valid for 4 months.
Do both people need to attend the meeting?
MIAMs are conducted separately. This allows you to speak freely with the mediator about your situation and concerns. If you both agree to mediate, joint sessions will follow later. If you need support during a meeting, please contact us to discuss appropriate arrangements . At Sussex Mediation House we work with you to ensure your access needs are met and support is provided.
Can I attend online or in-person in Eastbourne?
We offer both options. You can visit our professional offices in Eastbourne for a face-to-face MIAM or attend securely via video call from the comfort of your home. Both formats meet all court requirements. Most people opt for video calls for the initial MIAMs.
What about the cost and is there support?
We provide clear, fixed-fee pricing for MIAMs. While MIAMs are not covered under the government voucher scheme, you may be entitled to a £500 voucher for mediation sessions. We will assess your eligibility during our initial contact. We also have limited reduced rates for those who are financially struggling. Mediation is significantly cheaper than going to court and usually requires between 2 and 5 sessions and costs less than £500 per person. At Sussex Mediation House we affordable online MIAMs and MIAMs in Eastbourne for £60.