What do these mediation terms mean?
- MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) – From 6th April 2011 applicants and respondents in the family courts will have to consider whether mediation will be a better alternative than proceeding to court. This covers family matters of divorce, dissolving a Civil Partnership, child contact and residence, parental responsibility and financial settlements after separation.
The session will discover:
- whether your case is suitable for mediation, and
- whether you are willing to try mediation to solve your issues or if another option should be pursued.
If you want to move forward with mediation we will then contact the other party. Once we have met both of you we then proceed to a joint session.
In the event that we come to the conclusion that mediation would not work or be appropriate we will give you the correct forms so that your application to court can proceed.
- Agreement to Mediate – This is a contract between the clients and the service which contains the principles on which the negotiations will take place, confidentiality, privilege and detail disclosure.
- Disclosure – This is the full financial information being given by both parties, which is supported by recent documentary evidence. Each party, including the mediator, will have a copy of these documents.
- Memorandum of Understanding – Once an agreement has been reached this can be recorded in a document called the Memorandum of Understanding. This covers all the issues such as what will happen to the former matrimonial home, residence and contact patterns with the parents and the overall financial settlement.
- Summary of financial information – The financial disclosure of both parties is documented.