EP330 What is a MIAM? A Conversation with Katy Harris of MediationMattersMidlands.co.uk

Divorce and separation can be incredibly challenging, especially when children are involved. The traditional court system, often perceived as adversarial, can unfortunately exacerbate conflict and lead to prolonged emotional distress for all parties. But what if there was a better way?

Mediator, trainer, and international speaker Katy Harris (LinkedIn) of Mediation Matters Midlands in the UK, joined me to discuss MIAMs, or Mediator Information and Assessment Meetings.

As discussed, a MIAM is a confidential, individual meeting with a trained mediator. Its primary purpose is to:

• Assess suitability for mediation: The mediator evaluates whether mediation is appropriate for the parties, taking into account factors like domestic abuse, mental health, and substance abuse. This safeguards vulnerable individuals and ensures a safe environment.
• Provide essential information: Participants learn about all available options for resolving their dispute, including mediation, solicitor involvement, and court proceedings. They gain a clear understanding of potential costs, risks, and benefits of each path.
• Promote informed decision-making: By empowering individuals with comprehensive knowledge, MIAMs encourage them to consider mediation first, rather than immediately resorting to litigation. This “mediation first” mindset helps to de-escalate conflict before it even begins.
• Improve communication skills: Even if mediation isn’t pursued, the MIAM can offer valuable insights into communication dynamics between parties and provide resources like parenting apps and techniques to improve interaction.

During our talk, I came to learn the core idea behind MIAMs is to shift the focus from a “battle” to a “resolution-based” approach, particularly when children are at the heart of the matter. This model stands in stark contrast to the often adversarial nature of litigation I’m used to in the jurisdictions where I practice in the United States. Sure, we have our court directives instructing parties to attend mediation before appearing for contested hearings or trials. However, those policies are nowhere close to a MIAM. The UK MIAM policy is something court systems across the US should consider adopting.

Learn more about Katy at the links below. Follow her on LinkedIn where she updates on her projects, including:

• Resolve Enrichment Program, a transatlantic initiative teaching young people skills in negotiation, de-escalation and mediation, with programs launching across schools in the UK and the United States.
• The Wellingborough Family Court Mediation Pilot
• Topic: Neurodiversity in Mediation: Reframing Practice, Reclaiming Voice
  Speaker September 3-5, 2025 at the Amicable Divorce Network Conference – Charleston, SC | 55 minutes of real talk
• Bridging the Gap – London, March 2026
  • TBA

DISCUSSED LINKS:

• https://mediationmattersmidlands.co.uk/
  • https://mediationmattersmidlands.co.uk/team/katy-harris/
• https://www.amicabledivorcenetwork.com/
• https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/family-mediation/assessment-meeting-miam/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-harris-2096bb85/