MIAM mediation in Woking is the first step most parents face before a family court application. If you’ve been told you need a Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM) — or you’re wondering whether you qualify for an exemption — this guide walks through the 2026 process for residents of Woking, Surrey.
What Is a MIAM?
A Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting is a short, confidential meeting with a family mediator. It is not mediation itself — it’s an assessment. The mediator explains how mediation works, listens to your situation, and decides whether mediation could help you resolve your dispute without going to court.
You are required to attend a MIAM before most family court applications about child arrangements, contact, or finances. Woking residents attend with mediators based in Woking, and the surrounding Surrey towns of Byfleet, Knaphill, Old Woking and West Byfleet, though most providers now offer the meeting online by video call.
Why Woking Residents Need a MIAM
Woking is a 24-minute train from London Waterloo, with its family court work handled through the Surrey courts system at Guildford and Staines. In practice, this means a local MIAM is straightforward to arrange — and, in 2026, even more so online. Attending a MIAM shows the court you’ve genuinely tried to resolve things amicably, which is looked on favourably and can save the cost and stress of a contested hearing.
How Much Does a MIAM Cost in Woking (2026)?
| Item | Typical 2026 cost |
|---|---|
| MIAM (one person) | £90 – £160 |
| Second person attending | Often a reduced rate (£45 – £80) |
| With Legal Aid | Free if you qualify |
| Subsequent mediation sessions | £45 – £80 per session (often split) |
Always ask three questions when booking: Do you accept Legal Aid? Is there a joint-attendance discount? Is the MIAM available online? These can cut the cost significantly.
MIAM Exemptions — When You Can Skip It
You do not need a MIAM if you qualify for an exemption. The main ones:
- Domestic abuse (with evidence such as a police caution, conviction or protective order)
- Urgent safeguarding — risk of harm to the child or a party
- Previous MIAM in the last four months
- Mediation not suitable — for example, the other party can’t be located
- Child arrangements where both parents agree, or a without-notice application is justified
If you’re exempt, you still complete the FM1 form to tell the court why a MIAM wasn’t attended. See the full MIAM exemptions guide.
The FM1 Form
The FM1 (formerly C1A) form confirms your MIAM status when you make a court application. You either attach your mediator’s MIAM certificate (attendance confirmed), or state your exemption on the form. It’s essential to get this right — a missing FM1 can delay your application.
How to Book a MIAM in Woking
- Find a mediator — search the Family Mediation Council directory, filtered to Guildford, Staines and Epsom. Most now offer online MIAMs.
- Ask the cost questions — Legal Aid, joint discount, online option.
- Book your appointment — expect a wait of a few days to a few weeks.
- Prepare — bring your situation, any concerns, and be ready to talk about the children.
- Attend — one hour, confidential, individual.
What Happens After the MIAM?
If mediation is suitable, you move into mediation sessions. If it isn’t (or your ex won’t engage), the mediator issues a certificate and you can apply to court with your FM1. Either way, a reliable record of your co-parenting communication is valuable — that’s where Larkling’s free tools help, with non-editable messaging, a shared calendar and expense tracking.
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Get Larkling FreeFrequently Asked Questions
What is a MIAM in Woking?
A MIAM (Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting) is a short, confidential first meeting with a family mediator. In most cases you must attend one before making a family court application about children or finances. It explains mediation and assesses whether it could help your case.
How much does a MIAM cost in Woking in 2026?
MIAMs typically cost between £90 and £160. Some mediators offer a reduced rate for a second person, and you may be entitled to Legal Aid (free MIAM) if you meet the criteria — for example, domestic abuse or receiving certain benefits. Always ask about Legal Aid and joint-attendance discounts before booking.
Do I have to attend a MIAM in Woking?
Almost always yes, unless you qualify for a MIAM exemption — for example, domestic abuse, urgent safeguarding concerns, or if a previous MIAM took place in the last four months. If you’re exempt, you complete the FM1 form and the court decides whether you can proceed without one.
How long does a MIAM take and what happens after?
A MIAM usually lasts about an hour. Afterwards the mediator either issues a certificate confirming you attended, or confirms mediation is unsuitable. If mediation proceeds, you move into mediation sessions; if not, you can apply to court with the FM1 and your MIAM certificate.
What if my ex won’t attend a MIAM in Woking?
You can still attend your own MIAM — the meeting is individual. You may be entitled to an exemption if you’ve tried to attend together and it isn’t safe or possible, or if your ex refuses. Keep records of your attempts; they can matter for the FM1 form.
Local guides: Woking · Farnham · Esher. Further reading: The complete MIAM guide | UK parenting plan template | Section 7 report guide | Larkling Blog