Divorce Mediation Checklist: Documents to Prepare Before a MIAM
Prepare for divorce mediation in England and Wales with this practical checklist of personal, legal and background documents to organise before a MIAM.
A divorce mediation checklist helps participants prepare for a MIAM by organising the documents that explain the relationship, the issues in dispute and the decisions still to be made. The file does not need every paper from the relationship; it should give a clear, current picture so the first session can focus on practical options.
For divorce mediation in England and Wales, bring information that is relevant, recent and easy to verify. A focused checklist of personal, legal and background documents can help everyone understand the family position without overwhelming the process.
This guide explains which divorce mediation documents may be required in England and Wales. The exact requirements will depend on whether discussions concern finances, property, children, pensions, debts, businesses or a combination of these matters. Your mediator will confirm what is needed for your particular case.
Divorce mediation checklist: what to prepare before a MIAM
Start by identifying the choices still to be made. A case about the family home, pensions and debts needs different preparation from one focused on a parenting schedule.
Write a short list of unresolved points, such as housing, savings, pension sharing, child arrangements, holidays or maintenance.
A useful mediation preparation file will usually contain:
Personal and legal information identifying the participants and their relationship.
Financial records showing income, assets, liabilities and regular expenditure.
Property, mortgage and valuation documents.
Pension information and current benefit statements.
Details of the children’s routines, needs and costs.
Copies of any existing court orders or formal agreements.
A short list of the decisions that need to be discussed.
There is rarely a single fixed document pack that applies to every family. The information requested should be tailored to the matters being mediated and clarified before substantive negotiations begin.
Essential personal and legal documents
Basic identity, relationship and court documents help set the context. The mediator can confirm which records are needed after the initial assessment.
Proof of identity and contact information
Participants may be asked to provide photographic identification, such as a passport or driving licence. Proof of address may also be needed, particularly when identity checks form part of the service’s administrative or regulatory procedures.
Current contact details should be supplied separately.
Tell the mediator if an address, telephone number or email address must remain confidential. This is particularly important when there are safeguarding concerns or when sharing contact information could place someone at risk.
The information should be accurate and up to date.
A recent utility bill, council tax statement or bank correspondence may be accepted as evidence of an address, depending on the requirements communicated by the mediation service.
Marriage and divorce documents
A marriage certificate can help confirm names, the date of the marriage and other basic information. Couples who have already started divorce proceedings should provide any relevant documents issued or received during that process.
These may include the divorce application, acknowledgement documents, the conditional order or the final order. The mediator does not conduct the legal divorce itself, but understanding its current stage can be important when discussing finances and the timing of any future legal steps.
A civil partnership certificate and dissolution documents serve the equivalent purpose when a civil partnership is ending.
Existing agreements and court orders
Copies of prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, separation agreements or earlier written arrangements should be included. Their existence does not automatically determine the outcome of mediation, but they may affect the legal advice each participant receives.
Current court orders must also be disclosed. Relevant examples include child arrangements orders, non-molestation orders, occupation orders, maintenance orders, pension sharing orders and previous financial orders.
Informal arrangements can be useful too.
Emails, schedules or written proposals may help show what has been working and where disagreements remain. It is usually unnecessary to provide a complete history of messages between former partners unless the mediator specifically requests them.
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