Intake session meaning

An intake session is the initial meeting at the start of a mediation in which the mediator meets the parties—jointly or in separate private meetings—to assess suitability and set up the process. It is a descriptive ADR term, not defined in legislation or case law, and is used consistently across England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. It is often around 30 minutes (sometimes longer). Typical features include: screening for conflicts of interest, capacity and voluntariness; assessing power imbalances and safeguarding risks (including domestic abuse in family cases); explaining the mediator’s role, confidentiality and without-prejudice privilege; agreeing ground rules, timetable, fees and logistics (including online/shuttle arrangements); checking authority to settle and representation; and obtaining or preparing an agreement to mediate. The mediator may take a brief issues summary and outline next steps. It is not a forum for substantive negotiations. Practical significance: the intake session enables the parties and mediator to decide whether to proceed, adjust the format, or decline mediation. In England & Wales family matters, a MIAM may serve a similar function but is distinct. In Ireland, information and agreement requirements under the Mediation Act 2017 are commonly addressed at intake.