Form FM1 Guide 2026 | Official MIAM Court Form

What Is Form FM1?

Form FM1 — "Family mediation information and assessment meeting form" — is the official court form used to tell the family court whether you have attended a MIAM, or why you have not. It is what most people mean when they talk about a "MIAM certificate".

The legal requirement behind it is Rule 3.7 of the Family Procedure Rules: an application covered by the MIAM requirement must contain, or be accompanied by, a form containing either a confirmation from an authorised family mediator that you attended a MIAM or your claim that a MIAM exemption applies.

• Official page and download: GOV.UK — Form FM1
• Current version: FM1 (04.24), published April 2024 — direct PDF

Who Completes Form FM1?

| Section | Completed by | |---------|--------------| | Confirmation of MIAM attendance | An authorised family mediator only — a person identified by the Family Mediation Council as qualified to conduct MIAMs (FPR r3.1) | | Mediator's assessment (e.g. mediation not suitable, other party unwilling) | The mediator | | Claimed exemption (e.g. domestic abuse evidence, urgency) | You (the applicant), with supporting evidence where PD3A requires it |

There is no separate charge for the mediator completing the form — it is included in your MIAM fee (typically £120–£150 per person, free with legal aid).

What the FM1 Covers

The April 2024 version of the form reflects the reformed rules in force since 29 April 2024. It records one of the following:

1. You attended a MIAM — signed by the mediator, with the date. Your court application should be made within 4 months of the MIAM (FPR r3.8(1)(d)).
2. A mediator's exemption applies — for example the mediator assessed mediation as unsuitable.
3. You claim a MIAM exemption — such as evidence of domestic abuse, child protection involvement, urgency, or that you cannot attend online or by video-link and no authorised mediator has an office within 15 miles of your home (an explanation is required on the form).

FM1 and Related Forms

| Form | Purpose | Fee | |------|---------|-----| | FM1 | Confirm MIAM attendance / exemption | No fee | | C100 | Apply for child arrangements / prohibited steps / specific issue order | £270 (up from £263 on 13 July 2026 — GOV.UK) | | FM5 | Statement of position on non-court dispute resolution — required from each party before the first hearing in most private children and contested financial cases since 29 April 2024 | No fee |

If you are on a low income, the Help with Fees scheme may reduce or waive court fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I download Form FM1?

From the official GOV.UK publication page: Confirm if you have attended a MIAM: Form FM1. Always use the current (April 2024) version.

Can I fill in the FM1 myself?

You can complete the exemption sections yourself if one applies to you. But the confirmation of MIAM attendance can only be completed and signed by an authorised family mediator — the court will not accept a self-signed attendance confirmation.

How long is the FM1 confirmation valid?

The underlying rule is that a MIAM attended in the 4 months before your application satisfies the requirement (Rule 3.8(1)(d) FPR). Apply within 4 months of your MIAM or you may need a new meeting.

What's the difference between FM1 and FM5?

FM1 deals with the MIAM requirement before you apply. FM5 is filed later — before the first hearing — setting out your position on non-court dispute resolution. Since 29 April 2024 both may feature in a typical private children case.

Sources & Further Reading

• GOV.UK — Form FM1 · FM1 (04.24) PDF
• Family Procedure Rules Part 3 · Practice Direction 3A
• GOV.UK — Form C100 · Form FM5
• Family Mediation Council

Content fact-checked against GOV.UK, the Family Procedure Rules and the Family Mediation Council: July 2026.