FM1 Form Guide | Official MIAM Certificate Form

What is the FM1 Form?

The FM1 form (official form) is the official MIAM certificate - the document issued by a mediator after you attend a MIAM (Mediation Information Assessment Meeting). It is the proof the court needs that you have complied with the requirement to consider mediation before applying to family court.

Without a valid FM1 form (or a valid exemption), the court will not process your C100 application.

Who Can Issue an FM1 Form?

Only FMC-accredited family mediators can issue a valid FM1 form. FMC stands for the Family Mediation Council - the regulatory body for family mediators in England and Wales.

The following cannot issue an FM1:

• Solicitors (even family law solicitors)
• Counsellors or therapists
• Workplace mediators
• Civil/commercial mediators
• Non-accredited mediators

When booking your MIAM, always check that the mediator is FMC-accredited and can issue the FM1 form.

What Does the FM1 Form Look Like?

The FM1 is a single-page document containing:

• Mediator's details - Name, practice address, FMC registration number
• Applicant's details - Your full name and address
• Date of the MIAM - When the meeting took place
• Outcome - What the mediator concluded (see outcomes below)
• Signature - The mediator's signature confirming the information
• Declaration - Statement that the mediator is FMC-accredited

The form has tick-box sections for the different possible outcomes. It is straightforward and does not contain any confidential details about what was discussed at the MIAM.

FM1 Outcomes: What the Different Sections Mean

The FM1 form records one of several possible outcomes from your MIAM:

Outcome 1: Mediation Suitable - Both Parties Willing

The mediator has assessed that mediation is suitable and both parties are willing to attend. This means:

• Mediation sessions will be arranged
• You can still apply to court if mediation breaks down later
• You have the FM1 for your records

Outcome 2: Mediation Suitable - Other Party Will Not Attend

The mediator contacted the other party and they refused to attend a MIAM or mediation. This means:

• You have fulfilled your obligation
• You can proceed with your C100 application
• The court will note that you tried mediation but the other party refused

Outcome 3: Mediation Not Suitable

The mediator has assessed that mediation is not appropriate for your case. Common reasons:

• Domestic abuse concerns
• Significant power imbalance
• One party is not engaging genuinely
• Safety concerns
• Mental health issues preventing effective participation

This outcome also allows you to proceed with your court application.

Outcome 4: Mediator Confirms an Exemption

In some cases, the mediator confirms that an exemption applies. The FM1 records which exemption is claimed.

How Long is the FM1 Valid?

The FM1 form is valid for 4 months from the date of the MIAM. If you do not submit your court application within this period, the FM1 expires and you must:

• Attend a new MIAM
• Obtain a new FM1 form
• Pay the MIAM fee again (£90-£150)

FM1 Form and the C100 Application

When completing your C100 form, you need to provide your FM1 details on page 3 (the MIAM section). You will need:

• The date of your MIAM
• The mediator's name
• The mediator's FMC registration number
• A copy of the FM1 form (attached to your application)

If applying online, you can upload a scan or photo of the FM1. If applying by post, attach the original or a copy.

How to Get an FM1 Form

What If I Lose My FM1?

If you lose your FM1 form:

• Contact the mediator who issued it
• They should have a record of your MIAM and can issue a duplicate
• There may be a small administrative fee for a replacement
• The replacement will have the same date and details as the original

FM1 vs MIAM Exemption

| | FM1 Form | MIAM Exemption | |---|---------|---------------| | What it proves | You attended a MIAM | You qualify to skip the MIAM | | Who issues it | FMC-accredited mediator | Self-declared on C100 (with evidence) | | Cost | £90-£150 (MIAM fee) | Free (but need evidence) | | Valid for | 4 months | Until circumstances change | | When to use | Most cases | Domestic abuse, urgency, etc. |

If you have a valid exemption (such as domestic abuse), you do not need an FM1 form. You declare the exemption on the C100 form and provide supporting evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an FM1 form online?

Yes, many mediators now offer online MIAMs by video call. The FM1 form is then sent to you electronically (PDF) or by post. Online MIAMs are just as valid as in-person ones.

How much does an FM1 form cost?

The FM1 itself is free - it is part of the MIAM service. You pay the MIAM fee (£90-£150) and the FM1 is issued at no additional cost. If you qualify for legal aid, the MIAM (and FM1) is free.

Can one FM1 be used for multiple court applications?

No, each court application requires its own FM1. If you make a new C100 application (for different issues or at a later date), you need a fresh MIAM and FM1 unless the original is still within its 4-month validity.

Does the respondent also need an FM1?

No, only the applicant (the person making the court application) needs an FM1. The respondent does not need to attend a MIAM unless they want to make their own cross-application.

What if the mediator says mediation is not suitable?

You still receive an FM1 - it simply records that the outcome was "not suitable". This is still a valid FM1 for court purposes. You can proceed with your C100 application.

Can I use the same FM1 for a Prohibited Steps Order and a Child Arrangements Order?

If both applications are made at the same time as part of the same case, one FM1 should cover both. If they are separate applications at different times, you may need separate FM1s. Check with your mediator.

What is the difference between FM1 and the MIAM certificate in C100?

Form FM1 is a standalone form used for specific applications (parental responsibility, guardianship, special guardianship, change of surname). For standard child arrangements applications, the MIAM certificate is integrated into page 9 of the C100 form - the mediator signs that page directly.

What is an FMC registration number?

Every FMC-accredited mediator has a unique registration number issued by the Family Mediation Council. This number must be recorded on the FM1 form to prove the mediator is authorised to conduct MIAMs and sign court forms. You can verify mediator accreditation on the FMC website.

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Official Resources & Further Reading

Primary Sources

• FM1 Form Official PDF - Download FM1 form (April 2024 version)
• C100 Form - Child arrangements application
• Family Procedure Rules - Legal framework

Government Guidance

• Gov.uk - MIAM Requirements - Official MIAM guidance
• Guide to Family Mediation for Courts 2024 - Judiciary guidance
• Gov.uk - MIAM Exemptions - Valid exemptions

Mediation Bodies

• Family Mediation Council - Find FMC-accredited mediators
• FMC MIAM Standards - MIAM conduct standards
• National Family Mediation - Mediation services

Court & Advisory

• Cafcass - Family court advisory service
• HMCTS - Court service
• Citizens Advice - Mediation - Free guidance