MIAM Certificate UK 2026 | Get Your Certificate

What Is a MIAM Certificate?

A MIAM certificate is the everyday name for the signed confirmation that you attended a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). Strictly speaking, there is no separate document called a "certificate": the mediator either completes the MIAM confirmation section of your C100 application or signs Form FM1.

The legal requirement comes from section 10(1) of the Children and Families Act 2014: before making a relevant family application (such as for a child arrangements order), you must attend a MIAM unless an exemption applies. The procedure is set out in Part 3 of the Family Procedure Rules and Practice Direction 3A.

How to Get Your MIAM Certificate

How Much Does a MIAM Certificate Cost?

The confirmation itself is free — it is part of your MIAM. What you pay for is the MIAM:

| Item | Cost | |------|------| | MIAM (per person) | Typically £120–£150 (GOV.UK: around £120; FMC 2025: most commonly around £150) | | Signed confirmation (FM1 / C100 section) | Included — no separate charge | | If you or your ex-partner qualify for legal aid | Free (GOV.UK) | | C100 court fee (if you go to court) | £270 since 13 July 2026 (GOV.UK) |

The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme provides up to £500 towards mediation sessions in children cases — but note it does not cover the MIAM itself. The scheme is not means-tested and has been extended until 31 March 2029 (justice.gov.uk).

What the Confirmation Can Say

After your MIAM, the mediator can confirm on the court form that:

• you attended a MIAM and mediation is not proceeding (for example, it was assessed as unsuitable);
• the other person did not attend or was unwilling to attempt mediation; or
• mediation has started or concluded without full agreement.

If you attend a MIAM but your ex-partner does not, you can still apply to court (GOV.UK).

Since April 2024: Courts Take Non-Court Dispute Resolution Seriously

Reforms in force from 29 April 2024 (Family Procedure (Amendment No 2) Rules 2023) mean:

• Each party in private children proceedings must usually file Form FM5 setting out their position on non-court dispute resolution before the first hearing.
• The court can adjourn proceedings to encourage mediation without the parties' consent (Rule 3.4 FPR).
• In financial remedy cases, failing to attend a MIAM or mediation without good reason can count against you on costs (Rule 28.3(7) FPR).
• Exemption claims are scrutinised, and the court can direct you to attend a MIAM (Rule 3.10 FPR).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a MIAM certificate?

It is the signed confirmation from an FMC-authorised mediator that you attended a MIAM — completed on your C100 form or Form FM1. Courts require it (or a valid exemption) under Rule 3.7 of the Family Procedure Rules.

How long is it valid?

Apply to court within 4 months of your MIAM. Rule 3.8(1)(d) FPR treats a MIAM attended in the previous 4 months as satisfying the requirement; after that you may need a new one.

Can I get one online?

Yes — video-call MIAMs meet FMC standards and the confirmation is equally valid. See our online MIAM guide.

Is there a charge for the certificate itself?

No. The mediator's confirmation is included in the MIAM fee (typically £120–£150 per person, or free with legal aid).

What if I apply without one?

If your C100 has neither a confirmation nor a valid exemption, the court can direct you to attend a MIAM and adjourn your case (Rule 3.10 FPR).

Sources & Further Reading

• Children and Families Act 2014, section 10 — the statutory MIAM requirement
• Family Procedure Rules, Part 3 and Practice Direction 3A
• GOV.UK — Making child arrangements: mediation
• GOV.UK — Form FM1 and Form C100
• Family Mediation Council — the MIAM

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