FM1
Form Name
4 Months
Valid For
£90-£150
MIAM Cost (cert free)
FMC Only
Who Issues It
⚠️ IMPORTANT: This is a beta service
Miam Certificate Quest is a free AI-powered preparation tool. We do not provide legal advice. Nothing on this site constitutes legal advice or creates a solicitor-client relationship.
Always consult a qualified family law solicitor, FMC-accredited mediator, or official government guidance (gov.uk) before making decisions about court applications, your children, or your legal situation.
This site is in beta (launched Q1 2026) and is continuously improved.
Cost penalties for refusing mediation (in force 2024)
Following the April 2024 Family Procedure Rules amendments and Churchill v Merthyr Tydfil CBC [2023], courts can now stay proceedings to allow non-court dispute resolution (NCDR) without parties' consent, and may depart from the usual "no order as to costs" position where parties have unreasonably failed to engage in NCDR. Source: Practice Direction 3A.
A MIAM certificate is valid for 4 months from the date of issue. This essential document (Form FM1) proves you attended a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting and is required for family court applications in England & Wales.
MIAM Certificate: Key Facts
From FMC & Practice Direction 3A:
- Valid for 4 months from date of issue
- Only FMC-accredited mediators can issue valid certificates
- Required for C100 and most family court applications
- Certificate confirms you've attended MIAM and understand options
- Form FM1 for specific applications (parental responsibility, guardianship)
- NCDR widening: Since April 2024, "non-court dispute resolution" now includes mediation, arbitration, neutral evaluation, and collaborative law
- Mediators must indicate suitable forms of NCDR beyond mediation
Your MIAM certificate is proof you've explored mediation before court.
What is a MIAM Certificate?
A MIAM certificate (officially known as Form FM1) is the document that proves you have attended a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting. It is the key document you need before the court will process your C100 family court application.
A MIAM certificate is valid for 4 months from the date of issue. The certificate is issued by an FMC-accredited mediator at the end of your MIAM. It records whether mediation was assessed as suitable, not suitable, or whether the other party refused to attend.
MIAM certificate for court
Without a valid MIAM certificate or a valid exemption, the court will reject your C100 application. It is a mandatory requirement for all family court applications about children.
How Much Does a MIAM Certificate Cost?
A MIAM typically costs around £120 per person. Some mediators offer reduced rates for those on lower incomes.
The MIAM certificate itself is free - it is included as part of your MIAM attendance. According to the Family Mediation Council, the costs are:
| Item | Cost | |------|------| | MIAM meeting fee | Around £120 per person | | FM1 certificate | Included (free) | | With Legal Aid | Completely free | | Replacement certificate | £10-£25 (admin fee) |
The Gov.uk Family Mediation Voucher Scheme confirms the MIAM cost is "around £120 per person". This covers the mediator's time for the 45-60 minute meeting AND the certificate. There is no separate charge for the FM1 form.
Family Mediation Voucher Scheme (Extended 2026-27)
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme has been extended for the 2026-27 financial year, with funding confirmed by the Ministry of Justice on 27 March 2027 (FMC announcement). The £500 contribution towards mediation costs continues to be available for eligible cases involving children.
Important: The £500 voucher is for joint mediation sessions only. The MIAM itself (~£120) is not covered unless the client qualifies for legal aid. Vouchers are now administered by Opia Ltd on behalf of the MoJ (not the FMC directly). Mediators apply on behalf of eligible clients.
Free MIAM certificates
You can get a free MIAM (and certificate) if you qualify for legal aid. You may be eligible if:
- You are a victim of domestic abuse (with evidence)
- Your income and capital are below certain thresholds
- You receive qualifying benefits
Ask the mediator about legal aid eligibility when you book.
MIAM Certificate Outcomes
Since April 2024, mediators conducting MIAMs have a statutory duty under PD 3A to indicate which forms of non-court dispute resolution (NCDR) may be most suitable for the dispute. The FM1 may record:
- Mediation is suitable and both parties are willing - You will proceed to full mediation sessions
- Alternative NCDR recommended - Arbitration, neutral evaluation, or collaborative law may be suggested
- Mediation is suitable but the other party will not attend - You have fulfilled your obligation and can proceed to court
- Mediation is not suitable - Due to domestic abuse, power imbalance, or other factors. You can proceed to court
- An exemption applies - The mediator confirms a valid exemption exists
All of these outcomes satisfy the court's MIAM requirement. Even if mediation is "not suitable", having attended the MIAM and received the certificate means you have complied.
How Do I Get a MIAM Certificate?
You get a MIAM certificate by attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) with an accredited family mediator. The mediator issues the certificate (Form FM1) after the meeting.
Find an FMC-accredited mediator
Search the Family Mediation Council directory or contact a local mediation service. Ensure they are FMC-registered (essential for a valid FM1).
Book your MIAM appointment
Most mediators offer appointments within 1-2 weeks. MIAMs can be in-person or online via video call - both produce equally valid certificates.
Attend the meeting (45-60 minutes)
The mediator explains the mediation process, assesses suitability for all NCDR forms, and discusses your situation. You attend alone (the other party has a separate MIAM).
Receive your FM1 certificate
The mediator issues your certificate the same day (or within a few days if posted). Keep the original safe.
Attach to your C100 application
Include the FM1 when you submit your C100 form to court. If applying online, upload a scan or photo. If by post, attach a copy.
Who Can Issue a MIAM Certificate?
Only FMC-accredited family mediators (those holding FMCA status) can issue valid FM1 forms, as confirmed by the Family Mediation Council. This means:
- They must be registered with the Family Mediation Council
- They must hold FMCA status (URN ending in A or P)
- They have completed specialist family mediation training
Find an FMC-accredited mediator:
- FMC Mediator Search - Official directory
- National Family Mediation - Largest charity provider
- Resolution - Solicitor-mediators
The following cannot issue a valid MIAM certificate:
- Solicitors (even family law solicitors)
- Counsellors or therapists
- Workplace or commercial mediators
- AI assistants (including Miam)
- Non-accredited mediators
Official Resources & Where to Find a Mediator
For authoritative information and to find an accredited mediator:
Government Sources
- Gov.uk - MIAM requirements - Official government guidance
- Gov.uk - Family Mediation Voucher Scheme - Extended to 2026-27 financial year
- Practice Direction 3A - NCDR requirements
- Cafcass - Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service
Find a Mediator
- FMC Mediator Search - Official FMC directory of accredited mediators
- National Family Mediation - UK's largest family mediation charity
- Resolution - Find solicitor-mediators
Voucher Scheme & Legal Aid
- FMC Voucher Scheme Announcement - 2026-27 extension
- Gov.uk - Legal Aid Eligibility - Check if you qualify for free mediation
- Civil Legal Advice - Free legal advice helpline
Prepare Before Your MIAM
Being prepared helps you get the most from your MIAM meeting. Our AI assistant can help you organise your thoughts and priorities before you attend.
AI Preparation Tool: Miam helps you prepare for your MIAM but cannot provide legal advice or issue certificates. Only FMC-accredited mediators can do that.
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