MIAM Certificate UK | Complete FM1 Guide

Download MIAM Certificate Guide (PDF)

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.

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.

What Does a MIAM Certificate Look Like?

The FM1 form is a single-page document that contains:

• Mediator's details - Full name, practice name, address, and FMC accreditation number
• Applicant's details - Your full name and address
• Date of MIAM - The date you attended the meeting
• Outcome section - Tick boxes indicating the result (see below)
• Mediator's signature - Confirming the information is accurate
• FMC registration number - Proving the mediator is accredited

The form is straightforward and does not contain any confidential details about what was discussed during your MIAM. It simply confirms attendance and the assessed outcome.

MIAM Certificate Outcomes

The FM1 records one of these outcomes:

• Mediation is suitable and both parties are willing - You will proceed to full mediation sessions
• 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 Much Does a MIAM Certificate Cost?

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.

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.

How Long is a MIAM Certificate Valid For?

A MIAM certificate is valid for 4 months from the date of the MIAM meeting, as confirmed in the FMC Interim MIAM Guidance (July 2024). This means you must submit your court application within 4 months of attending the MIAM.

What happens if my MIAM certificate expires?

If your FM1 expires before you submit your C100 form:

• You must attend a new MIAM
• You must obtain a new FM1 certificate
• You will need to pay the MIAM fee again
• Contact your original mediator - they may offer a reduced fee for a repeat MIAM

How Do I Get a MIAM Certificate?

MIAM Certificate and the C100 Form

On page 3 of the C100 form, you must provide your MIAM certificate details:

• The date of your MIAM
• The mediator's name and FMC registration number
• The outcome recorded on the FM1
• A copy of the certificate (attached)

If you have an exemption rather than a certificate, you declare this on the same page with supporting evidence.

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

What if the Other Party Won't Attend?

This is one of the most common concerns. Here is what happens:

• You attend your own MIAM as normal
• The mediator contacts the other party to invite them
• If they refuse or don't respond, the mediator records this on your FM1
• Your certificate is still valid for court
• The court notes that you tried mediation but the other party refused
• The court may direct the other party to attend a MIAM later in proceedings

The other party's refusal does not prevent you from applying to court.

Online MIAM Certificates

Many mediators now offer MIAMs by video call. Online MIAMs:

• Are just as valid as in-person meetings
• Produce the same FM1 certificate
• Are often quicker to book (no travel)
• The certificate is sent electronically (PDF) or by post
• Can be more convenient if you have childcare or work commitments

What if I Lose My MIAM Certificate?

If you lose your FM1:

• Contact the mediator who issued it
• They keep records and can issue a duplicate
• There may be a small admin fee (£10-£25)
• The replacement has the same date and details as the original

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a MIAM certificate the same day?

Yes, most mediators issue the FM1 at the end of the MIAM meeting or email it the same day. If posted, it typically arrives within 2-3 days.

Do I need a MIAM certificate if I have a domestic abuse exemption?

No. If you have evidence of domestic abuse, you can claim an exemption on the C100 form without attending a MIAM. You do not need an FM1 - you need the exemption evidence instead.

Can I use the same MIAM certificate for multiple applications?

Generally, each application requires its own FM1. If you are making a single application covering multiple issues (e.g. Child Arrangements Order and Prohibited Steps Order), one FM1 should cover both.

What if the mediator says mediation is not suitable - do I still get a certificate?

Yes. You receive an FM1 regardless of the outcome. If mediation is "not suitable", the certificate records this, and you can proceed to court.

Does the respondent need a MIAM certificate too?

No. Only the applicant (the person making the court application) needs a MIAM certificate. The respondent does not need to attend a MIAM unless they make their own cross-application.

Can I get a MIAM certificate from an online mediator?

Yes. Online/video MIAMs are fully valid. The mediator must be FMC-accredited regardless of whether the meeting is in-person or online.

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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 - Get up to £500 towards mediation
• 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

Legal Aid

• Gov.uk - Legal Aid Eligibility - Check if you qualify for free mediation
• Civil Legal Advice - Free legal advice helpline