MIAM Certificate Cost UK 2026 | How Much is a MIAM?

How Much Does a MIAM Certificate Cost in 2026?

A MIAM certificate (Form FM1) typically costs around £120 (Gov.uk) in the UK. This is the fee charged by the mediator for conducting your MIAM meeting - the MIAM certificate itself is included at no extra charge.

MIAM Certificate Cost Breakdown UK

Understanding MIAM certificate costs helps you budget for your family court journey. Here is the complete breakdown of what you can expect to pay:

| Service | MIAM Certificate Cost | Notes | |---------|----------------------|-------| | Standard MIAM certificate | Around £120 | Includes FM1 certificate | | Online MIAM certificate | Around £120 | Same price as in-person | | MIAM certificate with Legal Aid | FREE | If you qualify | | Replacement MIAM certificate | £10-£25 | Admin fee if lost | | Urgent MIAM certificate | £100-£200 | Premium for fast booking |

The MIAM certificate (FM1 form) is always included in the MIAM fee. There is no separate charge for the MIAM certificate document.

What Does the MIAM Certificate Cost Include?

Your MIAM certificate cost covers:

• 45-60 minute meeting with an FMC-accredited mediator
• Explanation of mediation and how it works
• Assessment of whether mediation is suitable for your situation
• Information about costs and funding options (legal aid, voucher scheme)
• Your FM1 MIAM certificate - the MIAM certificate required for court
• Contact with the other party - the mediator invites them to their own MIAM

Free MIAM Certificate: Legal Aid Options

You can get your MIAM certificate completely free if you qualify for legal aid.

Who Qualifies for Free MIAM Certificate?

According to the Legal Aid Agency, you may qualify for a free MIAM certificate if you:

• Receive qualifying benefits: Universal Credit (income-based), Income Support, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Pension Credit (Guarantee)
• Have low income: Gross monthly income below £2,657 (single) or £2,881 (with partner)
• Have limited savings: Disposable capital under £8,000
• Are a domestic abuse victim: With evidence from police, court, GP, or refuge

How to Get a Free MIAM Certificate

1. Find a mediator who offers legal aid - check the FMC directory
2. Bring evidence of benefits or income when you attend
3. The mediator helps you complete the legal aid application
4. If approved, your MIAM certificate is free

See our full guide: Legal Aid Mediation

Family Mediation Voucher Scheme: Reduce MIAM Certificate Costs

Even if you do not qualify for legal aid, the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme can help reduce your MIAM certificate costs.

• Up to £500 towards mediation costs (MIAM certificate + sessions)
• Available for disputes involving children
• No means test - open to everyone
• Mediator must be registered with the scheme

Learn more: Family Mediation Voucher Scheme

MIAM Certificate Cost vs Court Costs

The MIAM certificate cost is minimal compared to going to court:

| Route | Typical Cost | |-------|-------------| | MIAM certificate cost | £90-£150 | | C100 court fee | £232 | | Solicitor (per hour) | £200-£350 | | Contested court case | £5,000-£50,000+ | | Full mediation | £500-£2,000 |

According to Resolution, the average contested court case costs over £10,000 per person. Your MIAM certificate cost of £90-£150 could save you thousands.

Who Pays for the MIAM Certificate?

Each person pays for their own MIAM certificate. You attend separately from the other parent, and each pay the MIAM certificate cost directly to the mediator.

However:

• If one party has legal aid, their MIAM certificate is free
• Some parties agree to split MIAM certificate costs as part of settlement
• National Family Mediation may offer reduced MIAM certificate costs

Factors Affecting MIAM Certificate Cost

MIAM certificate prices vary based on:

• Location: London MIAM certificate costs are typically higher (£120-£150) than regional areas (£90-£120)
• Provider: NFM and charity services often have lower MIAM certificate costs
• Urgency: Same-day urgent MIAM certificate costs more
• Format: Online MIAM certificate costs the same as in-person

How to Find Affordable MIAM Certificate Costs

MIAM Certificate Cost FAQs

How much does a MIAM certificate cost in 2026?

A MIAM certificate costs between £90 and £150 in the UK in 2026. This is the total MIAM certificate cost - the FM1 certificate is included. With legal aid, the MIAM certificate is completely free.

Is the MIAM certificate free?

The MIAM certificate is included in your MIAM fee at no extra cost. If you qualify for legal aid, both the MIAM meeting and MIAM certificate are completely free.

Can I get a free MIAM certificate?

Yes, you can get a free MIAM certificate if you qualify for legal aid based on income, benefits, or domestic abuse evidence. The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme also provides up to £500 towards MIAM certificate costs.

Do both parties pay for MIAM certificate?

Yes, each person pays their own MIAM certificate cost. You attend separately and pay the mediator directly. If one party has legal aid, only the other party pays the MIAM certificate cost.

Is an online MIAM certificate cheaper?

Online MIAM certificate costs are typically the same as in-person (£90-£150). However, you save on travel and may access mediators with lower MIAM certificate costs outside your area.

What is included in the MIAM certificate cost?

The MIAM certificate cost includes your 45-60 minute meeting with an FMC-accredited mediator, assessment of suitability for mediation, information about costs and funding, and your FM1 MIAM certificate for court.

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Official MIAM Certificate Cost Resources

• Gov.uk - Check Legal Aid Eligibility
• Gov.uk - Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
• Family Mediation Council - Find a Mediator
• National Family Mediation
• Legal Aid Agency
• Resolution - Family Law Professionals
• Cafcass

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Official Resources

For authoritative information on MIAM certificate costs:

Government Guidance

• Family Mediation Voucher Scheme - £500 towards MIAM/mediation
• Legal Aid Calculator - Check free MIAM eligibility
• GOV.UK - Mediation - Official MIAM guidance
• Legal Aid Agency - Funding information

Mediation Bodies

• Family Mediation Council - FMC standards
• FMC Find a Mediator - Compare costs
• National Family Mediation - NFM pricing
• Resolution - Mediator-solicitors

Court Information

• Practice Direction 3A - MIAM requirements
• C100 Form - Court application

Support

• Citizens Advice - Free guidance
• AdviceNow - Plain English guides