45–60 min
Duration
£120–£150
Typical cost
Fully valid
For court (FMC standards)
Nationwide
Any E&W mediator
Can You Do a MIAM Online?
Yes. MIAMs can be held remotely by video call. GOV.UK confirms on the official C100 form page that "Mediation Information Assessment Meetings (MIAMs) can now be held remotely", and the Family Mediation Council's MIAM Standards require mediators to deliver MIAMs "face to face either in person or via an online video connection".
The confirmation you receive after an online MIAM — commonly called the MIAM certificate — is exactly as valid for your court application as one issued in person.
Telephone MIAMs are the exception
Under FMC standards, a voice-only (telephone) MIAM is permitted only where video is not possible, and the mediator must record the reasons. If you have no video access at all and no mediator has an office within 15 miles of your home, a specific MIAM exemption may apply instead.
Online vs In-Person MIAM
| Aspect | Online MIAM | In-person MIAM | |--------|-------------|----------------| | Legal validity | Fully valid | Fully valid | | Length | 45–60 minutes | 45–60 minutes | | Cost | Typically £120–£150 per person | Typically £120–£150 per person | | Held separately from your ex-partner | Yes (FMC standard) | Yes (FMC standard) | | Availability | Often more slots, nationwide | Limited by location | | Travel | None | Required |
Costs are the same either way — see our MIAM cost guide. Both formats are free if you or your ex-partner qualify for legal aid (GOV.UK).
How an Online MIAM Works
Find an FMC-authorised mediator offering video appointments
Use the FMC Find a Mediator tool. Because location doesn't matter, you can choose any authorised mediator in England and Wales.
Book and complete pre-meeting checks
The mediator will confirm your identity, send a video link, and check you can speak privately — a core FMC safeguarding requirement.
Attend your 45–60 minute video meeting
Just you and the mediator: they explain mediation and other options, screen for domestic abuse, and assess suitability. Your ex-partner is never on the same call.
Receive your signed confirmation
If you proceed to court, the mediator completes the MIAM section of your C100 or Form FM1 — usually emailed the same day or within a few days. Apply to court within 4 months (FPR r3.8(1)(d)).
What You Need
- A device with a camera and microphone (phone, tablet or computer)
- A stable internet connection
- A private space where you cannot be overheard or influenced by anyone else — the mediator must be able to discuss safeguarding openly
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an online MIAM certificate valid for the C100?
Yes. The court form does not distinguish between online and in-person MIAMs — what matters is that an authorised family mediator conducted the meeting and signed the confirmation (Rule 3.7 FPR).
Are online MIAMs faster?
Often, yes. You are not limited to local mediators, so appointment availability is usually better — some providers offer appointments within days. Same-day availability varies by provider; check when booking.
Can both of us use the same online mediator?
Yes — the mediator will meet each of you in separate MIAMs. If mediation goes ahead, joint or shuttle video sessions can follow, and the £500 voucher can help with children cases.
What if I have no internet access?
If you cannot attend online or by video-link and no authorised mediator has an office within 15 miles of your home, you can claim an exemption on your application with an explanation (FM1, April 2024 version). Otherwise, book an in-person MIAM.
Sources & Further Reading
- GOV.UK — Form C100 (remote MIAMs)
- FMC MIAM Standards (August 2022)
- Family Procedure Rules Part 3
- GOV.UK — Making child arrangements: mediation
Content fact-checked against GOV.UK, the Family Procedure Rules and the Family Mediation Council: July 2026.
Prepare Before You Book
Use Miam's free preparation chat to clarify what you want from mediation before your online MIAM.
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.
Related Guides
MIAM Cost UK 2026 | How Much Does a MIAM Cost?
How much does a MIAM cost in 2026? Typically £120-£150 per person (GOV.UK: around £120; FMC: around £150). Free with legal aid. Full cost breakdown and savings.
MIAM Near Me: Find a Local MIAM Meeting
Find a MIAM near me in the UK. Search for local MIAM providers, book online or in-person meetings with FMC-accredited mediators.
MIAM Certificate UK 2026 | Get Your Certificate
MIAM certificate UK 2026: what it is, how to get one, 4-month validity, costs (typically £120-£150, free with legal aid) and when you need it for family court.
What is a MIAM? | MIAM Meaning & Guide UK 2026
What is a MIAM? UK guide to Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings: what happens, the law behind them, costs (typically £120-£150) and how to book one.
MIAM Meeting: What to Expect & How to Prepare
What happens at a MIAM meeting: the 45-60 minute agenda, how to prepare, questions to ask, safeguarding, and your options afterwards. Fact-checked UK guide.
MIAM Exemptions UK 2026 | Who Doesn't Need a MIAM?
All MIAM exemptions under Rule 3.8 FPR: domestic abuse evidence, urgency, child protection, previous MIAM within 4 months and more — with the April 2024 changes explained.