What is a MIAM? | MIAM Certificate Guide UK

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What Does MIAM Stand For?

MIAM stands for Mediation Information Assessment Meeting. It is the legally required first step before you can apply to family court for orders about children in England and Wales.

What is a MIAM?

A MIAM is a meeting with an FMC-accredited family mediator where:

• The mediation process is explained to you
• Your situation is discussed (confidentially)
• The mediator assesses whether mediation is suitable
• Your options are outlined (mediation, court, other routes)
• Costs and legal aid eligibility are discussed
• You receive your FM1 certificate

The MIAM is not mediation itself - it is an information and assessment meeting. You attend alone (the other party has a separate MIAM). The meeting is confidential.

Is MIAM Compulsory?

Yes. Attending a MIAM is compulsory before you can apply to family court using a C100 form. This requirement was introduced by the Children and Families Act 2014, which amended the Family Procedure Rules.

The court will not process your application without either:

• A valid MIAM certificate (Form FM1), OR
• Evidence of a valid exemption

MIAM Exemptions

You do not need to attend a MIAM if you have a valid exemption. Common exemptions include:

• Domestic abuse - You have evidence of domestic abuse (police report, court order, refuge letter, etc.)
• Urgency - There is a risk to the child that requires immediate court action
• Child protection - A local authority is involved in child protection
• Previous MIAM - You attended a MIAM in the last 4 months
• No contact details - You genuinely cannot locate the other party

See our full MIAM exemptions guide for the complete list.

What Happens at a MIAM Meeting?

How Long Does a MIAM Take?

A MIAM typically lasts about an hour (Family Mediation Council). It is a single meeting, not multiple sessions. The meeting can be conducted:

• In-person - At the mediator's office
• Online - Via video call (Zoom, Teams, etc.)
• By telephone - In some circumstances

Online MIAMs are just as valid as in-person meetings and are often quicker to book.

How to Arrange a MIAM Meeting

Arranging a MIAM is straightforward:

• Find a mediator - Search the Family Mediation Council directory or contact a local mediation service
• Check FMC accreditation - Only FMC-accredited mediators can issue valid FM1 certificates
• Book an appointment - Most mediators can see you within 1-2 weeks
• Choose format - In-person or online/video
• Attend alone - The other party is contacted separately

Most mediation services have online booking. You can also call directly.

How Much Does a MIAM Cost?

| Situation | MIAM Cost | |-----------|-----------| | Standard MIAM | Around £120 per person | | With Legal Aid | Free | | Online MIAM | Around £120 (same as in-person) |

Source: Family Mediation Council and Gov.uk

The fee covers the meeting AND your FM1 certificate. There is no separate charge for the certificate.

Legal Aid for MIAMs

You may qualify for a free MIAM if:

• You are a victim of domestic abuse (with evidence)
• Your household income is below the legal aid threshold
• You receive qualifying benefits (Universal Credit, Income Support, etc.)

What is MIAM Mediation?

The MIAM itself is not mediation - it is an assessment meeting. However, if the mediator assesses that mediation is suitable and both parties are willing, you can proceed to full mediation sessions.

Full family mediation involves:

• Joint sessions (both parties present, or shuttle mediation in separate rooms)
• Negotiating arrangements for children, finances, or both
• Typically 3-5 sessions of 90 minutes each
• Working towards a written agreement
• The agreement can be made into a legally binding consent order

Do Both Parties Need to Attend?

Only the applicant (the person who wants to make a court application) must attend a MIAM. However:

• The mediator will contact the other party to invite them to their own MIAM
• If the other party refuses, the mediator records this on your FM1
• You still receive a valid certificate regardless
• The other party's refusal does not prevent you from applying to court

How to Prepare for a MIAM

To get the most from your MIAM:

• Think about what arrangements you want for your children
• Consider what the other parent might want
• Note any concerns about safety or welfare
• Think about what you have already tried (negotiation, etc.)
• Prepare any questions about mediation
• Bring details of the other parent (so the mediator can contact them)

After the MIAM: What Next?

After your MIAM, you have several options depending on the outcome:

• Mediation suitable, both willing → Proceed to mediation sessions (the voucher scheme provides £500 towards costs)
• Other party won't attend → You can apply to court using the C100 form with your FM1 certificate
• Mediation not suitable → You can apply to court with your FM1 certificate
• Exemption confirmed → You can apply to court

Remember: your FM1 certificate is valid for 4 months. Don't let it expire before submitting your court application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I attend a MIAM if there has been domestic abuse?

If there has been domestic abuse, you may be exempt from attending a MIAM. However, if you choose to attend, the mediator will assess whether mediation (including shuttle mediation) is safe and appropriate.

What if I cannot afford a MIAM?

Check if you qualify for legal aid (free MIAM). If not, MIAM fees are typically around £120 (Gov.uk) - significantly less than the court fee (£232) and legal costs. Some mediators offer reduced fees for those on low incomes.

Can a MIAM be done over the phone?

Some mediators offer telephone MIAMs, but video call MIAMs are more common and preferred by most providers. Check with your mediator about available formats.

What if I have already tried mediation and it failed?

If you previously attended mediation that broke down, you may still need a new MIAM before a new court application (unless your previous FM1 is still within its 4-month validity). The mediator will note on the FM1 that previous mediation was attempted.

Is a MIAM the same as mediation?

No. A MIAM is a single assessment meeting lasting 45-60 minutes. Mediation is a series of sessions (typically 3-5) where you negotiate with the other party. The MIAM determines whether mediation is suitable - it is the gateway, not the process itself.

How soon can I get a MIAM appointment?

Most mediators can offer appointments within 1-2 weeks. Some offer next-day or same-week appointments. Online/video MIAMs are often available sooner than in-person.

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Official Resources & Find a Mediator

For authoritative information and to book your MIAM:

Government Sources

• Gov.uk - MIAM requirements - Official guidance on attending a MIAM
• Children and Families Act 2014 - The law requiring MIAM attendance
• Family Mediation Voucher Scheme - Get £500 towards mediation costs
• Cafcass - Children and Family Court Advisory Service

Book a MIAM

• FMC Mediator Search - Find FMC-accredited mediators near you
• National Family Mediation - UK's largest family mediation charity
• Resolution - Solicitor-mediators
• Family Mediation Council - The regulatory body for family mediators