Fact checked by Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy, 02.04.2026
Key Takeaways
- A MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is a short, individual meeting with a family mediator, usually lasting 45 to 90 minutes.
- Attending a MIAM is a legal requirement before you submit a C100 form with the family court, unless an exemption applies.
- The MIAM is not a court hearing and you will not be put on the spot. It is simply an information and assessment session.
- At the end of your MIAM, the mediator signs a MIAM certificate, which you attach to your C100 application.
- You can book an online MIAM and receive a signed certificate the same day, meaning you can submit your C100 quickly.
- The cost of a MIAM is £138. The court fee for a C100 application is £270.
What Happens at a MIAM?
A MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is a one-to-one meeting between you and a qualified family mediator. The mediator explains how family mediation works, finds out about your situation, and assesses whether mediation might be suitable. At the end of the meeting, they complete and sign a MIAM certificate, which you need before you can submit a C100 form to the family court.
What Happens Before You Submit a C100 Form
If you are planning to submit a C100 form and you have come across the term MIAM, you are probably wondering what it actually involves. Many parents feel anxious about the idea of meeting with a mediator, particularly when they are already dealing with a difficult situation involving their children. The good news is that a MIAM meeting is far simpler, and far less formal, than most people expect. This guide explains exactly what happens at a MIAM, step by step, so you can attend with confidence and get your MIAM certificate so your C100 application can move forward.
Why You Need a MIAM Before Filing a C100
Under the Children and Families Act 2014, most people who want to apply to the family court for a Child Arrangements Order must first attend a MIAM. This applies whether you are applying for arrangements about where a child lives, how often they see each parent, or other matters relating to a child’s welfare.
The C100 form includes a section asking whether you have attended a MIAM. If you have, you attach the signed MIAM certificate to the form. If you have not attended, you must provide the reason, and your application could be sent back by the court if a valid exemption is not clearly stated.
In other words, the MIAM is not a box-ticking exercise. It is a legal gateway step that must be completed before your C100 can be processed.
Are there any exemptions? Yes. You may be exempt from attending a MIAM if there is evidence of domestic abuse, if the matter is urgent (for example, a child is at risk), or in a small number of other circumstances. The Family Mediation Council and the C100 form guidance set out the full list of exemptions. If you think an exemption applies to you, it is worth speaking to a family law solicitor before proceeding.
What Is a MIAM Meeting, Exactly?
A MIAM is a private, confidential meeting between you and a trained family mediator. It is not a court hearing. There is no judge, no solicitor arguing against you, and no decisions being made about your children. It is simply a conversation.
Each person attends their own MIAM separately. You will not be in the same room as the other parent during this meeting. The other parent will be invited to attend their own MIAM, either with the same mediator or a different one.
MIAMs can be attended in person at a mediation centre, or online via video call. Online MIAMs have become very common and work just as well for most people.
How Long Does a MIAM Take?
Most MIAMs last between 45 minutes and 90 minutes. The length depends on how complex your situation is and how many questions you have. There is no need to rush, and a good mediator will make sure you have enough time to understand what is being explained.
If you book an urgent MIAM, the process can be completed even more quickly, with your signed certificate issued on the same day.
Want to find out if you need a MIAM before submitting your C100 application?
Use our FREE MIAM Calculator here.
What the Mediator Will Cover During the MIAM
Here is a step-by-step overview of the MIAM process and what you can expect the mediator to cover.
Step 1: Welcome and Confidentiality
The mediator will introduce themselves and explain how the meeting will run. They will confirm that the MIAM is confidential, meaning that what you say will not be shared with the other parent or with the court, with very limited exceptions (for example, if there are safeguarding concerns about a child).
Step 2: An Explanation of Family Mediation
The mediator will explain what family mediation involves, how it differs from going to court, and what the mediation process looks like if you decide to go ahead. This is purely informational. You are under no obligation to agree to mediation at this stage.
Step 3: Discussion of Your Situation
The mediator will ask you some questions about your circumstances. This typically covers:
- The key issues you are facing regarding your children or finances
- Your relationship with the other parent and whether there are any safety concerns
- Any history of domestic abuse or coercive control
- Whether you have already tried to resolve things directly or through solicitors
- What outcome you are hoping for
The mediator is not there to judge you or take sides. They are gathering information to understand your situation and assess whether mediation would be appropriate.
Step 4: A Suitability Assessment
Once the mediator has heard from you, they will consider whether mediation is suitable for your case. Mediation is not appropriate in every situation. For example, where there are serious safeguarding concerns, a history of domestic abuse, or where the power imbalance between the parties is significant, the mediator may conclude that mediation would not work.
If mediation is not suitable, the mediator will still sign the MIAM certificate confirming you attended. This is still the document you need to submit with your C100.
Step 5: Your Questions
The MIAM is also an opportunity for you to ask questions. You might want to ask about costs, timescales, how mediation sessions work, or what happens if the other parent refuses to engage. The mediator will be happy to answer.
Step 6: The MIAM Certificate
At the end of the MIAM, the mediator completes and signs a MIAM certificate (also called a form FM1). This is the official document that confirms you attended a MIAM. You attach this to your C100 form when you submit it to the court. Without it, the court is unlikely to accept your application.
If you book an urgent online MIAM, the certificate can be issued and emailed to you on the same day, meaning there is no delay to your C100 submission.
“The MIAM is often the first time a parent has spoken to anyone impartial about what they are going through. We always make sure people leave with a clear understanding of their options, whether that is mediation, going to court, or something else entirely. The meeting is there to help you, not to make things more difficult.”
Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy at Mediate UK
What Happens After the MIAM?
After your MIAM, there are typically three possible outcomes.
| Outcome | What It Means | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Mediation is suitable | You and the other parent are invited to attend joint mediation sessions to try to reach an agreement | You can still submit your C100 if you choose to, or you may decide to try mediation first |
| Mediation is not suitable | The mediator has concluded that mediation would not be appropriate in your case | You can proceed to submit your C100 with the signed MIAM certificate attached |
| The other parent does not engage | You attend your MIAM but the other parent refuses or does not respond to the invitation to attend | The mediator can still sign your certificate and you can proceed with your C100 |
What to Expect at a MIAM: Practical Tips for Parents
If you are feeling nervous about your MIAM appointment, here are a few things that can help.
- You do not need to prepare a formal statement. Just be ready to explain, in your own words, what the main issues are and what you are hoping to achieve.
- Write down any questions you have in advance. The MIAM is your opportunity to get information. There are no silly questions.
- Be honest about your concerns. If there are safety issues, domestic abuse, or any reason you feel mediation would not be safe, tell the mediator. They are trained to handle these conversations sensitively.
- You are not committing to anything. Attending a MIAM does not mean you have agreed to mediate. It simply fulfils the legal requirement before your C100 can be submitted.
- Online MIAMs are available. If travel is difficult, an online MIAM is equally valid and you can complete it from home.
How Much Does a MIAM Cost?
A MIAM typically costs £138. This covers the meeting itself and the signed MIAM certificate you will need for your C100 application.
Some people may be eligible for Legal Aid to cover the cost of mediation, including the MIAM. You can find out whether you qualify on the check if you qualify for legal aid.
For comparison, the court fee for submitting a C100 application is £270. This is paid separately when you file the form with the court.
Summary
A MIAM is a short, private, one-to-one meeting with a family mediator. It is a legal requirement before you can submit a C100 form to the family court. During the meeting, the mediator will explain how mediation works, ask about your situation, assess whether mediation is suitable, and sign the MIAM certificate you need for your C100 application.
The MIAM is not a court hearing and it is not something to be anxious about. Most parents find it a useful and reassuring process. It typically lasts 45 to 90 minutes and costs £138. Urgent online MIAMs are available if you need the certificate quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at a MIAM meeting?
A MIAM is a one-to-one meeting with a qualified family mediator. They will explain how mediation works, ask about your situation, assess whether mediation is appropriate, and sign the MIAM certificate you need to submit a C100 form.
Do I have to attend a MIAM before filing a C100?
In most cases, yes. Attending a MIAM is a legal requirement before you can apply to the family court using a C100 form. There are some exemptions, such as if there has been domestic abuse or if the matter is urgent, but these must be evidenced when you submit your form.
How long does the MIAM process take?
Most MIAMs last between 45 and 90 minutes. You attend on your own. The other parent, if invited, attends their own separate MIAM. If you book an urgent MIAM, your signed certificate can be issued on the same day.
What is the MIAM certificate?
The MIAM certificate is a document (the relevant page of the C100 form) signed by the mediator at the end of your MIAM. It confirms you attended the meeting. You attach it to your C100 form when you apply to the court. Without it, the court is unlikely to accept your application.
What if the other parent refuses to attend a MIAM?
If the other parent does not respond to the mediator’s invitation or refuses to attend, the mediator can still sign your MIAM certificate. You can then proceed to submit your C100 to the court.
How much does a MIAM cost?
A MIAM costs £138. The court fee for filing a C100 form is £270, paid separately when you submit your application. Some people may be eligible for Legal Aid to cover the cost of mediation.
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