What is a MIAM and do I have to attend before going to family court?

Short answer

A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is a meeting with an accredited mediator that most people must attend before making an application to the family court about children or finances. Both parties attend separately. If mediation is not suitable, the mediator issues a certificate (Form FM1) allowing you to proceed to court.

Exemptions exist — for example if there has been domestic abuse, if the other party is in prison, or in urgent cases. But you must apply to the mediator for the exemption rather than simply skipping the MIAM.

1 The rule

The Children and Families Act 2014 made MIAM attendance a precondition for most applications to the family court, including applications for child arrangements orders, financial orders on divorce, and other Part II proceedings.

Courts take MIAM compliance seriously — a judge can adjourn proceedings and direct parties to attend a MIAM if the requirement has not been met without a valid exemption.

2 What you can do now

1. 1
   Find an accredited mediator

   Mediators who conduct MIAMs must be accredited by the Family Mediation Council. Use the <a href="https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/find-local-mediator/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FMC mediator finder</a> to locate one in your area. Check whether the mediator can apply for a Family Mediation Voucher on your behalf — this provides up to £500 towards the cost of mediation for eligible families. See the <a href="/news/family-mediation-voucher-scheme-extension" class="body-link">family mediation voucher news</a> for the latest eligibility changes.

2. 2
   Book and attend the MIAM

   Contact the mediator to book your MIAM. Each party attends separately — you do not attend with your ex-partner. The MIAM typically lasts 45–90 minutes. The mediator will explain the mediation process, assess whether it is suitable for your situation (considering any safety concerns, domestic abuse history, power imbalances), and ask about your issues. They will also explain alternatives to court.

3. 3
   Mediator issues FM1 or invites you to mediation

   After the MIAM, the mediator either: (a) invites both parties to a joint mediation session (usually 3–5 sessions); or (b) issues a signed FM1 form certifying that mediation is not suitable or that you have a valid exemption. You need the FM1 to file most family court applications. If mediation proceeds, the mediator helps you reach agreement — any agreement is recorded in a memorandum of understanding, which your solicitor can then turn into a binding consent order.

4. 4
   File the court application with the FM1

   Attach the signed FM1 to your court application form — C100 (child arrangements), A1 (financial order on divorce), or D8 (divorce petition). Without the FM1, the court will likely reject your application. If the MIAM was completed but the other party refuses to engage in mediation, the FM1 records this and you can proceed. For the child arrangements order process, see the <a href="/guides/family/child-arrangements-order" class="body-link">child arrangements order guide</a>.

3 When this does not apply

• Domestic abuse: if there is evidence of domestic abuse (a police report, protective injunction, or criminal conviction), you can self-certify the exemption on the court form — but ideally obtain the FM1 from a mediator who is aware of the abuse.
• Urgency: if you need an emergency protective order (non-molestation order or occupation order), you can apply without a MIAM.
• Child protection: if the dispute involves a child who is the subject of a Child Protection Plan, the MIAM requirement does not apply.
• Other party in prison or abroad: if the respondent cannot reasonably attend, the MIAM may not be required.

4 Common questions