MIAM certificate for a family court application

Contents 7 sections

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People often use the phrase MIAM certificate for the mediator confirmation needed with certain family court applications after a MIAM.

The key point is simple: the certificate is not a product you buy instead of attending the professional process. If the court application requires a MIAM, you normally attend the MIAM first. An authorised family mediator can then complete or sign the relevant court documentation when the procedural requirements are met.

At Salam Mediation, the MIAM is £125 per person. The court form or certificate is £35 where you need it.

C100 and Form A

A MIAM is commonly relevant before:

• a C100 application concerning child arrangements, a prohibited steps order or a specific issue order; and
• a Form A application starting financial remedy proceedings after divorce or dissolution.

The exact court form and procedure depend on the application. The current versions should always be taken from GOV.UK or HMCTS.

What the mediator can confirm

Under the Family Procedure Rules, a relevant application normally contains either:

• confirmation from an authorised family mediator that the prospective applicant attended a MIAM; or
• a claim by the applicant that a MIAM exemption applies.

This distinction matters. A mediator does not simply certify that an exemption claimed by an applicant is valid. The court can examine an exemption claim and the supporting evidence.

What if mediation does not go ahead?

You do not have to reach a mediation agreement to satisfy the MIAM step.

Joint mediation may not proceed because the other person declines, because one person does not want to continue, or because the mediator considers mediation unsuitable. In those situations, the mediator can explain the court-form process and complete relevant documentation when the rules allow it.

How long can I rely on an old MIAM?

The current Family Procedure Rules refer to MIAM or other non-court dispute resolution attendance within the four months before the court application in relation to the same or substantially the same dispute.

For that reason, do not treat an old MIAM document as something that can be used indefinitely. If several months have passed, check the current court rules or obtain legal advice before relying on it.

What it costs

MIAM: £125 per person.
Court form or certificate: £35 where needed.

The £35 is separate because not every person who attends a MIAM needs to make a court application.

Need the certificate for an application?

Book the MIAM first and put your court or application deadline in the message box on the form. If you have already attended a recent MIAM with Salam Mediation, contact us so the case record can be checked before another appointment is booked.

Sources and further reading

• Family Procedure Rules, Part 3 (rules 3.6–3.10)
• Practice Direction 3A – making an application and MIAM exemptions
• GOV.UK – Form C100
• FMC – guidance on MIAMs and the signing of court forms

Related: What a MIAM and the certificate cost · Do I need a MIAM?