Step 1 of 5 · Mediation
Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM)
Before you can apply to the Family Court for a Child Arrangements Order in England & Wales, you usually have to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting — a MIAM. This is where the journey begins.
What is a MIAM?
A MIAM is a short, one-off meeting (usually 45–60 minutes) with an authorised family mediator. The mediator explains how mediation works, assesses whether your case is suitable.
You attend on your own. The other parent will be invited separately. Even if they refuse, you can still progress to court. You will need your MIAM certificate to upload to your Child Arrangements Application.
Once you get the MIAM certificate you have 4 months to apply to the Court. If this expires, you have to apply to Mediation again.
An attempt to a MIAM is mandatory, even if you know your ex-partner won't turn up. You cannot bypass this on the C100 Application unless you are exempt.
When is mediation required?
For almost all applications about children — where they live, who they spend time with, schools, holidays, relocation — you must show the court you've attended a MIAM, unless a recognised exemption applies.
How to book a MIAM
- ✓Find an FMC-accredited mediator (Family Mediation Council register).
- ✓Check whether you qualify for Legal Aid — if you do, the MIAM is free, and so is the first joint session.
- ✓Book your individual MIAM appointment (in person, by phone, or by video).
- ✓Bring photo ID and any relevant paperwork about your children.
- ✓Ask the mediator to issue the signed MIAM certificate once attended.
What the mediator will ask
The mediator is neutral. They will ask about your family, your children, what arrangements are in place now, what you would like to change, and whether there are any safety concerns. Be honest — especially about domestic abuse or risk — because it directly affects which route is right for you.
If mediation goes ahead
If both parents agree to mediate, you'll attend joint sessions to try to reach a Parenting Plan. Anything agreed can be written up as a Memorandum of Understanding, and (if needed) turned into a Consent Order by the court — far cheaper and far less stressful than a contested hearing. A Consent Order will only go ahead if absolutely EVERYTHING is agreed.
If mediation doesn't go ahead
If the other parent refuses, doesn't reply within 14 days, or mediation breaks down, the mediator will give you a MIAM Certificate to upload to the Child Arrangements Application.