The short answer
For most family court applications about children or finances, yes, you do need a MIAM first. It is a legal requirement in England and Wales, set out in the Family Procedure Rules. You are excused only if a recognised exemption applies, for example where there has been domestic abuse or the matter is genuinely urgent.
Key facts
- A MIAM is required before applying for a child arrangements order (Form C100) or a financial order on divorce (Form A).
- Only the applicant must attend, although the other person is invited to their own separate meeting.
- Exemptions include evidence of domestic abuse, child protection involvement, urgency and a few practical grounds.
- If you are exempt, you tick the relevant box on the court form rather than attending.
If you are thinking about applying to the family court, one of the first questions to settle is simple: do I need a MIAM before I can apply? For most people, the answer is yes. A MIAM, or Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, is the meeting you attend with an accredited mediator before a court will accept your application.
This guide explains exactly when a MIAM is required, which applications it applies to, when an exemption lets you skip it, and what happens if the other person will not take part.
Do you need a MIAM before going to family court?
In England and Wales, the requirement comes from the Family Procedure Rules, Part 3. The rule is straightforward: before you make certain family court applications, you must first attend a MIAM, unless an exemption applies. A MIAM is a meeting. An accredited mediator conducts the MIAM. The meeting is there to make sure you have considered mediation and other options before asking a judge to decide.
The point of the requirement is not to force you into mediation. Mediation is voluntary, and you can decide it is not for you. The requirement is simply that you have the conversation first, so that court is a considered choice rather than an automatic one.
Which court applications require a MIAM?
A MIAM is needed before the two most common types of private family law application. The table below shows when it applies.
| What you are applying for | Court form | MIAM needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Child arrangements (who a child lives with or spends time with) | Form C100 | Yes, unless exempt |
| A financial order on divorce or dissolution | Form A | Yes, unless exempt |
| Specific issue or prohibited steps (a single decision about a child) | Form C100 | Yes, unless exempt |
| An emergency order, or where social services already hold an order | Varies | No, an exemption applies |
You can see the full picture of which applications are affected on our guide to which forms need a MIAM.
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When you do not need a MIAM: the exemptions
You are excused from attending if a recognised exemption applies. When you claim one, you tick the relevant box on your court form instead of providing a MIAM certificate. The main exemptions are:
- There is evidence of domestic abuse between you and the other party.
- Social services are involved, or the child is the subject of care or supervision proceedings.
- The application is genuinely urgent, for example where there is a risk of harm or of a child being removed from the country.
- You have attended a MIAM, or claimed an exemption, in the last four months for the same dispute.
- The other person lives abroad, is in prison, or cannot be traced.
- There is no authorised mediator with availability within 15 miles of your home.
Claiming a MIAM exemption correctly
Some exemptions, such as those based on domestic abuse, need supporting evidence. If you claim an exemption that does not stand up, the court can direct you to attend a MIAM before your case goes further, which costs you time. Our full list of MIAM exemptions sets out each ground and the evidence the court looks for, and you can also read whether a MIAM is compulsory in your situation.
From our sister service, Family Law Service
Applying to court? Let us complete the forms
If you do need to apply, Family Law Service can prepare your Form C100 or Form A for a fixed fee, including the MIAM and exemption sections, so nothing is missed.
A lot of people assume the MIAM is a hurdle put in their way. It is really the opposite. It is your chance to find out whether there is a faster, calmer route than court, before you commit to the longer one. Plenty of people leave realising they never needed the courtroom at all.
What actually happens at the MIAM
The meeting lasts about an hour and is usually held by video call. The mediator listens to your situation, explains how mediation and the other options work, and assesses whether mediation could be suitable and safe. For a full walk-through, see our guide to the MIAM process explained, or read what to expect at your MIAM appointment.
What if the other person will not attend a MIAM?
This worries a lot of people, but it does not stop you. You attend your own MIAM, and if the other person declines their separate invitation, the mediator can still sign your MIAM certificate. That certificate confirms you have done what the court requires, and you can go ahead and apply. If mediation does turn out not to be the route for you, our guide to your options after a MIAM explains what comes next.
You don’t have to go through this on your own. The Divorce Circle is a free, private community where people across England and Wales share experiences and support each other through separation and divorce.
Do I need a MIAM: frequently asked questions
Do I need a MIAM if my ex and I already agree?
Do both of us need to attend a MIAM?
Do I need a MIAM for a consent order?
How long is the MIAM certificate valid?
Can I claim an exemption instead of attending?
Still have questions?
Not sure whether you need a MIAM or whether an exemption applies? Talk it through with us first. A free 15-minute call comes with no obligation.