Do I Need a MIAM Before a C100 Application?
Updated: Sep 15
Before applying for a child arrangements order, many applicants must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, usually called a MIAM. It is not a joint mediation session and it does not require you to settle your case.
Its purpose is to explain mediation and other ways of resolving the dispute, and to assess whether they may be safe and suitable. Some applications are exempt, but an exemption must be identified accurately.
This guide concerns private children proceedings in England and Wales. H.A. Law Advisory’s service described below is limited to clients in England.
What is a MIAM?
A MIAM is a meeting with an authorised family mediator. The mediator provides information about mediation and other non-court dispute resolution and considers suitability, including relevant safety concerns.
The official C100 guidance on GOV.UK states that MIAM attendance is a legal requirement before applying to the family court unless a valid exemption applies. A MIAM may take place in person or online.
Attending a MIAM does not mean that both parents must sit together. It also does not require mediation to proceed. The mediator considers the circumstances and explains available options.
Which applications use Form C100?
Form C100 is used for an application under section 8 of the Children Act 1989 for a child arrangements order, prohibited steps order or specific issue order. It can also be used for relevant applications to vary or discharge an order.
Examples include disputes about where a child lives, time with a parent, a proposed school or a specific step that one parent wants the court to prevent. The correct order depends on the actual issue.
The official form page was updated on 1 June 2026. Use the current version rather than an old saved copy.
The general rule before applying
Part 3 of the Family Procedure Rules governs non-court dispute resolution and MIAM requirements. A relevant application must contain confirmation from an authorised mediator that the applicant attended a MIAM, or a claim that a specified exemption applies.
This is more than a box-ticking exercise. The C100 information must match what happened and the exemption relied upon. Do not claim an exemption simply because communication is difficult or because one parent believes mediation will fail.
The prospective respondent is encouraged to attend a MIAM, but the pre-application requirement falls on the prospective applicant.
When might an exemption apply?
Rule 3.8 contains the detailed exemptions. They include defined circumstances involving evidence of domestic abuse, child-protection concerns, urgency, previous MIAM attendance and other specified situations.
The categories have conditions and, in some cases, evidential requirements. “My case is urgent” is not enough by itself. The facts must fall within the applicable definition and be set out honestly.
If domestic abuse, coercive control or risk of harm is present, safety comes first. Do not approach mediation as if it is compulsory negotiation. Obtain appropriate advice about the exemption, confidentiality and any urgent protective route.
Some applications are outside the MIAM requirement for reasons identified in the rules and practice directions, including certain consent-order situations and cases involving existing public-law or emergency protection proceedings. Check the exact procedural position rather than relying on a general summary.
What if the exemption is not accepted?
The court can examine whether an exemption was validly claimed or remains applicable. Under the rules, it may direct attendance at a MIAM or consider whether the requirement should not apply in all the circumstances.
An unsupported exemption can cause delay and distract from the child arrangements issue. If evidence is needed, organise it before filing where possible. If the situation is genuinely urgent, do not delay protective action merely to obtain routine paperwork; seek appropriate advice promptly.
MIAM is not the same as mediation
This distinction matters. A MIAM is the information and assessment meeting. Mediation is a separate process that may follow if it is safe, suitable and chosen.
A mediator is neutral and does not decide who is right. A legal adviser has a different role and can explain the legal implications of proposals. In some matters, both types of support are useful.
If agreement is reached, write down the practical details carefully. A parenting plan is not automatically a court order. If legally binding terms are needed, obtain advice on the appropriate consent-order process and court approval.
Prepare before the meeting
Write a short, child-focused summary of what is agreed and what remains disputed. Identify the practical outcome you seek, any existing orders, upcoming dates and safety concerns.
Gather only the documents needed to explain the position. These may include the existing order, a concise chronology and details of any relevant proceedings. Ask the mediator what they require rather than sending a large bundle without explanation.
Avoid using the MIAM to rehearse every grievance from the adult relationship. Focus on the decisions affecting the child and any reason why direct negotiation or mediation may be unsafe or impractical.
Illustrative example: assuming refusal is an exemption
A parent sends one message proposing mediation and receives no reply. They assume that silence automatically exempts them from attending a MIAM.
That assumption is unsafe. The applicant should contact an authorised mediator, explain what has happened and follow the current process. The mediator, rules and form requirements determine the appropriate confirmation or exemption route.
This example is illustrative and does not decide any individual case.
Completing the C100 accurately
Use the current form or online service. Ensure names, children’s details, existing cases, orders sought and MIAM information agree throughout.
Where harm allegations or domestic abuse are relevant, additional safeguarding information may be required. Do not minimise genuine risk, but do not strengthen an allegation beyond the facts and available evidence.
A litigant in person remains responsible for signing, filing, service where required, court directions and attending hearings. Document-preparation support does not transfer those responsibilities.
Frequently asked questions
Does a MIAM force me to mediate? No. It is an information and assessment meeting. Mediation proceeds separately if appropriate.
Can I use any mediator? The confirmation must come from an authorised family mediator. The official C100 page links to information on arranging a MIAM.
Does domestic abuse always remove the requirement automatically? Rule 3.8 contains a defined exemption and Practice Direction 3A addresses evidence. Apply the current requirements to the facts; do not assume.
What if we agree everything? A consent-order application may fall outside the ordinary MIAM requirement, but the court process and welfare scrutiny remain separate questions. Obtain advice on the correct application.
Need help preparing a C100 application?
Start a family-law enquiry with H.A. Law Advisory. For suitable matters, we provide non-reserved information, form preparation and written support while the client remains a litigant in person. We do not issue proceedings, conduct litigation, represent clients at hearings or provide emergency safeguarding intervention.
Rules, official form page and service scope checked on 12 September 2026.
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