MIAM certificates
How do I get a MIAM certificate for court?
If you need a MIAM certificate for a family court application, the first step is attending a MIAM with an accredited mediator qualified to sign court forms.
A MIAM is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. It is not simply a form-signing exercise. Its purpose is to help you understand your options and to assess whether mediation, or another non-court process, may be suitable.
At the end of that process, either mediation moves forward, or the mediator may complete the relevant part of the court form so you can proceed with an application where appropriate.
A MIAM certificate allows you to move forward with the relevant family court application where mediation has not gone ahead, has not resolved the issue, or has been assessed as unsuitable. In some cases, a valid exemption may mean a MIAM is not required before applying.
What happens next
What happens if mediation resolves the issues?
If mediation resolves your dispute, you may not need to apply to court at all. In that situation, the focus shifts from court paperwork to recording what has been agreed clearly and properly.
Your mediator can prepare a Memorandum of Understanding setting out the proposals reached in mediation. Where appropriate, particularly in financial matters, those proposals can then be formalised through a consent order.
Court proceedings are usually only needed if agreement cannot be reached or mediation is unsuitable. If you do reach proposals in mediation, the next step is often to have them recorded and, where needed, legally formalised.
Common question
Can I just get a MIAM certificate?
A MIAM should not be treated as a shortcut to a signature. It is an assessment meeting designed to consider safety, suitability and whether a non-court process could help resolve the dispute.
Depending on the circumstances, the relevant court form may be completed after:
- You attend a MIAM and mediation does not proceed.
- The other person is invited but does not engage with the process.
- The mediator assesses mediation, or another non-court process, as unsuitable at that time.
- Mediation is attempted but the issues remain unresolved and a court application is still needed.
Timing and validity
How long is a MIAM certificate valid for?
In practice, a mediator’s signature is generally treated as valid for four months. If court proceedings are not started within that period, or if no mediation has taken place in that time, you may need a fresh MIAM before applying.
If you attended a MIAM or another non-court dispute resolution process relating to the same dispute within the previous four months, that may also be relevant when completing the court application and exemption sections.
If you are unsure whether a previous MIAM is still current for your application, check with the mediator before you submit anything to court.
Move forward
Take the next step
If you need a MIAM certificate for court, the first step is arranging the MIAM itself. That meeting gives you clarity on whether mediation could help, and whether the relevant court form may need to be completed.
Our accredited mediators can guide you through the process clearly and without pressure. Whether mediation moves forward or not, you will leave with a better understanding of your options and the correct next step.
Book your MIAM
Arrange your MIAM appointment
If you need a MIAM certificate for court, or want to explore whether mediation could resolve your matter, the first step is arranging your MIAM.
Our accredited mediators will guide you through the process professionally, clearly and without pressure.