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Form FM1: confirming a MIAM for some children applications

A form many websites still say you need with every application. Since April 2024 its use is narrow. Here’s when you need it.

By Paige ThomsonFacts checked 20 October 2026Covers the law in England and Wales

Form FM1 confirms that you attended a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), or that you’re exempt, when you apply on form C1 or C2 for certain children orders. There is no fee. You don’t need FM1 with a C100 or Form A, because those forms include their own MIAM sections.

Official name
Family Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) form
Court fee
None
Online or paper
Paper
Who fills it in
The applicant, with a section signed by the mediator
When
With a C1 or C2 application for one of the listed orders
Current version
FM1 (04.24)
Where it goes
With your C1 or C2 to the family court

Correct at 20 October 2026. Fees from GOV.UK, Family court fees (EX50).

When do you need form FM1?

The form says it is only for applications on form C1 or C2 for these Children Act 1989 orders:

  • a parental responsibility order, or ending parental responsibility
  • appointing a child’s guardian, or ending that appointment
  • permission to change a child’s surname or remove a child from the UK
  • a special guardianship order, or varying or ending one

For a child arrangements, prohibited steps or specific issue order, the MIAM details go in C100 itself. For a financial application they go in Form A.

How do you fill in Form FM1?

FM1 has four sections. Answer Section 1 first: it tells you which others to complete.

Section 1: do you need a MIAM?

Question 1a asks whether there are emergency protection, care or supervision proceedings about the child; if so, you don’t need a MIAM. Question 1b asks whether you attended a MIAM, and 1c whether you’re claiming an exemption. If the answer to both is no, you can’t make the application yet.

Section 2: exemptions

Tick the exemption and the evidence you have: domestic abuse (with evidence from the list), child protection concerns, urgency, a MIAM or other dispute resolution in the last 4 months, or another listed ground, such as not being able to attend online when no authorised mediator within 15 miles can see you within 15 business days. Where evidence is needed, send it with the application, or explain why you can’t.

Section 3: the mediator

If you attended a MIAM, the authorised family mediator completes and signs this section, with their Family Mediation Council registration number.

Section 4: statement of truth

Sign and date.

What are the common mistakes on Form FM1?

  • Sending FM1 with a C100 or Form A. It isn’t needed.
  • Claiming an exemption without sending the evidence it needs.
  • A mediator’s signature from someone who isn’t an authorised family mediator.
  • Assuming a MIAM attended long ago still counts. The previous-attendance exemption covers the last 4 months.

What happens after you send Form FM1?

The court checks the MIAM information and any evidence when it processes the application. If it decides an exemption you claimed isn’t valid, you’ll be asked to attend a MIAM before the application goes any further.

Where do you get Form FM1?

Download FM1 from GOV.UK; a Welsh version is available. Book a MIAM with a mediator registered with the Family Mediation Council. GOV.UK says a MIAM usually costs around £120, and is free if either of you qualifies for legal aid.

Open Form FM1 on GOV.UK

We explain forms but never host them, so you always download the current version from GOV.UK.

When should you get help with Form FM1?

A mediator registered with the Family Mediation Council can hold the MIAM and sign the form, and may be able to help you agree without going to court. Speak to a family solicitor if you’re unsure whether an exemption applies.

Get help with Form FM1

Tell us what’s going on and we’ll introduce you to two or three mediators who can help. Introductions are free for you.

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Common questions

Do I need form FM1 with a C100?

No. The C100 has its own MIAM sections, and the mediator signs those. FM1 is only for certain applications made on form C1 or C2.

Is there a fee for form FM1?

No. The MIAM itself usually costs around £120, according to GOV.UK, unless you qualify for legal aid.

Who signs form FM1?

You sign the statement of truth. If you attended a MIAM, the authorised family mediator who held it completes and signs their section.

Sources

  1. GOV.UK, Confirm if you have attended a MIAM: Form FM1 (form version 04.24)
  2. GOV.UK, Making child arrangements: make an agreement through mediation
  3. GOV.UK, Form C100 MIAM sections (version 06.26)
Form C2Ask for something in a children case already under wayForm C100Ask the court to decide where children live, time with each parent or a specific issueForm AStart a financial case, or apply for a consent orderForm C1ATell the court about domestic abuse or risk of harm in a children case

Guides and tools

How much does mediation cost?MIAMs, sessions and the £500 voucherTaking children abroad after separationHolidays, permission and moving awayChild arrangements order without a solicitorThe C100 from start to finish

This page is general information about court forms, not legal or financial advice. Forms, fees and rules change, so always download the current form from GOV.UK and speak to a qualified professional about your situation. Facts checked 20 October 2026.