Key Takeaways
- An online MIAM by video call is exactly as valid for court as an in-person meeting.
- What the court cares about is that the mediator is registered with the Family Mediation Council, not where the meeting was held.
- The MIAM is a one-to-one meeting; you are never in the same call as your ex-partner.
- It lasts around 45 to 60 minutes and costs £100 per person, with the court certificate a further £60.
- Your signed C100 or Form A is emailed to you within 1 to 2 working days.
Online MIAM
An online MIAM is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting held by video call instead of in a mediator’s office. It carries exactly the same weight as an in-person meeting, and produces exactly the same signed court form.
Every MIAM at BookMIAM is conducted online. You attend from your phone, tablet, or computer, from anywhere in England and Wales.
Is an Online MIAM Valid for Court?
Yes. There is no requirement for a MIAM to be held face to face, and family courts across England and Wales accept MIAM certificates from meetings held by video call.
What matters to the court is not where the meeting happened, but that it was conducted by a mediator registered with the Family Mediation Council. Your mediator, Abdul Wahid, is FMA trained and FMC registered, which is what allows him to sign your C100 or Form A.
How an Online MIAM Works
- Book your slot: choose a date and time, including evenings and weekends.
- Join the video call: you receive a secure link by email. No software to install.
- Attend individually: the MIAM is a one-to-one meeting. Your ex-partner is never in the same call, and attends their own separately if they choose to.
- Receive your certificate: your signed form is emailed to you within 1 to 2 working days.
What Happens in the Meeting
The MIAM lasts around 45 minutes to an hour. The mediator will:
- Explain how family mediation works and what it can and cannot resolve.
- Ask about your situation, so you can assess together whether mediation is suitable.
- Explain the alternatives, including court, and the likely cost and timescale of each.
- Check for any safety concerns or MIAM exemptions that apply to you.
- Sign your court form if you decide to apply to court instead.
Nothing you say is passed to your ex-partner, and nothing is reported to the court beyond whether you attended.
What an Online MIAM Costs
- MIAM: £100 per person.
- Court certificate: £60, if you need to make a court application.
- Mediation session: £180 per person for a 90-minute joint session, if you go on to mediate.
Attending online does not cost less than attending in person, but it does mean no travel, no parking, and no time off work.
Who Can Attend an Online MIAM
Anyone in England and Wales with a private, reasonably quiet space and a working internet connection. We hold appointments seven days a week, from 9am to 10pm, which suits shift workers, parents with young children, and people who cannot take time off during office hours.
If you are outside the UK but your court application is in England or Wales, you can still attend an online MIAM.
If You Need It Quickly
Because there is no travel involved, online MIAMs can often be arranged at short notice. If your court deadline is close, see Book an Urgent MIAM.
Related Guides
Ready to book your online MIAM? Book a free 15-minute chat or choose an appointment time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an online MIAM accepted by the family court?
Yes. There is no requirement for a MIAM to be held face to face, and family courts across England and Wales accept certificates from MIAMs held by video call, provided the mediator is registered with the Family Mediation Council.
How long does an online MIAM take?
Around 45 minutes to an hour. It is a one-to-one meeting between you and the mediator.
Will my ex-partner be in the same video call?
No. The MIAM is attended individually. Your ex-partner attends their own separate meeting if they choose to.
What do I need to attend an online MIAM?
A phone, tablet or computer, a working internet connection, and a private space where you can speak freely. You receive a secure link by email and there is no software to install.
How quickly can I get an online MIAM?
Appointments run seven days a week from 9am to 10pm, and because there is no travel involved they can often be arranged at short notice. If your court deadline is close, ask about an urgent MIAM.
Can I attend an online MIAM from outside the UK?
Yes, provided your court application is in England or Wales.
Written by
Abdul Wahid
FMA trained family mediator, registered with the Family Mediation Council. Over 10 years of experience helping families and businesses resolve disputes through mediation.