What Is A MIAM And What Is A C100 Form?
When parents cannot agree on child custody arrangements after separation, the legal process can feel confusing and overwhelming. In England and Wales, the courts refer to these decisions as child arrangements. Two terms that commonly arise at an early stage are MIAM and C100.
Understanding what a MIAM mediation meeting involves and how to complete a C100 application can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
At Gavin Edmondson Solicitors in Northwich, Cheshire, we regularly advise parents on child arrangement matters and guide them through the court process with care and practical expertise.
What Is A MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting)?
A MIAM (Mediation Information And Assessment Meeting) is usually the first step before applying to the Family Court for a Child Arrangements Order.
In most cases, attending a MIAM is a legal requirement before submitting a C100 court form.
The purpose of MIAM mediation is not to force parents into mediation, but to:
- Explain how family mediation works.
- Assess whether mediation is suitable
- Explore whether an agreement can be reached without court proceedings
- Reduce conflict and legal costs.
If mediation is unsuitable or unsuccessful, the mediator will issue a MIAM certificate, which allows you to proceed with a C100 application.
What Happens At A MIAM Meeting?
At your MIAM:
- You meet privately with a qualified family mediator
- The mediator explains the mediation process
- Your circumstances are assessed
- You can raise concerns such as domestic abuse, safety, urgency, or communication difficulties
A MIAM typically lasts 45–60 minutes and is usually a one-off meeting unless mediation sessions follow.
When Do You Not Need to Attend a MIAM? (MIAM Exemptions)
You may not need to attend a MIAM before filing a C100 form online or submitting a paper C100 court form if:
- There is evidence of domestic abuse
- The matter is urgent (for example, risk of harm to a child)
- The application is purely administrative
- One party cannot be located or is unable to attend
A solicitor can advise whether you qualify for a MIAM exemption and ensure your C100 application is completed correctly.
What Is A C100 Form For Child Arrangements?
A C100 form is the official C100 court form used to apply to the Family Court for a Child Arrangements Order.
Parents can complete a C100 form online via the government website or submit a paper application to the court.
A C100 application asks the court to decide arrangements such as:
- Where a child lives
- How much time a child spends with each parent
- Holiday and special occasion contact
- Indirect contact (calls, video, messages)
These decisions are often referred to as child arrangements, although every case is assessed individually based on the child’s best interests.
After a C100 application is submitted, the court will usually ask CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) to carry out safeguarding checks before the first hearing. CAFCASS officers may speak to both parents and prepare a short report to assist the court.
What Are Child Arrangements (Previously Known as Child Custody)
While there is no automatic “standard” arrangement, courts commonly consider:
- Alternate weekend contact
- Midweek overnight or evening contact
- Shared holiday arrangements
- Special arrangements for birthdays and Christmas
- Shared care where appropriate
The court’s focus is always the welfare of the child, not parental entitlement.
How The MIAM and C100 Process Works
In most child arrangement cases, the process follows this order:
1. Attend A MIAM
Unless you qualify for an exemption, you must attend a MIAM mediation meeting.
2. Obtain A MIAM Certificate
If mediation is unsuitable or unsuccessful, the mediator signs the MIAM certificate section of the C100 form.
3. Submit A C100 Application
You then file your C100 application (either by paper or C100 form online) with the Family Court.
4. Court Proceedings
If agreement cannot be reached, the court will determine arrangements based on the child’s welfare.
Do You Need a Solicitor for A C100 Application?
Although parents can complete a C100 form online without legal representation, errors or incomplete information can lead to:
- Rejected C100 applications
- Court delays
- Additional stress and expense
- Weak presentation of your position
A family law solicitor can:
- Advise on MIAM requirements and exemptions
- Ensure your C100 court form is completed correctly
- Prepare supporting evidence
- Represent you in court
- Focus on achieving the best outcome for your child
Child Arrangement Solicitors In Northwich, Cheshire
At Gavin Edmondson Solicitors we provide clear, compassionate advice to parents dealing with child arrangement disputes across Northwich and the wider Cheshire area.
We understand how emotionally difficult disagreements over children can be. Whether you need guidance on MIAM mediation, assistance with a C100 application, or representation in court, we are here to support you.
Get Advice On MIAMs And C100 Applications
If you need help understanding child arrangements (which may include submitting a C100 form or attending a MIAM), early legal advice can make a significant difference.
Contact Gavin Edmondson Solicitors in Northwich today to discuss your situation with confidence and clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In most cases, yes. The Family Court requires parents to attend a MIAM mediation meeting before submitting a C100 application. If mediation does not proceed, the mediator will provide a MIAM certificate, which must accompany the C100 form unless an exemption applies.
Yes, in certain circumstances you may be exempt from attending a MIAM before submitting a C100 application. Common MIAM exemptions include domestic abuse, urgent applications, or situations where the other parent cannot be located. If an exemption applies, you can indicate this on the C100 form when submitting your application to the Family Court.
A MIAM typically lasts 45 minutes to one hour. It is usually a single meeting. If both parties agree to proceed, further MIAM mediation sessions may be arranged.
A MIAM certificate is confirmation from an authorised mediator that you have attended a MIAM or that mediation is not suitable. The certificate allows you to move forward with your C100 court form and begin court proceedings if necessary.
If mediation is unsuccessful, the mediator signs the relevant section of the C100 form (the MIAM certificate section). You can then submit your C100 application to the Family Court for determination.
Usually, yes. Each parent attends their own MIAM separately. If one parent refuses without valid reason, this may be considered by the court during C100 proceedings.
Yes. You can complete and submit a C100 form online via the government website. Alternatively, you can submit a paper C100 court form.
Many parents choose to seek legal advice before filing their C100 application to avoid errors and ensure their case is clearly presented.
There is no automatic formula, but typical child contact arrangements may include:
- Alternate weekends
- Midweek contact
- Shared school holidays
- Arrangements for birthdays and Christmas
- Shared care where appropriate
Each case depends on the child’s welfare and individual family circumstances.
Timescales vary depending on:
- Court availability
- Complexity of the case
- Safeguarding concerns
- Whether agreement is reached early
Some C100 applications resolve within a few months, while others may take longer if multiple hearings are required.
After a C100 application is submitted, the court will normally arrange a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA). Before the hearing, CAFCASS will carry out safeguarding checks and may speak to both parents. The court will then consider whether an agreement can be reached or whether further hearings are required.
Yes. We regularly advise parents on:
- MIAM requirements and exemptions
- Obtaining a MIAM certificate
- Completing a C100 form online
- Preparing a C100 court form
- Representing clients in child arrangement proceedings
We support families throughout Northwich and Cheshire with practical, clear legal advice.