Court Support and Paperwork
The paperwork and mediation support you may need before court
In England and Wales, family mediation is often an important step between a dispute and a court application. Whether you reach a full agreement or need a judge to decide the final details, our mediators provide the official paperwork required by the Family Court.
If you are transitioning from mediation to a court application, we provide the practical support and certificates you need to progress your case legally and efficiently.
The MIAM certificate: your gateway to court
Under the Children and Families Act 2014, most people applying for a court order regarding children or finances must show they have attended a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting), unless a valid exemption applies.
If mediation is not suitable for your case, or if the other party declines to attend, our authorised mediators will complete the relevant section of your court application.
Why the MIAM certificate matters
- Legal Requirement: Without confirmation from a mediator or a valid exemption, the court may pause proceedings and direct the parties to consider non-court dispute resolution.
- Validity: In England and Wales, a MIAM certificate is generally valid for four months from the date of your assessment.
- Exemptions: If your case involves domestic abuse, child protection concerns, or extreme urgency, we can help you understand if an exemption applies to your situation.
Mediation summary documents
If you do reach an agreement, or even a partial agreement, we provide professional summaries that can help your solicitor draft a legally binding order where appropriate.
1. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
This document records the proposals you and your former partner have reached. While not a court order itself, it can serve as the blueprint for your solicitor to create a Consent Order.
2. Open Financial Statement (OFS)
In financial cases, this document lists all assets, debts, income, and pensions disclosed during mediation. Because it is open, it can be shown to the court to evidence full and frank financial disclosure.
3. Parenting Plans
For child arrangements, we provide a written Parenting Plan. This practical record helps both parents follow the agreed routine for holidays, schooling, and handovers.
Guidance on the next steps
The end of mediation is not the end of your support. We guide you on how to use your paperwork effectively:
- Finding a Solicitor: We can explain how to take your MOU to a legal professional to formalise your agreement into a legally binding Consent Order.
- Filing Your Application: If you need to go to court, we ensure you have the correct signed documents to help avoid delays.
- C100 and Form A Support: We ensure the mediator’s section is completed accurately in line with the Family Procedure Rules.
Funding and costs
- Legal Aid: If you qualify for legal aid, it may cover the cost of your MIAM and mediation sessions. Where both people qualify, it can also cover applying for a consent order.
- Voucher Scheme: The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is for eligible child-related cases and helps cover mediation session costs. It does not cover the MIAM itself.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a MIAM certificate?
We typically issue the certificate shortly after your MIAM is completed, provided mediation is considered unsuitable or the other person does not engage.
Can a mediator give me legal advice?
No. As mediators in England and Wales, we remain neutral. We can provide legal information and explain the process, but for specific legal advice about your court application, you should speak to a solicitor.
What if my MIAM certificate expires?
If your certificate is more than four months old, you may need to attend a new MIAM assessment to meet the court’s requirements.
Take the next step
Move from mediation to the right next step
Whether you need a MIAM certificate for court or summary documents to help formalise an agreement, we can help you move forward clearly and efficiently.