MIAM Exemption Explanation Letter
A letter to accompany a C100 or other family court application where you are claiming an exemption from the requirement to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).
This template was not drafted by a solicitor.
It is an editorial reference based on the official sources we cite. You are responsible for any document you send. For high-stakes matters (court proceedings, large sums, deportation, criminal allegations, child welfare), have a regulated solicitor review or draft your document.
When to use this template
Use this letter when you need to explain to the court why you are not required to attend a MIAM before making a family court application. MIAM attendance is required before most private family law applications, but there are statutory exemptions. The most common are domestic abuse, child safety concerns, urgency, and previous MIAM attendance within four months. This letter sets out your claimed exemption clearly.
When NOT to use this template
Do not use this letter as a substitute for actually attending mediation if no exemption applies. If you are applying under the domestic abuse exemption, you will need supporting evidence (a letter from a GP, police report, or other professional). This letter does not replace the tick-box exemptions on the C100 form itself.
Legal Basis
Children and Families Act 2014 s.10 (requirement to attend MIAM before certain family proceedings); Family Procedure Rules 2010 r.3.8 (MIAM exemptions); Practice Direction 3A (family mediation information and assessment meetings). Domestic abuse exemption under FPR PD3A paras 13–17.
Before you send
- Ticking an exemption box on the C100 without having any supporting evidence ready — a judge may query it
- Relying on the 'urgency' exemption without explaining precisely why the matter cannot wait for a MIAM appointment
- Confusing a MIAM (which you must attend) with mediation itself (which you cannot be compelled to continue)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Ticking an exemption box on the C100 without having any supporting evidence ready — a judge may query it
- ✗Relying on the 'urgency' exemption without explaining precisely why the matter cannot wait for a MIAM appointment
- ✗Confusing a MIAM (which you must attend) with mediation itself (which you cannot be compelled to continue)
- ✗Not naming the authorised mediator or service contacted if you did attempt to arrange a MIAM
Build Your Letter
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Letter preview
[YOUR FULL NAME] [YOUR ADDRESS] [YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS] [DATE OF LETTER] The Court Manager [COURT NAME] [COURT ADDRESS] --- Dear Sir or Madam, **Re: Application in Proceedings Concerning [CHILD'S FULL NAME] (Date of Birth: [CHILD'S DATE OF BIRTH])** **MIAM Exemption — Explanation** I am writing in connection with my application to this Court dated [DATE OF YOUR COURT APPLICATION]. I understand that under section 10 of the Children and Families Act 2014 and Rule 3.8 of the Family Procedure Rules 2010, applicants are generally required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before making a private law family application. I am claiming an exemption from this requirement on the following ground(s): **Claimed Exemption(s)** [GROUNDS FOR MIAM EXEMPTION] **Supporting Evidence** In support of the exemption claimed, I attach / rely upon the following evidence: [EVIDENCE IN SUPPORT] **Circumstances** [NARRATIVE OF RELEVANT CIRCUMSTANCES] I am aware that the court may question whether my claimed exemption is made out and I am willing to provide further information if required. I confirm that the information in this letter is true to the best of my knowledge and belief. I respectfully ask the Court to accept my application and to proceed without requiring me to attend a MIAM at this stage. Yours faithfully, [YOUR FULL NAME]
Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.