What is a MIAM Exemption Explanation Letter?

A MIAM Exemption Explanation Letter is a document sent to the court alongside a family court application, such as a C100 form. It explains why you are claiming an exemption from the requirement to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This is necessary because, under the Children and Families Act 2014 and Family Procedure Rules 2010, most private family law applicants must attend a MIAM before proceeding, unless specific statutory exemptions apply.

What are the common reasons for being exempt from attending a MIAM?

The most common statutory exemptions from attending a MIAM include domestic abuse, child safety concerns, urgency, and having attended a previous MIAM within the last four months. If you are claiming the domestic abuse exemption, you must provide supporting evidence, such as a letter from a GP, a police report, or documentation from another professional, to substantiate your claim to the court.

When should I use this letter instead of attending a MIAM?

You should not use this letter if you do not have a valid statutory exemption. If no exemption applies, you are required to attend a MIAM. The letter is specifically for explaining why you are not required to attend based on grounds like domestic abuse or urgency. It does not replace the need to tick the relevant exemption boxes on the C100 form itself, nor does it allow you to skip mediation if you are not exempt.

What are some common mistakes people make when claiming a MIAM exemption?

Common mistakes include ticking an exemption box on the C100 form without having supporting evidence ready, which may lead a judge to query the application. Another error is relying on the 'urgency' exemption without precisely explaining why the matter cannot wait for a MIAM appointment. Additionally, applicants often confuse a MIAM (which is mandatory if not exempt) with mediation itself (which you cannot be compelled to continue with after the assessment).

What information needs to be included in the exemption letter?

The letter should clearly state the specific grounds for your exemption, such as domestic abuse or urgency. It must list any supporting evidence you are attaching, such as GP letters or police reference numbers. You should also provide a narrative of the relevant circumstances and confirm that the information is true to the best of your knowledge. If you attempted to arrange a MIAM, you should name the authorised mediator or service you contacted.

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Family

Family Law

Updated 2026-05-16

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

Fill in your details

Complete the fields below. Required fields are marked with *.

Your full name*

Your address*

Your email address*

Date of letter*

Court name*

Court address*

Child's full name*

Child's date of birth*

Date of your court application*

Grounds for MIAM exemption*

Evidence in support*

Narrative of relevant circumstances*

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.

Related Guides

Family Court Process

Related Rights

Family Rights

Official Resources

Gov.uk — MIAM →Family Mediation Council — Find a Mediator →

Frequently asked questions

What is a MIAM Exemption Explanation Letter?: A MIAM Exemption Explanation Letter is a document sent to the court alongside a family court application, such as a C100 form. It explains why you are claiming an exemption from the requirement to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This is necessary because, under the Children and Families Act 2014 and Family Procedure Rules 2010, most private family law applicants must attend a MIAM before proceeding, unless specific statutory exemptions apply.
What are the common reasons for being exempt from attending a MIAM?: The most common statutory exemptions from attending a MIAM include domestic abuse, child safety concerns, urgency, and having attended a previous MIAM within the last four months. If you are claiming the domestic abuse exemption, you must provide supporting evidence, such as a letter from a GP, a police report, or documentation from another professional, to substantiate your claim to the court.
When should I use this letter instead of attending a MIAM?: You should not use this letter if you do not have a valid statutory exemption. If no exemption applies, you are required to attend a MIAM. The letter is specifically for explaining why you are not required to attend based on grounds like domestic abuse or urgency. It does not replace the need to tick the relevant exemption boxes on the C100 form itself, nor does it allow you to skip mediation if you are not exempt.
What are some common mistakes people make when claiming a MIAM exemption?: Common mistakes include ticking an exemption box on the C100 form without having supporting evidence ready, which may lead a judge to query the application. Another error is relying on the 'urgency' exemption without precisely explaining why the matter cannot wait for a MIAM appointment. Additionally, applicants often confuse a MIAM (which is mandatory if not exempt) with mediation itself (which you cannot be compelled to continue with after the assessment).
What information needs to be included in the exemption letter?: The letter should clearly state the specific grounds for your exemption, such as domestic abuse or urgency. It must list any supporting evidence you are attaching, such as GP letters or police reference numbers. You should also provide a narrative of the relevant circumstances and confirm that the information is true to the best of your knowledge. If you attempted to arrange a MIAM, you should name the authorised mediator or service you contacted.