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Book a MIAM →How to Find an FMC-Registered Mediator
The mediator you choose must be registered with the Family Mediation Council — otherwise the certificate they issue will not be accepted by the family court. Here is how to find one.
Key Points
- Only FMC-accredited mediators can issue MIAM certificates that family courts in England and Wales will accept.
- A mediator registered with the FMC can carry out a MIAM, but the MIAM must be signed by an FMC-accredited mediator.
- The Family Mediation Council (FMC) maintains a searchable register of mediators.
- You can attend in person or by video call — both result in a valid FM1 certificate.
- Always confirm the mediator is FMC-registered before booking.
- Check whether the mediator is a legal aid provider if you may be eligible for free or subsidised appointments.
- Online providers typically offer faster availability than in-person services.
Why FMC Accreditation Matters
Family courts in England and Wales will only accept MIAM certificates — FM1 forms — issued by mediators who are registered and/or accredited by the Family Mediation Council (FMC). Using a mediator, or attending a service that uses the term 'mediation' but is not FMC-registered, will mean your certificate is not valid for court.
The FMC sets professional standards for mediators — covering training, ongoing practice, supervision, and professional development. Accreditation is not automatic; mediators must meet specific competency requirements to achieve and maintain it.
Before booking any mediator, always verify their FMC registration. Most registered mediators display their FMC membership on their website or correspondence.
Key point: FMC accreditation is not optional — it is a legal requirement for the MIAM certificate to be accepted by the court. Your MIAM may be conducted by a mediator that might be registered with the FMC, but not yet accredited.
How to Search for an Accredited Mediator
There are three main ways to find an FMC-registered and/or accredited mediator:
- 1.The FMC mediator directory — the Family Mediation Council website (familymediationcouncil.org.uk) has a searchable directory of all registered mediators. You can search by postcode to find mediators near you, or filter for those offering online appointments.
- 2.Online mediation providers — services such as Digital MIAM (digitalmiam.co.uk) connect you directly with accredited mediators for online MIAM appointments, with fast availability and a clear booking process.
- 3.Solicitor referrals — if you have a family solicitor, they may be able to refer you to an accredited mediator they work with regularly.
What to Check Before Booking
Once you have found a mediator, confirm a few things before booking:
- FMC registration — check the FMC directory to confirm they are listed.
- Legal aid provider — if you may be eligible for legal aid, check whether the mediator is registered with the Legal Aid Agency (LAA). Some mediators offer legal aid; others do not.
- Online or in-person — confirm whether video appointments are available if you prefer to attend remotely.
- Availability — ask how quickly they can offer an appointment. Many online providers can offer dates within 24 to 48 hours.
- Fee — confirm the MIAM fee before booking so there are no surprises.
- Specialism — if your dispute involves complex financial matters, child protection concerns, or domestic abuse, ask whether the mediator has relevant experience.
Next Steps: Book Your MIAM
Once you have confirmed that a mediator is FMC-registered and meets your needs — whether in person or online, with or without legal aid — booking is usually straightforward.
Digital MIAM has an online booking system or can confirm a date by phone or email quickly. Online providers typically have faster availability, with appointments often within a few days.
Once booked, the mediator will confirm what you need to bring (usually nothing) and what to expect from the appointment.
How to Book a MIAM — step-by-step guideFrequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions
Have more questions about MIAMs, mediation, or the court process? Our FAQ page provides quick answers to the most common queries.
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When you're ready
You can book an online MIAM through Digital MIAM with a qualified, FMC-registered mediator — often available within a few days.
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Many people start by learning, not deciding. That is completely okay.
Finding the right mediator is an important first step.
You do not need to have everything figured out — just knowing where to look is enough to get started.