C100 Form

The C100 form serves as your formal application to the family court for legally binding child arrangements in England and Wales. The C100 form is used to apply for a Child Arrangements Order, which determines living arrangements and other aspects of a child’s upbringing, including decisions about a child’s education, healthcare, and welfare, such as who the child lives with and how much contact they have with each parent. This essential document enables parents, guardians, and qualifying relatives to request court intervention when informal agreements fail and the child’s welfare requires legal protection.

A Child Arrangements Order is most commonly issued to biological parents when they separate or divorce. Family courts process thousands of C100 applications annually, making this the primary pathway for establishing: – Where children will live – Contact arrangements between parents – Protection against harmful parental actions – Resolution of specific child-related disputes, including providing details about the children involved in the legal process.

Whether you’ve recently divorced, separated, or face ongoing disagreements about your children’s care, the C100 form provides the legal framework for achieving fair, enforceable arrangements that prioritise your children’s wellbeing and the child’s welfare. While the C100 form is relatively simple to complete, it is 28 pages long and can be time-consuming.

Understanding your eligibility to submit a C100 form application ensures you follow the correct legal procedures and avoid costly delays.

Automatic Right to Apply: – Parents with parental responsibility (the child’s mother automatically has parental responsibility; fathers if married or on birth certificate) – Legal guardians appointed by previous court orders – Special guardians with existing court-granted authority – Anyone with current Child Arrangement Orders

Requires Court Permission First:

• Grandparents seeking contact with grandchildren
• Step-parents without formal parental responsibility
• Other family members (aunts, uncles, siblings)
• Anyone who has cared for the child for at least three years

A prospective applicant who does not have automatic rights may need to seek permission from the court before submitting a C100 form.

Most applicants will be required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before submitting the C100 form, unless an exemption applies.

How to Obtain Permission:- If you need court permission, you must demonstrate genuine connection to the child and show that contact serves their welfare. Courts increasingly recognise extended family relationships, especially when applicants have provided significant care or emotional support during family difficulties.

Our family law specialists successfully guide non-parents through the permission process, preparing compelling evidence that highlights your relationship’s value to your grandchildren or stepchildren.

A C100 application can be made either through a lawyer or as a ‘litigant in person’ if you wish to represent yourself.

Recognising when to proceed with formal court action ensures you protect your children’s welfare while avoiding unnecessary legal costs. Understanding the court process is crucial when dealing with such matters as child relocation, changes in schooling, or other significant welfare concerns, as these often require careful preparation and navigation of legal steps.

Submit a C100 Form When:

• Your ex-partner consistently refuses reasonable contact arrangements
• Communication has completely broken down despite mediation attempts
• You need legal protection against potential child abduction or relocation
• Informal agreements are regularly broken or ignored
• Children’s safety or wellbeing faces immediate risk
• Specific decisions about education, medical care, medical treatment, or upbringing require resolution

Try Alternative Resolution First:

Before submitting your C100 form, courts expect evidence of attempted cooperation:

• Direct negotiation between parents
• Family mediation through accredited providers
• Collaborative law approaches
• Informal family meetings with neutral relatives

Our experienced family lawyers assess your situation objectively, advising whether C100 form submission serves your children’s best interests or whether alternative approaches might achieve better outcomes with less emotional trauma.

The current court fee for submitting the C100 form is £270 as of 2026. This court fee must be paid to the family court before they can issue the application. Payment can be made by postal order or cheque if you post the form, or by card if you provide your contact number on a covering letter with the C100 form and request the court to contact you for payment processing.

You may qualify for a fee waiver if you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits. Eligibility for help with court fees is based on your income and whether you receive certain benefits. You can apply online for court fee assistance through the government website, making the process more convenient and accessible. Additionally, legal aid may be available to help cover the costs of your MIAM and mediation sessions.

Incorrectly completed applications face rejection, requiring resubmission with additional fees and 6-8 week delays. Cases lacking professional preparation typically require additional hearings, expert reports, and extended court involvement – often costing £5,000-£15,000 more than well-prepared applications that resolve efficiently.

The form C100 is needed if you want the court to make a legally binding order. To ask the court to decide disputes about child arrangements or other section 8 children matters, including specific issues, you must submit the C100 form. The form is commonly used where you and your partner cannot reach an agreement. The C100 once completed is submitted to the family court as part of your application for a child proceeding matter on which you want the court to decide upon.

The C100 form is one of the most commonly used forms in child law proceedings. If you are looking to apply for one of the following types of child orders then you will need to complete this form:

• Child Arrangement order – this is the order to determine where the child lives and whom the child will spend time with.
• Specific issue order – this is the order to give direction regarding a specific question of parental responsibility.
• Prohibited steps order – this is the order which prevents an action regardless of whether there is parental responsibility.
• Changing a Child Arrangement Order – this is where a parent wants to change an existing court order for child access.
• Stopping child contact – this is where one parent wants to prevent the other parent from having any contact with the child.

A parenting plan can be prepared and attached to your application to formalise custody and visitation agreements. Anyone with parental responsibility can apply for a Specific Issue Order or a Prohibited Steps Order.

If you are acting in person you are able to download the C100 form from here. If you are seeking legal assistance then your child law specialist will be able to provide you with a copy of the form to complete.

Care should be taken when completing the C100 application to avoid delays or difficulty through the proceedings arising from a poor prepared form.

It is important to note when completing a C100 is that the courts may take 4 to 6 weeks to deal with such applications. The matter could be further delayed if the court is currently dealing with a backlog of work. However, if the matter is urgent you can submit an emergency application to the family court. Quite usually such applications will be considered on the day the application is made given that a child’s welfare maybe at risk.

Attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is a legal requirement in most cases under the family procedure rules before submitting your C100 form, unless an exemption applies, such as cases involving domestic abuse, child protection concerns, or urgent risk of harm. The MIAM process was made compulsory in April 2014 to encourage mediation as a first step in resolving family disputes. Only an authorised family mediator, accredited by the Family Mediation Council, can conduct a MIAM appointment and issue the necessary certificate.

The MIAM is typically a short meeting with a trained mediator who will explain how the mediation process works, assess whether mediation is suitable, and determine if your case can be resolved out of court. The mediation process is designed to help resolve disputes before court proceedings. If you have attended a previous MIAM within the last four months, you may not need a new appointment unless circumstances have changed or the previous MIAM is no longer valid. If mediation is deemed inappropriate during the MIAM, a certificate will be issued to allow you to proceed with the court application, and this MIAM certificate is valid for four months from the date it is signed by the family mediator.

If, however, you are making an urgent application, then mediation will not be required at that stage given the urgency of the matter.

If you are unsure as to how you can arrange to attend a mediation meeting then contact us today. We will be able to assist you in finding a mediator who is based local to you to avoid causing you with any further disruption or stress.

Alternatively you can browse the family mediation council website to locate a mediator close to you.

Quite often people involved in child law disputes may be suffering emotionally and may need support and assistance to complete the application form. Child law specialists are able to provide this assistance. At Kabir Family Law we pride ourselves in assisting many clients with their child law matters by providing guidance on the process right from completing the C100 form through to preparing you for your hearings.

With extensive knowledge and experience our specialists can guide you through the process by providing you with practical and tailored advice to suit your personal circumstances. Family mediators will also explain how mediation works and what to expect from the process, ensuring you are fully informed at every stage. Contact us today to arrange a consultation and benefit from the advice from our specialists

Do I definitely need a C100 form for my child arrangement dispute?

You need a C100 form when informal discussions fail and you require legally binding court orders. If your ex-partner consistently refuses reasonable contact arrangements, prevents you seeing your children, or you need protection against potential child removal, a C100 form provides the legal framework for resolution. The form becomes essential when mediation attempts have failed and you need court intervention to establish clear, enforceable arrangements that prioritise your children’s welfare.

Should I try mediation first or can I go straight to court with my C100 form?

You must attend a MIAM (Mediation Information Assessment Meeting) before submitting your C100 form, unless you qualify for exemptions like domestic abuse or genuine urgency. This isn’t optional – courts will reject applications without MIAM certificates or valid exemption evidence. The MIAM process demonstrates your commitment to resolving disputes amicably and may identify solutions without costly court proceedings.

How do I know if I qualify for a MIAM exemption for my C100 form?

MIAM exemptions apply when domestic abuse evidence exists (police reports, medical records, court orders), genuine urgency threatens child welfare, or if there has been previous MIAM attendance within the last four months for the same issue—meaning you may not need to attend a new MIAM if you recently participated in one related to ongoing proceedings. Your accredited mediator assesses exemption eligibility during initial contact. Other exemptions include bankruptcy proceedings, inability to attend due to disability, or when the other party is in prison.

The C100 form contains 20 pages of detailed questions, with several sections that require careful strategic consideration to avoid common pitfalls that delay or weaken your application. Missing information can lead to delays, rejection, or even legal complications, so it is crucial to provide complete and accurate details throughout the form.

When completing the C100 form you are required to outline whether there are risks of harm to the child and if so identify which risks. You need to ensure you are certain that you have grounds to make these serious allegations. If there are any concerns or risks of harm then the form C1A must also be completed and filed with the C100 application.

You will also be required to confirm whether you require permission to make this application, if you are a parent then permission will not be required. Alternatively if you are a grandparent wanting to establish contact with your grandchildren then you will need leave from the court to make such an application. You are also asked to confirm whether an urgent hearing with or without notice is required. If your application is urgent then this will need to be ticked. You will also need to confirm whether there are any previous or ongoing proceedings for the children, whether there is any international element such as a parent taking a child out of the UK or whether you are considering locating abroad with the children. The final question is whether the child or anyone involved will need to speak or need written Welsh during the proceedings.

On page 2 of the C100 form you are required to complete the full details of the children who will be involved in the application and confirm what relationship you and the respondent have with the children. The same information must be provided for each child listed in the application to ensure clarity and completeness.

Page 3 of the form requires you to provide more information on the children and include details of whether social services have been involved, whether the children have the same parents and who the children currently reside with. You should also include details of any other children who may be affected by the proceedings, even if they are not the main subject of the application.

Pages 4 till 9 relate to mediation and exemptions. If you have received a MIAM certificate you will need to include this or alternatively complete the pages with regards to the exemption form mediation which applies to your situation.

Page 10 of the form C100 requires you to provide information on your reasons for making the application. This section critically influences court decisions, yet most parents either provide too little detail or overwhelm courts with irrelevant information. The optimal approach involves understanding specific legal criteria that judges use to evaluate applications and crafting responses that address these criteria directly. The court will consider all relevant factors when making a decision, so it is important to include all pertinent information.

Pages 11 and 12 of the form C100 only need to be completed if you are making an application for an urgent hearing. Claiming false urgency can result in cost penalties, while failing to properly demonstrate genuine urgency delays protection for children at risk. Understanding the specific legal threshold for emergency applications requires expertise in family court procedures.

On page 13 of the form you will need to provide details of any existing or ongoing proceedings which relate to the child named in the application. This information could be found on the court documents you have received for any previous child matters or you can simply contact that Court by telephone to secure the relevant information.

Page 14 of the C100 only needs to be completed where there is an international element involved. If not then this needs to remain blank.

Page 15 concerns your attendance at the court. Accurate information is required to ensure the court is ready for you and anyone else who is attending the court. You therefore need to specify whether any party will require an interpreter or any other assistance or facilities.

Pages 16 and 17 of the C100 form require you to provide full contact details of you and the respondent (the other party involved). This section needs to be completed accurately to ensure any paperwork from the court is received and to ensure no delays are caused.

Page 18 of the form only needs to be completed if there are any other parties who need to be provided with notice of the application and how they are related to the child.

If you have legal representation for the matter then you will need to provide your representatives details on page 19 of the application form. Page 20 of the application form is an important section. It contains a checklist to enable you to ensure that you have completed the relevant sections which apply to your circumstances and provided the required evidence. The page also confirms a statement of truth which you need to complete, sign and date which confirms that the information you have provided is accurate to your understanding.

When outlining contact arrangements, remember that acceptable contact methods can include phone calls, as well as texts, emails, and other forms of communication.

You must sign and date the C100 form to confirm that the information provided is accurate. Additionally, you may need to complete additional forms, such as the C8 form, for confidentiality or safety reasons.

What’s the total cost of C100 form proceedings beyond the £270 application fee?

Beyond the £270 application fee, potential costs include MIAM fees (£120-£150), legal guidance (varies by provider), and additional hearing fees if proceedings extend. However, Help with Fees can reduce or eliminate court costs for eligible applicants earning under specific income thresholds. Many lawyers offer fixed-fee consultations and transparent pricing structures to help families budget effectively for legal proceedings.

Can I get financial help if I’m working but on a low income?

Yes, Help with Fees considers total household income, not just employment status. If you earn under £1,170 monthly (single) or £1,445 (couple), you may qualify for fee remission. The online calculator at gov.uk provides instant eligibility assessment without affecting your application. Many working families qualify for partial or full fee waivers, ensuring financial constraints don’t prevent access to justice.

The completed C100 form needs to be submitted to the family court by post. You need to ensure 3 copies of the completed form are sent together with C1A if the matter is urgent and your witness statement. You must also ensure you enclose payment for the application form. You will also need to ensure you serve the application form on the other party involved.

Once the form is received by the court they will issue the application and provide a notice of issue to both you and the respondent. The respondent will also be required to acknowledge receipt of the court form. The courts will then list the matter for a first hearing dispute resolution appointment, the purpose of which is to consider the safeguarding information and the courts will encourage the parties to resolve the information. Cafcass may also be instructed to make initial enquiries regarding the welfare of the child involved. At the first hearing the courts will not consider any evidence but will see whether the matter is capable for settlement. If an agreement cannot be reached at this stage the courts will then make directions to progress the case and get the case ready for a full hearing in which the evidence could be heard. At this stage the court may also direct Cafcass to prepare a section 7 report which will be used to consider what should happen. If serious allegations are made by either party which could affect the outcome of the case there may be a fact finding hearing before the final hearing to determine the issues. The matter will finally be listed for a final hearing in which the court will make an order and impose their decision which will be binding on all the parties involved.

Which version of the C100 form should I use and where do I get it?

Always use the latest C100 form version from gov.uk to avoid rejection. The current version includes updated sections for online submission compatibility. Avoid outdated forms from other websites as courts reject obsolete versions, causing processing delays and potential resubmission fees. Check the form date before downloading to ensure you’re using the most current version available.

What’s the most important section of the C100 form that determines success?

Section 10 (your reasons for applying) critically influences outcomes. Focus on your children’s welfare, avoid emotional language, and clearly state desired arrangements. Courts prioritise factual information about current problems and proposed solutions rather than historical relationship details. Demonstrate how your requested orders serve your children’s best interests and explain why court intervention is necessary.

How detailed should my C100 form responses be?

Provide sufficient detail to explain your situation without overwhelming the court. Each section should be complete but concise – typically 2-3 sentences per question covering the essential facts. Save detailed explanations for supporting witness statements rather than cramming everything into form sections. Focus on current circumstances and your children’s needs rather than extensive historical background.

Documentation and Evidence Requirements

What evidence strengthens my C100 form application most effectively?

The most effective evidence demonstrates specific legal principles that courts use to evaluate child welfare and parental capacity. While communication records and school reports form the foundation, the strategic selection, organization, and presentation of evidence often determines success more than the raw material itself.

Professional guidance helps identify which evidence carries most weight with different judges, how to present information that supports your specific requested orders, and which documents might inadvertently undermine your position. Many parents are surprised to learn that some “obviously helpful” evidence can actually weaken their case when presented incorrectly.

Evidence strategy is where legal expertise makes the biggest difference between favourable outcomes and prolonged proceedings.*

Do I need a C1A form and when must I complete it?

Complete form C1A whenever you indicate “risk of harm” on your C100 form. This mandatory supplementary form details domestic abuse, violence, or safety concerns affecting you or your children. Failure to submit C1A when required causes automatic application rejection and processing delays. The C1A form triggers additional court safeguards and may exempt you from MIAM requirements.

Should I submit my C100 form online or by post?

Online submission (available in most areas) processes faster, provides immediate confirmation, and reduces document loss risks. If online isn’t available in your area, use recorded delivery for postal submission. Online applications typically process 1-2 weeks faster than postal submissions and allow you to track progress through the court system more effectively.

What happens immediately after I submit my C100 form?

The court reviews your application for completeness within 1-2 weeks, then issues it if acceptable. You’ll receive a Notice of Issue with your case number and first hearing date. The court serves copies on the other party unless you request to do this yourself. CAFCASS also receives notification to begin their initial safeguarding enquiries before your first hearing.

Urgent Applications and Timing

When should I apply for an urgent C100 hearing?

Apply for urgent hearings only when immediate risk exists: threatened child removal, escalating domestic violence, or situations where delay genuinely threatens welfare. Courts scrutinise urgent applications carefully and may impose cost penalties for inappropriate emergency claims. Provide specific evidence demonstrating why your case cannot wait for standard processing timeframes.

What counts as “genuine urgency” for C100 applications?

Genuine urgency involves imminent threats to child safety, evidence of planned child abduction (flight bookings, passport applications), or situations where waiting 4-6 weeks for standard processing would cause irreversible harm to children’s welfare. Courts distinguish between inconvenience and genuine emergency situations requiring immediate intervention.

Special Circumstances and Complex Cases

How do grandparents successfully navigate the C100 form process?

Grandparents must first obtain “leave to apply” by demonstrating significant connection to grandchildren and showing contact serves their welfare. Prepare evidence of existing relationship, care provision, and how continued contact benefits children’s emotional development and stability. Courts increasingly recognise grandparents’ valuable role, especially when they’ve provided substantial care or support during family difficulties.

What if my ex-partner lives abroad or wants to relocate with our children?

International elements require detailed completion of Section 14 on your C100 form. Include specific countries involved, current residence details, and any relocation concerns. Courts can issue prohibited steps orders preventing international travel pending full hearings. These cases often involve complex legal considerations requiring specialist family law guidance to protect your children’s connection to both parents.

How should I prepare for my first hearing after submitting my C100 form?

First hearing preparation involves much more than gathering documents and dressing appropriately. Successful outcomes depend on understanding court procedures, knowing what judges expect to hear, and presenting your case in ways that encourage favorable decisions.

Professional preparation typically includes strategic positioning statements, evidence organisation that tells a compelling story, and rehearsal of key points you need to communicate effectively.

Our family lawyers can best guide you on how to prepare to ensure the best possible outcome.

What happens if we reach agreement during C100 proceedings?

First hearing preparation involves much more than gathering documents and dressing appropriately. Successful outcomes depend on understanding court procedures, knowing what judges expect to hear, and presenting your case in ways that encourage favorable decisions.

Professional preparation typically includes strategic positioning statements, evidence organisation that tells a compelling story, and rehearsal of key points you need to communicate effectively.

Our family lawyers can best guide you on how to prepare to ensure the best possible outcome.

Child protection and safeguarding are at the heart of every C100 application, especially when there are concerns about a child’s welfare or risk of harm. The family court treats child protection concerns with the utmost seriousness, and your application should reflect any issues that could impact your child’s safety or wellbeing.

If you have experienced domestic abuse, domestic violence, or have reason to believe your child may be at risk, it is essential to provide clear and detailed information in your C100 form. This includes outlining any previous or ongoing involvement with social services, as well as any current child protection plan. A child protection plan is a formal arrangement created by the local authority to safeguard children at risk of significant harm, and you should notify the court if your child is subject to such a plan. The court will carefully evaluate these details to determine whether immediate protective measures—such as a prohibited steps order—are necessary to prevent one parent from taking the child abroad or to restrict contact where there are safeguarding concerns.

When child protection issues are raised, the family court may request a welfare report from a CAFCASS officer or a local authority children’s services officer. These professionals will assess the child’s situation, speak with the parties involved, and make recommendations to the court about the safest and most appropriate child arrangements. The court will also consider other factors, such as the child’s wishes and feelings (depending on their age and understanding), their physical and emotional needs, each parent’s ability to provide a secure and nurturing environment, and any risks or concerns such as substance abuse.

If you are facing child protection concerns, seeking independent legal advice from a family lawyer is strongly recommended. An experienced family law specialist can guide you through the legal process, help you gather the necessary evidence, and ensure your application addresses all relevant safeguarding issues. This support is especially important in complex cases involving domestic abuse, child protection plans, or when a parent is attempting to take the child abroad without consent.

Ultimately, the family court’s primary focus is the child’s best interests. By providing comprehensive information about any child protection concerns and working with professionals such as CAFCASS, you help the court make informed decisions that prioritise your child’s welfare and safety. If you are unsure how to present your concerns or what evidence to provide, a family law specialist can offer practical advice and legal representation tailored to your specific circumstances.