What is the C100 Form and when is it used?

The C100 form Explained

The C100 form is the main application form used to ask the Family Court to resolve disputes about children in England and Wales. It is commonly used when parents cannot agree on arrangements relating to where a child lives, who they spend time with, or other important issues affecting their upbringing. You can apply online or on paper, and the court fee is £270. This article explains what a C100 form is, when it is used, how to complete and submit it, and what happens after an application is made to the court.

What the C100 form is and when to use it

If you are completing the C100 form, it is recommended to seek advice from a family law solicitor. They can provide you with the necessary guidance and ensure that the form, which runs to more than 50 pages on paper, is filled out correctly. Seeking professional advice can increase the chances of a successful outcome in your case.

What is the C100 form?

The C100 form is a court form used in family law cases in England and Wales. It is the application form for all three types of “section 8” order under the Children Act 1989: child arrangements orders, prohibited steps orders and specific issue orders. It is also used to ask the court to change (vary) or end (discharge) one of those orders. The latest version can be downloaded from GOV.UK: Form C100.

Its most common use is to apply for a child arrangements order, which decides where a child will live, who they will spend time with, and when.

When is the C100 form used?

It is normally used in cases where parents are unable to come to an agreement on these matters. The C100 form is used in a variety of situations, including:

• Divorce or separation: If you are going through a divorce or separation and cannot agree on child arrangements, you may need to use the C100 form to apply for a Child Arrangements Order.
• Disagreements between parents: If you and your child’s other parent are unable to come to an agreement on child arrangements, the C100 form can be used to apply for a court order including a Child Arrangements Order, a Specific Issue Order or a Prohibited Steps Order.
• A single decision you cannot agree on: Such as which school a child should attend, medical treatment, a change of surname or taking a child abroad. These are dealt with by a specific issue order or a prohibited steps order, and both are applied for on the C100.
• Changes in circumstances: If there has been a significant change in circumstances that affects the child’s living arrangements, the C100 form can be used to ask the court to vary or discharge a Child Arrangements Order.
• Domestic abuse: If there has been domestic abuse in the family, the C100 form can be used to apply for a court order to protect the child. You will also need to complete form C1A (see Step 7).

Who can apply using the C100 form?

Parental responsibility refers to the legal rights, duties, powers and responsibilities that parents have in relation to their child. It includes the right to make decisions about the child’s upbringing, such as their education, healthcare and general welfare. Having parental responsibility is not the only test for who can apply, though. Under section 10 of the Children Act 1989, the following people can apply for any section 8 order without first asking the court’s permission:

• Any parent of the child, including an adoptive parent and a father who does not have parental responsibility
• Legal guardians and special guardians
• Step-parents who have parental responsibility for the child
• Anyone named in a child arrangements order as a person the child lives with

Some other people can apply for a child arrangements order without permission, for example someone the child has lived with for at least three years (not necessarily continuously, subject to the statutory timing limits), or, for a “live with” child arrangements order, a relative the child has lived with for at least a year immediately before the application. Everyone else, often including grandparents, must ask the court for permission (sometimes called “leave”) as part of their application. Our guide to grandparents’ rights explains how this works.

If you are unsure whether you have parental responsibility, you can check with a family law solicitor or on the Government’s website.

Family Mediation, MIAMs and the C100 Form

Family mediation is a process that can be used as an alternative to going to court when parents are unable to come to an agreement on child arrangements. It is a voluntary and confidential process that involves a trained mediator who helps facilitate communication and negotiation between the parents.

Family mediation can be used in conjunction with the C100 form. Before you apply, you must usually attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) with an authorised family mediator, who will look at whether mediation or another way of resolving the dispute outside court could work. The court expects parents to have considered these options before resorting to litigation, and the MIAM details are recorded in the C100 form.

If parents reach an agreement through mediation, they can ask the court to make the agreed arrangements into a consent order, again by applying on the C100 form. You do not usually have to attend court for this. The court will review the agreement and, if it is considered to be in the best interests of the child, may issue a court order based on the agreed-upon arrangements.

It is important to note that family mediation is not suitable for all cases, particularly those involving domestic abuse, where there are significant power imbalances between the parties or where the application is urgent. A MIAM exemption may apply, for example where there is evidence of domestic abuse or the application is urgent (other exemptions include having attended a MIAM or another non-court dispute resolution process in the last four months) and it may be necessary to proceed directly to court using the C100 form. You claim an exemption in the MIAM section of the form, and some exemptions require supporting evidence to be submitted with the application.

What Constitutes an ‘Urgent Application’ to the Court?

An urgent C100 application is used where there is an immediate need for a court order to protect the child’s welfare or safety. It is typically used in cases involving domestic abuse, child abduction, or other urgent circumstances that require immediate intervention from the court.

When filling out the C100 form, you can indicate that your application is urgent by explaining the specific circumstances that make it necessary for the court to expedite the process. For example, if there is an immediate risk of harm to the child or if there is a need to prevent the child from being taken out of the United Kingdom without consent, you should clearly state these concerns in Section 6, “Urgent and without notice hearings”, on the C100 form. The form also asks whether you need an urgent hearing, or a hearing without the other party being told in advance (“without notice”). Without notice hearings are only granted in exceptional cases, so give clear reasons.

It is important to note that urgent applications require strong evidence and justification to support the need for immediate court intervention. If you believe your situation qualifies as an urgent application, it is advisable to seek advice from a family law solicitor who can guide you through the process and help you present your case effectively.

How to fill out the C100 form

Filling out the C100 form correctly is crucial, as any mistakes or missing information can delay the court process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fill out the form:

Step 1: Apply online or download the form

The C100 form can be downloaded from the government’s website or obtained from your local family court. Always use the latest version (the form was last updated in June 2026). If you apply on paper, send the original form plus three copies.

You can also apply online, which GOV.UK recommends to help avoid delays. You can save your application and come back to it, but you have 28 days to complete it once you have started: Apply for a court order on GOV.UK

Step 2: Fill out the personal details

The form requires you to provide your personal details, including your name, address, and contact information. You will also need to provide the same information for the other parent and anyone else who is a party to the application (the “respondents”). If you do not want the other party to know your address or contact details, for example because of domestic abuse, you can ask the court to keep them confidential using form C8.

Step 3: Provide details about the child

In this section, you will need to provide the child’s full name, date of birth and details of who they currently live with. If there are any other children involved in the case, you will need to provide their details as well.

Step 4: Explain why you are applying for a court order

The section should include brief reasons why you are seeking a court order regarding child arrangements. This section is an opportunity for you to summarise the circumstances that have led to the need for a court order.

Here are some points that you can include in this section:

• Current living arrangements: Describe the current living arrangements of the child and explain why they are not satisfactory or suitable. For example, if the child is not living with you or if there are issues with the current living situation, you can provide details about it.
• Disagreements between parents: If you and the other parent are unable to come to an agreement on child arrangements, mention the specific disagreements and the efforts you have made to resolve them outside of Court.
• Changes in circumstances: If there have been significant changes in circumstances that affect the child’s well-being or living arrangements, explain these changes and how they have impacted the child’s best interests.
• Concerns for the child’s welfare: If there are any concerns or risks that the court should be aware of, such as domestic abuse, substance abuse, or neglect, provide details about these concerns and explain why you believe a court order is necessary to protect the child.
• Any other relevant information: Include any other relevant information that supports your case for a court order. This could include evidence of the other parent’s inability to provide a safe and stable environment for the child or any other factors that you believe are important for the court to consider.

Remember to be clear, concise and provide a brief summary in this section. It is important to focus on the child’s best interests and explain why a court order is necessary to ensure their well-being. This section is absolutely crucial to a positive outcome and it’s highly recommended to seek professional advice from a family law solicitor to ensure your best chance of success.

Step 5: Provide details about the child’s living arrangements

You will need to provide details about the child’s current living arrangements, including who they live with and how often they have contact with the other parent.

Step 6: Provide details about any previous court orders

If there have been any previous or ongoing court proceedings regarding the child, including care proceedings or protective orders such as non-molestation orders, you will need to provide details about them in this section.

Step 7: Explain any concerns or risks

If there are any concerns or risks that the court should be aware of, such as domestic abuse or substance abuse, you will need to explain them in this section. If you say that you or the child have suffered, or are at risk of, domestic abuse, abduction or other harm, you must also complete form C1A. The other party can use the same form to respond to allegations.

Step 8: Sign and date the form

You (or your solicitor) sign the statement of truth to confirm that the information provided is accurate. The other parent does not sign your application: they are sent a copy and can respond to it. Knowingly making a false statement can lead to proceedings for contempt of court.

Step 9: Submit the form

Once the form is completed, it can be submitted to the family court. You will need to pay a fee (currently £270) when submitting the form, unless you are eligible for Help with Fees, which is available to some people on benefits or a low income.

What happens after the form is submitted?

After the C100 form is submitted, the court will issue the application, and the other party is sent a copy with details of the first hearing. The usual steps are:

• Safeguarding checks: Cafcass (Cafcass Cymru in Wales) carries out safeguarding checks and will usually telephone each party before the first hearing.
• First hearing: The parties usually attend a first hearing, often called a first hearing dispute resolution appointment (FHDRA), with a Cafcass officer present. The judge or magistrates look at what you agree on, what you disagree on, and any welfare concerns, and will encourage an agreement if it is in the child’s best interests.
• If you agree: Where there are no welfare concerns, the court can make a consent order and the case can end there.
• If you cannot agree: The court sets a timetable. It may ask you to try mediation, attend a Planning Together for Children course (or Working Together for Children in Wales), or order a section 7 report, before a further hearing and, if needed, a final hearing.

GOV.UK says it usually takes around 10 months to get a court order, depending on where you live and your situation. Some courts use the Child Focused Model (formerly known as Pathfinder), in which Cafcass or the local authority prepares a report early in the case.

It is essential to attend any hearings scheduled by the court and provide any additional information requested promptly. Failure to do so may result in delays or the court making a decision without all the necessary information.

We are here to help

If you are considering using the C100 form, it is recommended to seek advice from a family law solicitor to ensure it is filled out correctly and increase the chances of a successful outcome. To start proceedings we offer a fixed fee consultation which can be booked by calling 020 8889 3319 (lines open 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday), or you can send us an enquiry. Legal aid may be available in some cases, particularly where there is evidence of domestic abuse: see can I get legal aid for a child arrangement order? You can read more about our child arrangement order solicitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a C100 form?

A C100 form is the application form used to start most private children law proceedings in the Family Court. It allows a parent, guardian, or another person with the appropriate legal standing to apply for orders relating to child arrangements, specific issues, or prohibited steps involving a child. Common applications include Child Arrangements Orders, Specific Issue Orders, and Prohibited Steps Orders.

How do I get a C100 form?

The C100 form can be downloaded from GOV.UK, or you can apply online without using the paper form. Many people choose to complete the form online, although paper copies are also available. Tyrer Roxburgh can advise on the most appropriate application for your circumstances and assist with completing the form correctly.

Can I apply for a C100 online?

Yes. You can apply online through GOV.UK, which is quicker than applying on paper. You can save your application and return to it, but you must complete it within 28 days of starting.

Where do I send a C100 form?

Completed forms are usually submitted online or sent to the appropriate Family Court. The correct court will depend on the circumstances of the case. If you are unsure where to send your application, legal advice can help ensure it reaches the correct court without delay.

How much does a C100 form cost?

There is no charge for obtaining the form itself. However, a court fee is usually payable when submitting a C100 application, which is currently £270. Some applicants may qualify for help with court fees depending on their financial circumstances.

Do I need to go to mediation before submitting a C100?

You must usually attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before applying, unless an exemption applies – for example evidence of domestic abuse, an urgent application, or a MIAM or another non-court dispute resolution process attended in the last four months. You do not have to agree to mediation itself, but the court will expect you to have considered it.

What is form C1A?

Form C1A is a supplementary form used to tell the court about harm that you or a child have suffered, or are at risk of suffering, such as domestic abuse. It is filed with the C100, and the other party can also use it to respond to allegations made against them.

Will the other parent see my C100 form?

Yes. The other party is sent a copy of your application so that they can respond. If you need to keep your address or contact details private, for example because of domestic abuse, use form C8 so that the court holds them confidentially.

How long does a C100 form take to process?

Once submitted, the court will usually process the application within a few weeks, although timescales vary between courts. The first hearing is often listed several weeks after the application has been issued. More complex cases involving safeguarding concerns or expert evidence may take considerably longer to conclude. GOV.UK says it usually takes around 10 months to get a court order.