Form C100 – Child arrangements application

What is Form C100?

Form C100 is the application form for orders about children under the Children Act 1989. You can use it to apply for:

Child Arrangements Order – decides:

• Where the child lives
• Who they spend time with
• When they have contact with each parent

Prohibited Steps Order – stops someone from:

• Taking the child abroad
• Changing the child’s school
• Making other specific decisions without consent

Specific Issue Order – asks the court to decide a specific question, such as:

• Which school the child should attend
• Whether the child can have a medical procedure
• Religious upbringing decisions

Download Form C100

Apply online

You can apply online instead of using the paper form:

Apply at: www.gov.uk/apply-for-child-arrangements-order

Online applications are often processed faster.

Before you apply: MIAM requirement

You must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before applying to court, unless you’re exempt.

At the MIAM, a mediator will:

• Explain how mediation works
• Assess whether mediation could help
• Give you a signed certificate for the court

MIAM exemptions include:

• Domestic abuse (with evidence)
• Child protection concerns
• Urgency
• The other person is in prison or overseas
• You’ve attended a MIAM in the last 4 months

Your MIAM certificate (or evidence of exemption) must be submitted with Form C100.

Court fee

The fee for Form C100 is £263.

If you can’t afford this, you may qualify for Help with Fees (Form EX160).

Who can apply?

Without needing permission:

• Parents with parental responsibility
• Anyone with a child arrangements order
• Anyone the child has lived with for 3+ years

Need court permission first:

• Grandparents and other relatives
• Step-parents
• Other interested parties

If you need permission, there’s a section in Form C100 to request it.

Completing Form C100

Cover page

Read and sign the page about mediation and non-court dispute resolution.

Section 1: Type of application

State:

• The type of order you want (child arrangements, prohibited steps, specific issue)
• What specifically you’re asking for

For child arrangements, specify whether you want:

• A “lives with” order (child lives with you)
• A “spends time with” order (contact/visitation)
• Both

Section 2: MIAM

Tick to confirm:

• You have attended a MIAM (most common), or
• You are claiming an exemption (specify which one)

If you’ve attended a MIAM: Your mediator signs page 3 of the form.

If exempt: You must provide evidence if required.

Section 3: Applicant details

Your full details:

• Name
• Address
• Date of birth
• Contact details
• Relationship to the child

Section 4: Respondent details

Details of the other party:

• Name
• Address (if known)
• Date of birth (if known)
• Relationship to the child

Section 5: Child details

For each child:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Who they currently live with
• Relationship to applicant and respondent

Section 6: Other proceedings

List any other court proceedings involving the children (current or past).

Section 7: Harm and safety

This is important. You must state whether there are concerns about:

• Domestic abuse
• Child abuse or neglect
• Risk of abduction
• Other safety concerns

Section 8: Reasons for application

Briefly explain:

• Why you’re applying to court
• What you’ve tried before (mediation, negotiation)
• What orders you want and why

Keep this factual and focused on the children’s needs.

Section 9: Urgency

If your application is urgent, explain why. Urgent cases might include:

• Risk of child being taken abroad
• Immediate safety concerns
• Time-sensitive decisions

Section 10: International elements

State if there are any international aspects:

• Either parent lives abroad
• Child may be taken abroad
• Proceedings in another country

Section 11: Statement of truth

Sign and date, confirming the information is true.

Form C1A – Allegations of harm

If there are concerns about harm or abuse, you must complete Form C1A as well. This covers:

• Domestic abuse (physical, emotional, financial)
• Child abuse or neglect
• Sexual abuse
• Abduction risk
• Other harmful behaviour

Download Form C1A from GOV.UK.

Where to send Form C100

Online: Submit through the GOV.UK service.

By post: Send to your child’s local family court. Find it at: www.gov.uk/find-court-tribunal

Include:

• Completed Form C100 (original + 3 copies if by post)
• Form C1A if applicable
• MIAM certificate or evidence of exemption
• Court fee (£263) or Help with Fees reference

What happens next

1. Application processed – court checks paperwork
2. Safeguarding checks – Cafcass contacts both parties and checks police/social services records
3. Cafcass report – sent to the court
4. First hearing (FHDRA) – both parties attend, usually within 6-8 weeks
5. Further hearings if needed
6. Final order – court makes a decision

The whole process typically takes 4-12 months, depending on complexity.

Tips for completing C100

Focus on the children

Frame everything around the children’s needs and welfare, not your dispute with the other parent.

Be factual

Avoid emotional language. State facts clearly and objectively.

Be specific

Don’t just say “I want contact” – specify what you’re asking for (e.g., “Every other weekend and half of school holidays”).

Keep it brief

The court doesn’t need your entire relationship history. Stick to what’s relevant.

Costs of children proceedings

Many people represent themselves in children cases, though it can be challenging.

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