Statutory Authority Guidance: Form C100 (06.26) Alignment · Practice Direction 3A Compliant
Get Your C100 Form Right First Time
Download the official C100 form, book your mandatory MIAM with an FMC accredited mediator, or have our family law experts complete your application for just £240. No court rejections, less stress, your case started the right way.
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MIAM fee
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This page is audited against GOV.UK Form C100 (version 06.26), the Family Procedure Rules, Practice Direction 3A, and the Family Mediation Council MIAM requirements.
Professional Credentials: Family Law strategies are directed by Jess Knauf (Resolution Member). Mandatory MIAM evaluations and Section 4 certifications are administered exclusively by accredited family mediators including Chris Yaffes, fully registered on the Family Mediation Council Professional Register.
Last reviewed 22 July 2026.
What Is a C100 Form?
A C100 form is the official court application used in England and Wales to ask a family judge to make a child arrangements order, a prohibited steps order, or a specific issue order under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989.
The current version is the C100 06.26, released by HMCTS on 1 June 2026. Before the court will accept it, most applicants must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) with an FMC accredited mediator, who signs Section 4 (page 22) of the form, unless a recognised exemption applies. The court fee is £270, correct from 13 July 2026.
C100 Form: Key Facts at a Glance
England and Wales, current as of June 2026
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C100 06.26
Current form version (1 June 2026)
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£270
Court application fee (HMCTS)
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Section 4, p.22
Where the mediator signs
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16 sections
Plus the mediator’s certificate
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MIAM first
Required unless exempt
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4-6 weeks
To your first hearing (FHDRA)
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26 weeks
Court’s target to final order
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4 months
How long a MIAM certificate lasts
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Regulated, Accredited and Reviewed by Recognised Bodies
Three Ways to Get Your C100 Form Started
Whether you want to do it yourself, need a MIAM, or want our experts to handle the whole application, you are in the right place.
DIY Download
Get the latest June 2026 version of the C100 form and read our complete step-by-step guide. Perfect if you want to handle the application yourself.
- ✓ Official HMCTS form, version 06.26
- ✓ Free complete guide on Mediate UK
- ✓ Free MIAM exemption checker
- ✓ Instant download, no email needed
Book a MIAM
A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting is required before most court applications. Our FMC accredited mediators sign Section 4 of your C100 form.
- ✓ FMC accredited mediator
- ✓ Standard MIAM £138 inc VAT
- ✓ Urgent 24hr MIAM £222 inc VAT
- ✓ Signed C100 within 48 hours
Expert C100 Completion
Our McKenzie Friends, Karen Hamilton and Lisa Huddleston, complete the full form for you. Submission ready within 48 hours.
- ✓ Full form completed for you
- ✓ 30+ years combined experience
- ✓ Submission ready in 48 hours
- ✓ Add CAFCASS prep for £150
The C100 Form in Detail
The C100 is the official court application form used in England and Wales when you need a judge to decide arrangements for your children and you cannot agree privately or through mediation.
Its formal title is the Application under the Children Act 1989 for a child arrangements, prohibited steps, specific issue, section 8 order, or to vary or discharge a section 8 order. The most recent version, C100 (06.26), was released by HMCTS on 1 June 2026.
Before the court will accept your application, you usually need to have attended a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) with an FMC accredited mediator, who will sign Section 4 of the form. The current court fee is £270, though fee remission is available if you are on a low income.
The form is used exclusively for private law children matters. It is not used for adoption, care proceedings, or financial settlements on divorce.
Three Orders You Can Apply For
Decides where a child lives (a “lives with” order) and how much time they spend with each parent (a “spends time with” order). Replaces the old residence and contact orders.
Prevents a parent from taking a specific action without the court’s permission, such as removing a child from the UK, changing their school, or changing their surname.
Resolves a particular dispute about a child’s upbringing, such as which school they should attend, religious upbringing, or medical decisions where parents disagree.
Can I submit a C100 Form to the family court without a mediator’s signature?
No, you cannot legally submit a C100 form without an authorized mediator signature unless you possess a valid, proven exemption. Under section 10(1) of the Children and Families Act 2014 and Family Procedure Rules Practice Direction 3A, the HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) court administration staff will automatically reject any C100 application that does not have Section 4 (Page 22) completed, signed, and dated by an FMC accredited mediator, unless one of the 15 specific statutory exemptions is checked and backed by required evidentiary proof.
What’s in the C100 Form, Section by Section
The C100 06.26 runs to 16 sections plus the mediator’s certificate. Here is what each part of the form asks you to provide.
Full names, dates of birth, gender and current living arrangements for each child in the application.
Whether you want a child arrangements order, a prohibited steps order, a specific issue order, or a combination.
Signed and dated by your FMC accredited mediator, or your exemption ticked if a recognised one applies.
Your name, address and relationship to the child. Use Form C8 if you need to keep your address confidential.
Details of the other parent or anyone else with parental responsibility who should be served with the application.
A short summary of the current arrangements and why you are asking the court to step in. A full statement may come later.
Any earlier or ongoing family court orders or cases involving the children named in the application.
Concerns such as harm, domestic abuse or substance misuse. A C1A form is added where abuse is alleged.
Whether any part of the case involves Scotland, Northern Ireland or abroad, and whether you need documents or hearings in Welsh.
Rather not work through all 16 sections yourself? Karen and Lisa can complete the full form for you for a fixed £240, submission ready within 48 hours.
The Real People Behind Your C100
All our experts are verifiable on the appropriate professional registers. Click any name to see their full credentials.
Jess Knauf
Jess oversees client strategy at Mediate UK and Family Law Service, with extensive experience in family law and the C100 process. She leads our educational content and ensures every client gets the right support before, during, and after the family court process.
Chris Yaffes
Chris is an accredited family mediator and child-inclusive mediator, practising since 2013. Originally trained as a lawyer in South Africa, he brings legal expertise and an international perspective to MIAMs and the signing of Section 4 of the C100 form.
Karen Hamilton & Lisa Huddleston
Karen and Lisa complete the C100 form for clients, with 30+ years combined experience supporting families through the court process. They also help with subsequent CAFCASS preparation and court hearing prep.
SRA Regulated Solicitors and Barristers
For consent orders, legal advice, and independent barrister reviews, we work with trusted regulated partners. This ensures every aspect of your case has the right expert behind it.
Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Family law team led by Rachel Adams, recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. Provides child arrangement consent orders and legal advice.
Who Can Apply for a C100 Form?
Some applicants can apply automatically. Others need the court’s permission first. Knowing where you stand before filing saves time and money.
Both parents can apply automatically, whether or not married at the child’s birth, and whether or not on the birth certificate.
Can apply automatically if they have parental responsibility through marriage, civil partnership, or a PR order.
Anyone holding a special guardianship order has parental responsibility and can apply without prior permission.
If a child has lived with you for at least three years (not necessarily continuous, but ending within the last three months) you can apply.
Usually need the court’s permission first, unless the child has lived with them for three years or all PR holders consent.
Siblings, aunts, uncles and foster carers generally need permission. Foster carers can apply after one continuous year of care.
Need help working out your position? Our team can advise on eligibility and whether you need the court’s permission to apply. Book a free 15-minute call →
Do You Need to Attend a MIAM?
A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is legally required before most C100 applications can be accepted by the family court.
A MIAM is an individual, confidential meeting with an FMC accredited mediator (like Chris Yaffes) who will explain mediation, assess your situation, and sign Section 4 of your C100 form.
There are 15 recognised exemptions, set out in Practice Direction 3A, including domestic abuse, urgency, child protection concerns, and previous MIAM attendance within the last four months.
Common MIAM Exemptions
Reached an Agreement? Create a Parenting Plan
If you and your ex-partner have reached an agreement (full or partial) about your children, you can record it in a parenting plan.
A parenting plan is required when applying for a child arrangements order by consent, where both parties agree to the terms and want the court to formalise them. Our sister site The Divorce Circle provides a completely free parenting plan tool to help you record your arrangements clearly.
You can also join our private Facebook community for free parenting support, where you can ask questions and connect with others going through the same process.
What’s in a Parenting Plan?
How to Complete and Submit Your C100
Six clear steps from downloading the form to attending your first hearing.
Download the Latest Form
Always use the most current version. The June 2026 update (C100 06.26) introduced new safeguarding questions. Download here or get it from GOV.UK.
Attend Your MIAM
Unless exempt, attend a MIAM with an FMC accredited mediator. They sign Section 4 of your C100. Book yours here, available within 48 hours.
Complete Each Section
Work through every section carefully. Write “not applicable” rather than leaving blanks. Or let Karen and Lisa complete it for you for £240.
Pay the Court Fee
The current fee is £270. You may qualify for help with fees using the EX160 form if you receive certain benefits or have a low income.
Court Issues and Serves
The court seals your application, sends a copy to the respondent, and notifies CAFCASS who carry out initial safeguarding checks.
Attend Your First Hearing
Your First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) is usually within 4-6 weeks. Add CAFCASS prep for £150.
What Does a C100 Application Cost?
All our service fees are fixed and include VAT. No hidden costs.
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£270
Court Fee
Paid directly to HMCTS, correct from 13 July 2026. Fee remission available via Form EX160. |
£138
Standard MIAM
Available within 48 hours. Includes signed Section 4 of your C100. Urgent 24-hour MIAM available for £222. |
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£240
Expert Completion
Karen and Lisa complete the full form. Submission ready in 48 hours. |
£350
C100 + CAFCASS Prep
Save £40 with our bundle. Full preparation for your first hearing. |
Your C100 Timeline
From application to final order, the typical journey takes 4-6 months. Many cases settle earlier.
Application Filed
C100 received and sealed by the court. Respondent served.
CAFCASS Checks
CAFCASS contacts both parties and runs safeguarding checks.
First Hearing (FHDRA)
Initial hearing before a judge or magistrate. Many cases settle here.
Target Final Order
The court aims to conclude private law children cases within 26 weeks.
What Our Clients Say
4.8 average rating from 705+ verified reviews on Reviews.co.uk
“The C100 completion service saved me so much stress. I had no idea what to write in the ‘nature of application’ section, and Karen and Lisa guided me through everything. My form was accepted first time.”
“I needed my MIAM and C100 done urgently for an emergency hearing. Mediate UK turned it around in 24 hours and I was able to complete the form myself. Worth every penny.”
“I tried filling it out myself three times and kept getting stuck. Having an expert complete it for £240 was the right decision. I then booked the CAFCASS prep meeting which made everything so clear.”
Your C100 Form Questions Answered
How much does it cost to apply for a C100?
The court fee for a C100 application is £270, correct from 13 July 2026, paid to HM Courts and Tribunals Service. You may qualify for fee remission using Form EX160 if you are on a low income or receive certain benefits. If you would like the form completed for you, our fixed fee is £240.
Which version of the C100 form is current?
The current version is the C100 06.26, released by HMCTS in June 2026. Always download the latest version before applying, as older versions can be rejected by the court.
Which section of the C100 does the mediator sign?
An FMC accredited mediator signs Section 4 of the C100 (page 22), confirming you have attended a MIAM, unless you qualify for a recognised exemption.
How many exemptions are there to attending a MIAM?
There are 15 recognised exemptions to attending a MIAM, set out in Practice Direction 3A of the Family Procedure Rules. They include domestic abuse, urgency, child protection concerns, and having attended a MIAM within the previous four months.
Can I complete the C100 form without a solicitor?
Yes. You can act as a “litigant in person” and complete the form yourself. The form has 16 sections plus a mediator’s certificate, and many sections require careful wording. If you would prefer help without paying full solicitor rates, our McKenzie Friends Karen and Lisa complete the full form for a fixed fee of £240.
How long does the C100 process take?
The first hearing (FHDRA) is typically scheduled within four to six weeks of filing. The overall court process aims to conclude private law children cases within 26 weeks under the Public Law Outline, though contested cases can take longer. Many cases settle at or shortly after the first hearing.
What happens if the other parent does not respond?
The court can proceed in their absence. The judge may make an order based on the evidence before them, including your statement. CAFCASS still carries out safeguarding checks regardless of the respondent’s participation. The court takes non-engagement seriously and may draw adverse inferences.
Can I apply for an urgent order without a MIAM?
Yes, where there is a genuine and immediate risk of harm to the child (for example, imminent removal from the UK) you can apply for an emergency order without first attending a MIAM. Tick the urgency exemption on the C100. The court can grant emergency orders on the same day in the most urgent cases. Our urgent 24-hour MIAM is also available if you need a fast certificate without claiming exemption.
Is legal aid available for C100 applications?
Legal aid for private law children cases is largely restricted. It may be available if you are a victim of domestic abuse with prescribed forms of evidence, or where there are child protection issues. A means test also applies. Contact the Legal Aid Agency or a legal aid-contracted firm to check eligibility.
Can grandparents apply using a C100?
Grandparents usually need the court’s prior permission (leave) to apply, unless the child has lived with them for at least three years or all those with parental responsibility consent. Permission is requested using Form C2, filed alongside the C100. Many grandparents find legal advice from a regulated solicitor useful before applying.
What is a C1A form and do I need one?
Form C1A is a supplementary form used to provide details of allegations of harm or domestic abuse when making a C100 application. If you have concerns about the safety of the children or yourself, you should complete a C1A and attach it to your C100. The C1A is a confidential document treated sensitively by the court.
Do I need to attend court in person?
In most cases yes. Family court hearings are generally in person, though some are conducted remotely. If you have concerns about attending in person (for example due to domestic abuse) you can apply for special measures including separate waiting areas or screens. Contact the court early if you need adjustments.
What is the difference between a MIAM and mediation?
A MIAM is the initial information meeting (one hour, individual) where the mediator explains mediation and assesses whether it is suitable for your case. Mediation itself is a separate joint process where you and your ex-partner work with the mediator to reach agreements about your children. Mediation can be funded with up to £500 through the government’s family mediation voucher scheme, subject to availability.
How long is my MIAM certificate valid?
A MIAM certificate (signed Section 4 of the C100) is valid for four months from the date of your MIAM. You must submit your completed C100 to the court within that window or you will need to attend a new MIAM.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you need the form, a MIAM, or full expert support, we are here to help you take the next step confidently.
Not sure what you need? Book a free 15-minute call →
Help, Advice and Support Beyond Your C100
Going through the family court process can be hard. These trusted UK charities and helplines offer free confidential support for families, parents and children. Your safety and wellbeing matter most.
If You Are Not Safe
Free Legal Advice for Families and Children
Parenting Support and Family Wellbeing
Start Your C100 Application Today
All our services are delivered by real, regulated professionals with verifiable credentials.
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