C100 Form Questions

C100 Form Questions: Your Complete 2026 Guide

Clear, accurate answers to the most common questions about the C100 form, MIAMs, family court, and CAFCASS. Fact-checked by qualified experts.

Fact-checked by Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy, Mediate UK. Last reviewed: May 2026. Next review: November 2026.

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About the C100 Form

What is a C100 form and what does it do?

The C100 form is the official court application used in England and Wales to apply for a Child Arrangements Order, Prohibited Steps Order, or Specific Issue Order under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989. It allows you to ask the family court to make decisions about where your child lives, when they spend time with each parent, and other important matters affecting your child’s welfare.

How much does a C100 application cost?

The court fee for submitting a C100 form is £270 from 13 July 2026, paid directly to HM Courts and Tribunals Service. You may be eligible for fee remission via Form EX160 if you are on certain benefits or have a low income. Additional costs may include legal fees if you use a solicitor, or our fixed-fee C100 completion service from £240.

Can I complete a C100 form myself?

Yes, you can complete the C100 form yourself using the official HMCTS forms and guidance, or our comprehensive page-by-page guide. Many parents successfully self-complete, but the form is detailed and requires you to understand legal terminology and court procedures. If you want to ensure it is completed correctly first time, our C100 completion service costs £240 and includes expert review and a court rejection guarantee.

Do I need a solicitor for a C100 application?

No, you do not need a solicitor to complete or submit a C100 form. Many parents self-represent throughout their family court case, though solicitors can provide valuable legal advice in complex cases. If you cannot afford solicitor fees but want professional help with your form, our C100 completion service offers expert assistance at a fixed fee of £240, with a full court rejection guarantee.

How many copies of the C100 do I need?

You need to submit the original C100 form to the court, plus one copy for each respondent (the other parent or person named in the application). You should also keep a copy for yourself. For example, if you are applying about one child and one other parent, you will need three copies in total: one for the court, one for the other parent, and one for yourself.

Can a C100 application be rejected?

Yes, courts can reject C100 applications if they are incomplete, incorrectly completed, or missing required information like MIAM evidence. The most common reasons for rejection include not attending a MIAM when required, failing to provide proof of exemption, or leaving mandatory sections blank. Our C100 completion service includes a court rejection guarantee to protect against this risk.

What happens after I submit my C100 form?

Once submitted, the court reviews your application and sets a date for the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA), usually within 4 to 6 weeks. The court sends copies of your application to the other party and asks CAFCASS to contact you both before the first hearing for safeguarding checks. You will receive a letter confirming your hearing date and any directions the court has made.

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MIAM & Mediation

Why do I need a MIAM for the C100 form?

A MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is a legal requirement under the Children and Families Act 2014 before applying to court. The meeting lasts about 45 minutes and explains how mediation works, whether it is suitable for your situation, and explores alternatives to court. Unless you are exempt, you must provide evidence of MIAM attendance (a signed Section 4 of your C100) when submitting your application.

Can I skip mediation and go straight to court?

You can only skip mediation if you qualify for one of the 15 MIAM exemptions, which are based on urgency, domestic abuse, child protection concerns, or other specific circumstances. Even if you are exempt, you must tick the relevant exemption box on your C100 form and provide supporting evidence where required. Read more about MIAM requirements before filing a C100.

How do I book a MIAM and what are the options?

You can book a standard MIAM for £138 with availability in 5-7 working days, or book an urgent MIAM for £222 with a signed court form within 24 hours. MIAMs can be conducted via video call or in person at our offices across England and Wales. If you qualify for legal aid, your MIAM is free of charge.

What is the difference between a standard MIAM and an urgent MIAM?

A standard MIAM (£138) is scheduled within 5-7 working days and provides the signed Section 4 of your C100 within 48 hours. An urgent MIAM (£222) is available within 48 hours of booking with the signed Section 4 returned within 24 hours of your appointment, ideal for time-sensitive applications. Both services include the same comprehensive assessment.

What are the 15 MIAM exemptions?

There are 15 exemptions to attending a MIAM, based around urgency, child protection concerns, and domestic abuse situations. Examples include cases where there is a risk to the child’s safety, evidence of domestic violence, child protection proceedings in place, or genuine urgency such as the child being taken abroad. Use our free MIAM exemption checker to find out if you qualify, or read the full list of exemptions.

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. If you go past four months, you will need to attend a new MIAM before the court will accept your application.

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Going to Court

How long does a C100 take to get to court?

From submitting your C100 form to your first court hearing (FHDRA) typically takes 4-6 weeks, though this varies by court and location. Some busy courts may take 8-10 weeks to schedule the first hearing. The entire court process from application to final order usually takes 6-12 months, depending on case complexity and whether you reach agreement.

What is the first hearing (FHDRA)?

The First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) is the initial court hearing where both parents meet with a judge or magistrate to discuss arrangements. The court will have spoken to CAFCASS beforehand and will encourage you to reach an agreement that day. If you cannot agree, the court will set directions for the next steps, which might include further hearings or a CAFCASS report.

Can I self-represent at family court?

Yes, you can represent yourself in family court, and many parents do this successfully. Self-representation requires you to understand court procedures, prepare your own documents, and present your case clearly. Our child arrangements court prep meeting (£150) can help you prepare for hearings, understand what to expect, and feel more confident representing yourself.

What do I need to take to court?

You will need your court bundle (copies of all documents), a notepad and pen, photo ID, and any evidence you plan to reference. For the first hearing, you should also prepare a position statement outlining your proposals and concerns. Our position statement service can help you draft a clear, professional document.

How long does it take to resolve child arrangement issues?

Simple cases where parents reach agreement can be resolved at the first hearing (FHDRA), which is typically 4-6 weeks after filing your C100. More complex cases requiring CAFCASS reports, fact-finding hearings, or multiple hearings can take 6-12 months or longer. The timeframe depends on the level of dispute, safeguarding concerns, and how busy your local court is.

Do I need to attend all court hearings?

Yes, you must attend all court hearings unless the court specifically excuses you or the hearing is administrative only. Failing to attend can result in the case proceeding without you, costs orders against you, or the court making decisions based only on the other parent’s evidence. If you genuinely cannot attend, you must contact the court beforehand and provide a valid reason.

What if the other parent does not respond to the C100?

If the other parent (the respondent) does not respond or attend the first hearing, the court can still proceed with the case. The court may adjourn to give them more time, issue directions for them to respond, or make interim orders based on the evidence you have provided. The case continues regardless, though the court always prefers both parents to participate.

Can I attend court hearings remotely?

Some family court hearings are conducted remotely via video link, particularly directions hearings and shorter procedural hearings. Substantive hearings are generally held in person. If you have concerns about attending in person (for example due to domestic abuse) you can apply for special measures including separate waiting areas, screens, or remote attendance. Contact the court early if you need adjustments.

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CAFCASS

Who are CAFCASS and why do they get involved?

CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) is an independent organisation that represents children’s best interests in family court cases. They contact parents before the first hearing to conduct safeguarding checks and may prepare detailed reports advising the court on what arrangements would be best for the child. Read more about CAFCASS’s role.

How can I prepare for a CAFCASS meeting?

CAFCASS meetings assess your parenting capacity, the child’s wishes, and any safeguarding concerns, so preparation is important. Be honest, child-focused, and ready to discuss your proposals for arrangements and how you support the child’s relationship with the other parent. Our CAFCASS prep meeting (£150, or included in the £350 C100 bundle) helps you understand what to expect and present yourself confidently.

What questions will CAFCASS ask me?

CAFCASS will ask about your relationship with your child, your proposals for arrangements, any concerns about the other parent, and how you support the child’s relationship with them. They will also ask about your child’s routine, education, health, and emotional wellbeing. Our CAFCASS prep service includes a full list of typical questions and guidance on how to answer effectively.

How long does a CAFCASS Section 7 report take?

A Section 7 report (the most common type) typically takes 8-12 weeks to complete from the date CAFCASS is instructed by the court. During this time, CAFCASS will meet with both parents, observe parent-child interactions, speak to the child (if age-appropriate), and may contact schools or other professionals. The timeframe can be longer if the case is complex or if CAFCASS has a heavy workload.

Does my child have to speak to CAFCASS directly?

If your child is old enough (usually around 8 years and above), CAFCASS may want to speak to them about their wishes and feelings. This is done sensitively, in a child-friendly setting, and your child is never asked to choose between parents. CAFCASS officers are trained to put children at ease and the conversation is age-appropriate.

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Orders & Arrangements

What is a Child Arrangements Order?

A Child Arrangements Order is a court order under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989 that sets out who a child lives with, who they spend time with, and how that contact takes place. It replaced the older terms “residence” and “contact” orders in 2014. The C100 form is the application to request this type of order.

What is a Prohibited Steps Order?

A Prohibited Steps Order prevents the other parent from taking specific actions in relation to the child without the court’s consent, such as removing them from the UK, changing their school, or taking them out of the country. You can apply for one using the C100 form, typically alongside a Child Arrangements Order.

What is a Specific Issue Order?

A Specific Issue Order asks the court to decide on a particular question about a child’s upbringing where the parents cannot agree, such as which school they attend, whether they receive a particular medical treatment, or whether they can be taken on holiday abroad. You apply using the C100 form.

Is it hard for dads to get 50/50 custody?

Courts decide arrangements based on the child’s best interests, not on a parent’s gender, and increasingly recognise the benefits of shared care where appropriate. The key factors are the child’s needs, each parent’s capability to meet those needs, and the practicalities of the arrangement. If you can demonstrate that 50/50 time is workable, beneficial for the child, and supports their stability and relationships, courts will seriously consider it.

Can I draft my own parenting plan if we agree?

Yes, if you and the other parent agree on arrangements, you can create a parenting plan yourselves. You can then use the C100 form to ask the court to make it into a legally binding Child Arrangements Order by consent. The court will only do this if they agree it is in the child’s best interests. Use our free parenting plan template tool to generate a comprehensive plan.

How long does a Child Arrangements Order last?

A Child Arrangements Order typically remains in force until the child turns 16, though in some cases it can extend to age 18 if the court directs. If circumstances change significantly, either parent can apply to vary the order using a new C100 application. The court will only change an existing order if there has been a material change in circumstances.

What happens if the other parent breaks the order?

If the other parent breaches the Child Arrangements Order without reasonable excuse, you can apply to enforce it using Form C79. The court has powers to impose unpaid work requirements, financial compensation, or in serious cases imprisonment for contempt of court. Before applying for enforcement, try to resolve the issue through mediation where safe to do so.

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Common Concerns

Can grandparents apply for a C100?

Grandparents can apply for a C100 form but usually need permission from the court first (using Form C2), unless they already have parental responsibility or the child has lived with them for at least three years. The court will consider whether it is in the child’s best interests for grandparents to have a Child Arrangements Order. Read our guide to grandparent rights.

Can I withdraw my C100 application?

Yes, you can withdraw your C100 application at any stage by writing to the court, though you may need the court’s permission if the case has progressed significantly. If you have reached an agreement with the other parent, you can ask the court to make a consent order instead of withdrawing entirely. Be aware that court fees are not refundable once the case has been issued.

What if I disagree with the final court order?

If you disagree with a final court order, you can apply for permission to appeal within 21 days, though appeals are only granted in limited circumstances such as procedural errors or new evidence. If circumstances change after a final order is made, you can apply to vary the order by submitting a new C100 application. It is important to follow the current order whilst any variation application is being considered.

Can I apply for legal aid for my C100 case?

Legal aid for family court cases is only available in limited circumstances, primarily where there is evidence of domestic abuse or child protection concerns. There is legal aid available for mediation if you are on low income or certain benefits. You must meet strict financial eligibility criteria and provide evidence of abuse from specific sources. Check eligibility at www.gov.uk/legal-aid.

What if there are domestic abuse or safeguarding concerns?

If your case involves domestic abuse or safeguarding concerns, you should complete Form C1A alongside the C100. The C1A details the allegations of harm and is treated confidentially by the court. You may qualify for a MIAM exemption and may also be eligible for legal aid. The court can put protective measures in place, including separate waiting areas and screens at hearings.

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 form. The court can grant emergency orders on the same day in the most urgent cases. An urgent 24-hour MIAM is also available if you need a fast certificate without claiming exemption.

Does the C100 apply in Scotland or Northern Ireland?

No, the C100 form is only used in family courts in England and Wales. Scotland has a separate family law system using different procedures and forms through the Sheriff Courts. Northern Ireland also has its own family court system. If you live outside England and Wales, contact a local family solicitor for the correct application process.

Can I submit my C100 online?

Yes, you can submit your C100 online via the GOV.UK family court service, which HMCTS recommends as the quickest method. Alternatively, you can submit a paper application by post to your child’s local family court. Both methods require the same documents and fee.

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