What is a C100 Form?

Fact checked by Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy, 19th January 2026

If you’re facing disagreements about your children’s care arrangements after separation, you’ve likely heard about the C100 form. Perhaps you’ve been told you need one to get court orders about where your child lives or how much time they spend with each parent. But what exactly is a C100 application, and when do you actually need one?

This guide covers everything you need to know about C100 forms, from understanding what they are and when to use them, to completing the application and what happens after you submit it. We’ll walk you through the entire process in straightforward terms, so you can approach your application with confidence.

What is a C100 Form?

A C100 form is the official court application form used in England and Wales when you need the family court to make a decision about your children. It’s the document you complete when parents or guardians cannot agree on important matters relating to child arrangements, and you need a judge to make a legally binding decision.

The full name of the form is “Application for a court order (Form C100)” and it’s used specifically for private law cases, which means disputes between family members.

What Orders Can You Apply For Using a C100 Form?

When you submit a C100 application, you can apply for three main types of court orders:

1. Child Arrangements Orders – decisions about where a child lives and who they spend time with
2. Specific Issue Orders – permission to make specific decisions about a child’s upbringing
3. Prohibited Steps Orders – preventing someone from taking certain actions regarding a child

We’ll look at each of these below:

Understanding Child Arrangements Orders

A Child Arrangements Order is the most common type of order applied for using a C100 form. This order sets out the practical arrangements for your child’s care, answering two key questions:

• Where will the child live? (previously called residence orders)
• Who will the child spend time with? (previously called contact orders)

What Does a Child Arrangements Order Cover?

A typical Child Arrangements Order can include details such as:

• Which parent the child will live with primarily
• How often the child will stay with or visit the other parent
• Specific days and times for contact (for example, alternate weekends, midweek overnight stays, or school holidays)
• Where handovers will take place
• What type of contact is allowed outside visits, such as phone calls, video calls, texts, or messages on social media
• Arrangements for special occasions like birthdays, Christmas, and school holidays

“We regularly support parents who are struggling to agree on arrangements after separation. A Child Arrangements Order provides clarity and legal certainty, but we always encourage parents to try mediation first. In our experience, arrangements that parents agree together, rather than having imposed by a court, tend to work better in practice and cause less ongoing conflict.”

— Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy at Mediate UK

Who Can Apply for a Child Arrangements Order?

The following people can apply for a Child Arrangements Order without needing the court’s permission first:

• Parents (including those without parental responsibility)
• Anyone with parental responsibility, such as guardians or special guardians
• Step-parents who are married to or in a civil partnership with a parent
• Anyone named in an existing Child Arrangements Order

Other people, such as grandparents, other relatives, or former foster carers, can apply but must first get permission from the court to make the application.

What is a Specific Issue Order?

A Specific Issue Order is used when parents disagree about a particular decision affecting their child, and they need a judge to decide the matter for them.

Common Issues Covered by Specific Issue Orders

Parents typically use Specific Issue Orders to resolve disagreements about:

• Medical treatment – whether a child should have a particular medical procedure, vaccination, or ongoing treatment
• Education – which school the child should attend, whether they should be home-schooled, or what type of education is appropriate
• Name changes – whether a child’s surname should be changed
• Religious upbringing – what religious education or practices the child should follow
• International travel – permission to take the child abroad, especially for extended periods or relocation

For example, one parent might want their child to attend a faith school whilst the other parent prefers a secular school. If they cannot agree, either parent can apply for a Specific Issue Order asking the court to decide.

Who Can Apply for a Specific Issue Order?

Anyone with parental responsibility can apply for a Specific Issue Order, including:

• Both parents (whether married or unmarried)
• Step-parents with parental responsibility
• Guardians or special guardians
• Anyone named on an existing Child Arrangements Order

If you don’t have parental responsibility, you’ll need to apply for the court’s permission before you can make a C100 application for a Specific Issue Order.

What is a Prohibited Steps Order?

A Prohibited Steps Order prevents a parent or anyone else with parental responsibility from taking a specific action regarding the child without the court’s permission or the agreement of the other parent.

When Are Prohibited Steps Orders Used?

These orders are commonly sought when there are concerns that one parent might:

• Relocate with the child – moving to a different area of the UK or abroad without permission
• Remove the child from school – taking the child out of their current school and enrolling them elsewhere
• Change the child’s name – registering a deed poll to change the child’s surname without consent
• Take the child on holiday – particularly international trips where there’s a risk the child might not be returned
• Expose the child to inappropriate situations – such as introducing the child to a new religious sect or a new partner if there is a risk to their welfare.

“We spoke with parents where one wanted to move 200 miles away with the children for a new job opportunity. The other parent was understandably worried about losing regular contact. A Prohibited Steps Order gave one of them the reassurance needed, whilst both parents work through mediation to find a solution that worked for everyone, especially the children.”

— Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy at Mediate UK

How Does a Prohibited Steps Order Work?

The order specifically prohibits certain actions. For instance, it might state that neither parent can:

• Remove the child from England and Wales without written consent from the other parent or permission from the court
• Change the child’s surname
• Move the child to live more than a certain distance from their current address

Breaking a Prohibited Steps Order is contempt of court and can result in fines or even imprisonment in serious cases.

Want to find out if you need a MIAM before submitting your C100 Application? Use our FREE MIAM CALCULATOR here.

Who Can Apply for Court Orders Using a C100 Form?

Most people applying for orders using a C100 form are parents, but others can also apply depending on their relationship with the child.

People Who Can Apply Without Permission

• Parents – both mothers and fathers, whether married or unmarried, and regardless of whether they have parental responsibility
• Guardians – people appointed as guardians in a will or by the court
• Special guardians – those who have been granted special guardianship
• People named in existing orders – anyone already named in a Child Arrangements Order

People Who Need Court Permission First

• Grandparents – even close grandparents need permission unless the child has lived with them for at least three years
• Other family members – aunts, uncles, siblings over 18
• Step-parents – those not married to or in a civil partnership with the parent
• Former foster carers – if the child lived with them for at least one year
• Anyone else with a genuine interest – this could include people the child has lived with or who have played a significant role in their life

Do You Need a MIAM Before Submitting a C100 Application?

Yes, in almost all cases. Before you can submit your C100 form to the court, you must attend a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting). This is a legal requirement under the Children and Families Act 2014.

What is a MIAM?

A MIAM is a meeting with an accredited family mediator where you’ll:

• Discuss your situation and the issues you’re facing
• Learn about how mediation works and whether it could help resolve your dispute
• Explore alternatives to going to court
• Receive information about other support services available

The MIAM typically costs between £120 and £150 and lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. If both parents agree to try mediation after the MIAM, you can continue to mediation sessions to try to reach an agreement without court involvement.

MIAM Exemptions

You don’t need to attend a MIAM if you qualify for an exemption. The main exemptions include:

Domestic abuse exemptions:

• There has been domestic abuse, and you have evidence such as a police caution, conviction, protective injunction, or a letter from a domestic abuse support service

Urgency exemptions:

• There’s a risk of harm to the child, such as abduction or unlawful removal from the UK
• The application is urgent (for example, to prevent an immediate threat)

Previous MIAM exemptions:

• You’ve attended a MIAM within the last four months
• The other party cannot be contacted or is outside England and Wales

Other exemptions:

• The other party lacks capacity to participate
• You’re applying for a consent order (both parties already agree)
• There are ongoing child protection investigations

If you believe you qualify for an exemption, you’ll need to complete Section 9 of the C100 form explaining which exemption applies and provide any supporting evidence.

How to Complete a C100 Form

The C100 application is 34 pages long, but don’t let that intimidate you. Much of it contains guidance and not all sections will apply to your situation.

Information You’ll Need

Before you start completing the form, gather the following information:

About the children:

• Full names, dates of birth, and current addresses
• Details of their current living arrangements
• Information about their schools

About the applicant (you):

• Full name, date of birth, address, and contact details
• Your relationship to the child
• Whether you have parental responsibility

About the respondent (the other party):

• Full name, date of birth, and address
• Their relationship to the child
• Whether they have parental responsibility
• Their contact details (including solicitor details if they have one)

About your case:

• What orders you’re applying for
• Why you’re applying (a brief summary)
• Details of any previous court orders or ongoing proceedings
• Information about MIAM attendance or exemptions
• Details of any allegations of harm or safety concerns

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Form C100

Step 1: Complete the MIAM Section (Section 9)

This is arguably the most important section. You must either:

• Provide the MIAM certificate number and the mediator’s signature, or
• Tick the relevant exemption box and provide evidence

Step 2: The Children’s Details (Section 1)

Provide full details for each child the application concerns:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Current address
• Who they currently live with

Step 3: Applicant Details (Section 2)

Enter your full details:

• Name, date of birth, and address
• Telephone and email contact
• Your relationship to each child
• Whether you have parental responsibility

Step 4: Respondent Details (Section 3)

Provide details about the other party. Include as much information as possible, especially their address and contact details, as the court will need to serve them with the application.

Step 5: Other People (Section 4)

List anyone else who should know about the application, such as:

• People the children currently live with
• Other people with parental responsibility
• Anyone involved in caring for the children

Step 6: Court Orders and Cases (Section 5)

Provide details of any previous or ongoing court cases involving the children, including:

• Previous applications
• Existing court orders
• Ongoing proceedings in any court

Step 7: Details of the Application (Section 6)

This section asks what orders you want the court to make. Be specific about:

• What type of order you’re applying for
• What you want the order to say
• Why you believe the order is necessary

For example: “I am applying for a Child Arrangements Order stating that [child’s name] should live with me and spend alternate weekends and half of school holidays with their father.”

Step 8: Risk and Safety (Sections 7 and 8)

These sections deal with safeguarding concerns. You must answer honestly about:

• Whether there are any concerns about the children’s safety
• Any allegations of domestic abuse, substance misuse, or other risk factors
• Whether anyone involved poses a risk to the children

If you have safety concerns that mean the other party should not know your address, you’ll also need to complete a C8 form (Confidential contact details form).

Step 9: Attending Court (Section 10)

Indicate any special requirements you have for attending court, such as:

• Needing an interpreter
• Requiring disability access
• Religious requirements
• Asking for separate waiting areas if there are safety concerns

Step 10: Other Information (Section 11)

Use this section to provide any other relevant information that doesn’t fit elsewhere, but keep it brief. The court isn’t looking for a detailed history at this stage.

Step 11: Statement of Truth and Signature

Sign and date the form to confirm that the information you’ve provided is true to the best of your knowledge.

“We see many people who rush through their C100 applications and miss important details, particularly around MIAM attendance and risk factors. Taking time to complete the form accurately can save weeks of delays. If you’re unsure about any section, it’s worth getting advice from a family law professional or mediator before submitting.”

— Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy at Mediate UK

How Much Does a C100 Form Cost?

Submitting a C100 application to the family court costs £232 (as of January 2026). This is the court fee and must be paid when you submit your application.

Fee Exemptions and Reductions

You may be entitled to have the court fee waived or reduced if you:

• Receive certain benefits, such as Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, or Universal Credit
• Have a low income (currently less than £1,420 per month before tax if you’re single, or £1,575 if you have a partner)
• Can demonstrate financial hardship

To apply for a fee exemption, complete form EX160 (Apply for help with fees) and submit it with your C100 form.

Where to Submit Your C100 Form

You must send your C100 application to your nearest family court. You can find your local family court using the court finder on the GOV.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/find-court-tribunal

You can submit your application:

• By post – send the completed form with your court fee (or EX160 form) to your local family court
• In person – take the form to the court office during opening hours
• Online – most courts now accept applications through an online portal

You’ll need to send:

• The completed C100 form (signed)
• Your MIAM certificate or evidence of exemption
• The court fee or completed EX160 form
• Any supporting documents referenced in your application

What Happens After You Submit Your C100 Application?

Once the court receives your C100 form, several things happen over the following weeks and months.

Step 1: Court Acknowledges Your Application

The court will send you a letter confirming they’ve received your application. They’ll also:

• Give your case a case number
• Allocate a judge
• Set a date for the first hearing

Step 2: The Application is Served on the Respondent

The court will send a copy of your C100 application to the respondent (the other party). This is called “serving” the application. The respondent will receive:

• A copy of your C100 form
• A notice of the first hearing date
• Information about how to respond

The respondent has the opportunity to file their own response, usually on a form C7.

Step 3: Safeguarding Checks (CAFCASS Involvement)

In England, CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) will be notified of your application. In Wales, this is CAFCASS Cymru. They will:

• Conduct safeguarding checks on both parties
• Contact both parents by telephone to discuss the case
• Prepare a safeguarding letter for the court
• Speak to the children if appropriate

CAFCASS’s role is to advise the court on what’s in the children’s best interests.

Step 4: First Hearing Directions Appointment (FHDRA)

The first court hearing is called a First Hearing Directions Appointment. This typically takes place 4 to 6 weeks after you submit your application.

At the FHDRA:

• Both parties attend court
• CAFCASS presents their initial findings
• The judge explores whether agreement can be reached
• If no agreement is possible, the judge gives directions for the next steps

The court will encourage you to try mediation or other dispute resolution at this stage if you haven’t already.

Step 5: Further Hearings and Evidence

If the case cannot be resolved at the FHDRA, the court may:

• Order a Section 7 report – a detailed welfare report prepared by CAFCASS examining what arrangements would be best for the children
• Arrange for the children to speak to a CAFCASS officer
• Set a date for a Dispute Resolution Appointment (DRA)
• If necessary, schedule a final hearing where a judge will make a decision

Step 6: Final Hearing

If you cannot reach an agreement through the court process, the case will proceed to a final hearing. At this hearing:

• Both parties present their evidence
• The judge may hear from CAFCASS
• Witnesses may be called
• The judge will make a final decision based on the children’s welfare

The judge will issue a court order detailing the arrangements for the children. This order is legally binding.

How Long Does the C100 Court Process Take?

The family court aims to complete most cases within 26 weeks (about 6 months) from the date of application to final order. However, this varies depending on:

• The complexity of the case
• Whether safeguarding concerns require investigation
• Court availability and backlogs
• Whether parties reach an agreement earlier in the process

Simple cases where parents reach an agreement at the FHDRA might be resolved within 2 to 3 months. Complex cases involving serious allegations or disputes can take 12 months or longer.

Alternatives to Applying for a C100 Form

Before deciding to submit a C100 application, consider whether you might be able to resolve the dispute through other means.

Family Mediation

Mediation involves both parents meeting with an independent, trained mediator to discuss the issues and try to reach an agreement. Benefits include:

• Faster – mediation typically takes 3 to 5 sessions over 2 to 3 months
• Cheaper – much less expensive than court proceedings
• More control – you decide the outcome rather than a judge
• Better for children – collaborative agreements tend to work better long-term
• More flexible – you can agree arrangements that suit your family rather than standard court orders

Even if you can only reach partial agreement through mediation, this can significantly shorten court proceedings.

Collaborative Law

Collaborative law involves both parties working with specially trained collaborative lawyers to negotiate a settlement. Everyone signs an agreement committing to resolve the dispute without going to court.

Direct Negotiation

Some parents are able to negotiate arrangements directly, perhaps with the help of:

• Solicitors exchanging letters or emails
• A parenting coordinator
• A family consultant

Legal Advice

Getting legal advice from a family law solicitor can help you understand:

• Your legal position
• What the court is likely to order
• Whether your application has merit
• Alternative options available

This might help you reach an agreement without needing to apply to court.

---

Next Steps: Choose Your Way Forward

About The Author