How to Fill In a C100 Form: A Step-by-Step Guide
Updated: Oct 26
Last updated: 26 October 2026 · Written by the family law paralegal team at Court Help Limited
In short: The C100 form is the court form you use to ask the family court in England and Wales for a child arrangements, prohibited steps or specific issue order (Children Act 1989, s8). To fill it in, you usually attend a MIAM first, answer each section briefly and honestly, add form C1A or C8 if needed, and pay the £270 fee (checked on GOV.UK, 26 October 2026).
This guide walks through the C100 section by section, in plain English, so you know what each part is asking for and where people most often go wrong. We first wrote it in September 2021. The form has been redesigned since then, so we've rewritten the guide around the current version (the one GOV.UK updated in June 2026). The screenshots below come from the older 2021 form. They're still useful for seeing the kind of questions asked, but the page numbers and layout of today's form are different, so always download the latest copy from GOV.UK or use the online service.
Key facts about the C100 form
Topic | The position in England and Wales |
What the form is for | Applying for a child arrangements, prohibited steps or specific issue order, or to vary or discharge one (Children Act 1989, s8) |
Court fee | £270 (GOV.UK and form EX50, checked 26 October 2026) |
Help with the fee | Apply for Help with Fees online or on form EX160 and put your HWF reference on the application |
Before you apply | Attend a MIAM unless an exemption applies (Children and Families Act 2014, s10) |
Extra forms you may need | C1A if you have concerns about domestic abuse or other harm; C8 if you want to keep your contact details private |
How to send it | Online (GOV.UK says this avoids delay) or by post with the original and 3 copies |
First hearing | A first hearing dispute resolution appointment (FHDRA), which GOV.UK guidance says usually takes place around 5 weeks after the court receives the application; timescales vary between courts |
What is a C100 form used for?
The C100 is the main application form for disputes about a child's upbringing between parents or other family members. You can use it to ask for:
A child arrangements order – this decides who a child lives with, and when and how the child spends time or has contact with someone else.
A prohibited steps order – this means a person must get the court's permission before taking a particular step a parent could normally take, such as taking the child abroad or moving them to a new school. Our guide to prohibited steps orders explains these in more detail.
A specific issue order – this settles one particular question about the child's upbringing that the parents can't agree on, such as which school the child goes to, a medical treatment or a change of name.
Our 2021 version of this guide said a specific issue order is used where one parent accuses the other of drug misuse. That wasn't right. Concerns about drug or alcohol use are raised as risk-of-harm issues on the form and in form C1A, not through a specific issue order.
You can also use the C100 to ask the court to change (vary) or end (discharge) an existing section 8 order. Parents, guardians, special guardians and some others can apply without permission. Other people, such as many grandparents, usually need the court's permission first (Children Act 1989, s10).
How do you fill in the first part of the C100 (the application details)?
The opening pages of the C100 ask for the basics. The applicant is you, the person making the application. The respondent is the person you're applying against, usually the child's other parent. You'll be asked to give both names and tick which orders you're applying for.
You'll then see a set of yes/no questions about risk of harm, such as domestic abuse, child abduction, child abuse, drug or alcohol misuse, or other safety concerns. If you answer yes to any of them, you must also fill in form C1A and send it with your C100. Be accurate and factual here. These answers shape how the court and Cafcass approach the case from day one.
Next comes a group of "additional information" questions. These cover whether you need permission to apply, whether there's urgency, whether there are other court cases about the child, whether this is a consent application, whether any part of the case involves Scotland, Northern Ireland or another country, and whether you need anything in Welsh. If you answer yes, you'll fill in the matching section later in the form.
What goes in Section 1 of the C100, about the children?
Section 1 of the C100 is all about the children. For each child you give their full name, date of birth and sex, and tick which orders you're asking for about that child. You also say how you and the respondent are related to each child, for example mother and father. If there isn't room for every child, attach a separate sheet that's clearly labelled.
The C100 then asks whether the children are known to the local authority's children's services and, if so, which council and the social worker's name if you have it. It also asks whether any child is the subject of a child protection plan. You can answer yes, no or don't know.
You'll be asked whether all the children share the same parents, and to list everyone who has parental responsibility for each child and how they have it. For example: "the applicant, as the child's mother" or "the respondent, as the father named on the birth certificate". Our guide to parental responsibility explains who has it and how.
Finally, Section 1 asks who the children live with now. If they live with someone other than you or the respondent, such as grandparents, you give that address and the names of the adults who live there and their relationship to the child. If you don't want the other side to know your address, or the child's address, leave it off the C100 and complete form C8 (confidential contact details) instead. The court keeps form C8 private.
Do you have to go to mediation before filing a C100?
Not quite. You don't have to mediate, but you usually do have to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before applying. Section 10 of the Children and Families Act 2014 says that before making a relevant family application, a person must attend a MIAM. At the MIAM an authorised family mediator explains mediation and other ways of resolving the dispute, and checks whether they're suitable for your case.
Section 2 of the C100 asks you to confirm whether you've attended a MIAM, whether you're claiming an exemption, or (rarely) whether neither applies, for example because the application is by consent. GOV.UK guidance (leaflet CB1) says that if you haven't attended a MIAM and don't have a valid exemption, the court can't process your application unless there are special circumstances.
What are the MIAM exemptions in Section 3 of the C100?
Section 3 is where you claim an exemption from attending a MIAM. The current C100 groups the exemptions like this:
3a – Domestic abuse. Where there is evidence of domestic abuse of a kind listed in Practice Direction 3A, such as a relevant police caution or a court order. Attach the evidence to the application. Domestic abuse is defined in section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and covers physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse, and psychological or emotional abuse.
3b – Child protection concerns. Where the child, or another child in the household, is the subject of local authority enquiries under section 47 of the Children Act 1989 or of a child protection plan.
3c – Urgency. For example, where there's a risk to the life, liberty or physical safety of you or your family, or where the delay caused by a MIAM would risk harm to the child or the child being unlawfully taken out of, or kept outside, the country.
3d – Previous MIAM or other non-court dispute resolution. For example, where in the 4 months before the application you attended a MIAM or another form of non-court dispute resolution about the same dispute.
3e – Other. Other listed situations, such as the application being made without notice, a disability that stops you attending when no suitable facilities can be offered, being in prison, or (if you can't attend online) no authorised mediator being available within 15 business days or within 15 miles.
Our earlier guide said exemptions only apply "in extreme cases". That's too narrow. The exemptions are set out in rule 3.8 of the Family Procedure Rules 2010 and Practice Direction 3A (as changed from 29 April 2024), and many people with genuine domestic abuse or safeguarding concerns rely on them. What matters is that the exemption really does apply and that you attach any evidence it needs. If you can't provide the evidence, Section 3 asks you to explain why.
Who fills in Section 4 of the C100?
Section 4 of the C100 is completed and signed by the authorised family mediator who held your MIAM, not by you. It includes the mediator's Family Mediation Council registration number and confirms that you attended. If you went to a MIAM, make sure the mediator signs this section, or that the online application carries their confirmation, before you send the form.
The 2021 version of this guide suggested a "contact centre" could sign the MIAM section. That was wrong. Only an authorised family mediator can complete Section 4. Contact centres are places where supervised or supported contact takes place.
What should you write in Section 5, "why you are making this application"?
Section 5 of the C100 starts by asking whether you need the court's permission to apply. Most parents don't. You only need permission if you're not entitled to apply as of right, or if the court has made an order under section 91(14) of the Children Act 1989 that stops you applying without permission. Our guide to section 91(14) barring orders explains how these work.
You then give a brief summary of why you're applying. The current form says plainly: don't give a full statement here, just a summary of the relevant reasons, because you may be asked for a full statement later. Something like "The respondent has not allowed me to see the child since [date]. I'm asking the court for a child arrangements order so the child can spend regular time with me" is the right level of detail. This is a change from our earlier guide, which suggested attaching a full supporting statement at this stage.
If you and the other parent have made a parenting plan, attach a copy.
How do you ask for an urgent or without notice hearing on the C100?
Section 6 of the C100 is only for urgent or without notice applications. If you need the court to act quickly, for example because there's an immediate risk of harm to the child or a risk the child will be taken out of the country, you say which order you want, why it's urgent, and when you need the court to deal with it.
A without notice application means the court hears it before the respondent is told about it. The court only does this in limited situations, such as where giving notice would put you or the child at risk or would defeat the purpose of the order. You must explain what you've done to tell the respondent, or why you haven't. Our article on without notice (ex parte) orders explains what happens next.
What goes in Section 7, other court cases about the children?
Section 7 of the C100 asks about any current or past court cases about the children. That includes earlier child arrangements cases, care proceedings, non-molestation or occupation orders, and similar cases. For each one, give the name of the court, the case number, the date and, if Cafcass was involved, the name of the Cafcass officer if you know it. Tick every type of case that applies and attach a copy of any relevant order.
What do Sections 8 and 9 of the C100 cover?
Section 8 of the C100 deals with international elements. You give details if any child, parent or other important person might be habitually resident outside England and Wales, if there could be a question about which country's courts should deal with the case, or if a request has been or might be made to an authority in another country. For these purposes Scotland and Northern Ireland count as separate jurisdictions, because they have their own legal systems.
Section 9 asks about anything that affects your ability to take part in the case, such as a learning difficulty, a mental health condition or another factor affecting your ability to understand and take part in the proceedings. Give details of any referrals or assessments. There's also space to mention similar factors about the respondent if you know of them. Otherwise, leave it blank.
What help can you ask for at court in Section 10?
Section 10 of the C100 is where you tell the court what you need to take part fairly. You can ask:
to speak Welsh or receive documents in Welsh
for an interpreter, including a sign language interpreter, or an intermediary
for disability support, such as wheelchair access or documents in large print
for special measures if you're a victim of domestic abuse, such as a separate waiting room, a screen in the courtroom, or attending by video link
Since 21 July 2022, Part 4B of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 (added by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021) has stopped cross-examination in person in certain cases involving domestic abuse, so that a victim isn't questioned directly by the alleged abuser. The form asks about this too.
What details do you give about yourself and the respondent?
Sections 11 and 12 of the C100 ask for personal details for each applicant and each respondent: full name, any previous names, sex, date of birth, place of birth if known, current address, phone and email. If anyone has lived at their current address for less than five years, list their previous addresses over the last five years. Remember that if you're keeping your own details confidential, they go on form C8, not here.
Who else should be told about the application (Section 13)?
Section 13 of the C100 asks for details of anyone else who should be told about the application, for example a grandparent or another person who cares for the child. You give their relationship to each child. There's also space for any other children who live with you or are cared for by you but aren't part of this application.
Do you need a solicitor to complete a C100 (Section 14)?
No. Many people fill in the C100 themselves as a litigant in person. Section 14 is only for the details of a solicitor if one is acting for you, and a solicitor acting for you would normally complete the form. If you're doing it yourself, you can get help from organisations such as ours with preparing and checking the form, while you sign and send it.
How do you finish and send the C100 (Sections 15 and 16)?
Section 15 is a checklist. Go through it carefully and make sure every section you need is complete and any MIAM evidence is attached. Section 16 is the statement of truth. You sign it to confirm you believe the facts in the application are true. The form warns that proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against anyone who makes a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth, so be careful with every factual claim.
You'll also say how you'll pay the £270 court fee, for example by card. If you're on a low income or certain benefits, apply for Help with Fees first, online or on form EX160. You'll get a reference starting "HWF", which goes on the form. If you've already paid in the last 3 months and would have qualified, you can ask for a refund.
How to apply at a glance
Step | What you do |
1. Try to agree | Consider whether you can agree arrangements, for example through mediation or a parenting plan |
2. MIAM | Attend a MIAM, or check that a genuine exemption applies and gather any evidence |
3. Help with Fees | If you need it, apply online or on form EX160 and note your HWF reference |
4. Fill in the C100 | Online, or download the current form from GOV.UK; add C1A (risk of harm) and C8 (confidential details) if needed |
5. Send it | Online, or post the original and 3 copies to the family court, with the £270 fee or HWF reference |
6. After you apply | Cafcass carries out checks with the police and local authority, and the court lists a first hearing (FHDRA) |
Law | Children Act 1989, ss8 and 10; Children and Families Act 2014, s10; Family Procedure Rules, Part 3 and PD3A |
What happens after you send a C100?
Once the court issues your C100, Cafcass (or Cafcass Cymru in Wales) carries out safeguarding checks with the police and the local authority, usually speaks to each party by phone, and sends the court a safeguarding letter. Our guide on how to prepare for a Cafcass call explains what to expect. The respondent has to be given a copy of the application, which is called service. The court will send you form CB3, which explains how to do this, and you must serve the people listed unless the court tells you it will deal with it.
The first hearing is the FHDRA. The judge or magistrates will try to narrow the issues and see whether you can agree anything, and will make directions for what happens next. That might include a section 7 report from Cafcass or the local authority, or attending a Separated Parents Information Programme. The law says there must be no unnecessary delay in cases about children, but how long a case takes varies a great deal from court to court and case to case.
How we can help
Court Help Limited is a family law paralegal firm in England and Wales. We're not solicitors and we don't represent clients in court. If you're applying for a child arrangements, prohibited steps or specific issue order, we can help you:
work out which order you need and whether you need permission
prepare your C100 and, where needed, your C1A and C8, and check them before you sign and send them yourself
prepare for the Cafcass call and the first hearing
draft statements and organise your court bundle later in the case
You can read what our clients say in our Google reviews. To talk to us, email help@incourt.co.uk or use the contact form on our website and one of the team will get back to you.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the C100 court form?
The C100 court form is the family court's application form for asking a judge or magistrates to decide arrangements for a child under section 8 of the Children Act 1989. People often call it the child arrangement order form, but you also use it for prohibited steps and specific issue orders, and to change or end an existing order. You can download the current version from GOV.UK or apply online. If you're hoping for a decision before the school holidays, our guide on whether it's too late to apply to court for Christmas contact explains the timing.
How much does it cost to file a C100 form?
The court fee for a C100 application is £270 (checked on GOV.UK on 26 October 2026). If you're on a low income or certain benefits, you may be able to get Help with Fees, which can reduce the fee or remove it altogether.
Can I fill in the C100 online?
Yes. GOV.UK offers an online C100 service and recommends applying online to avoid delay. You can save your application and come back to it, but you have 28 days to finish it once you've started.
Do I have to attend a MIAM before applying for a child arrangements order?
Usually, yes. Section 10 of the Children and Families Act 2014 requires you to attend a MIAM before applying, unless an exemption applies, such as evidence of domestic abuse, child protection concerns, urgency or attending a MIAM in the last 4 months.
What is form C1A and when do I need it?
Form C1A is a supplementary form for allegations of harm. You must complete it if you answer yes to any of the risk-of-harm questions at the start of the C100, such as domestic abuse, abduction, child abuse or drug or alcohol misuse.
How do I keep my address secret on the C100?
Leave your address and contact details off the C100 and put them on form C8 instead. The court keeps form C8 confidential and doesn't send it to the other party.
How long after filing a C100 is the first hearing?
GOV.UK guidance says the first hearing dispute resolution appointment usually takes place around 5 weeks after the court receives the application, but this varies between courts, so treat it as a rough guide rather than a promise.
This article is general information about the law in England and Wales. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts, and court fees and procedures change, so check GOV.UK for the latest position. Court Help Limited is a family law paralegal firm, not a firm of solicitors, and does not represent clients in court.
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