Quick Answer
The C100 is the form used to apply for a child arrangements order in England and Wales. Download it free from GOV.UK. You must attend a MIAM first (unless exempt). The court fee is £232. File at your local Family Court.
The C100 is the official court form for applying for a Child Arrangements Order, Prohibited Steps Order, or Specific Issue Order in the Family Court of England and Wales. This step-by-step guide explains every section of the form, common mistakes to avoid, court fees, and what happens after you file.
Written by CourtCraft Advocate — Expert McKenzie Friend & Family Court Support
The C100 is the official HMCTS form used to apply for orders relating to children under the Children Act 1989. It is used for:
Before filing a C100, you must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) unless an exemption applies. The mediator signs Section 3 of the C100 to confirm you have attended.
MIAM exemptions include:
Attend a MIAM (or confirm exemption)
Contact a family mediator for a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). The mediator will sign Section 3 of your C100 or confirm that an exemption applies. Without this, the court will reject your application.
Download the latest C100 form
Download the current C100 form from the HMCTS website (gov.uk). Ensure you have the latest version — forms are updated periodically. CourtCraft Advocate also provides a guided form completion tool.
Complete Section 1: About You (the Applicant)
Enter your full name, date of birth, address, and contact details. If you have safety concerns about your address being disclosed to the other party, tick the confidentiality box and your address will be kept from them.
Complete Section 2: About the Respondent
Enter the other party's details. If you do not know their current address, enter their last known address. You must name all respondents — typically the other parent.
Complete Section 3: About the Children
Enter each child's full name, date of birth, gender, and current living arrangements. If there are multiple children, complete a separate entry for each.
Complete Section 4: The Orders You Are Applying For
Tick the type of order you are applying for: Child Arrangements Order (who the child lives with and/or spends time with), Prohibited Steps Order, or Specific Issue Order. You can apply for more than one type.
Complete Section 5: Reasons for the Application
Explain briefly why you are applying. Be factual and focused on the child's welfare. This is not the place for a detailed account — save that for your position statement.
Complete Section 6: MIAM Information
Confirm whether you attended a MIAM or whether an exemption applies. The mediator's details and signature go here. If claiming an exemption, tick the relevant box and be prepared to provide evidence.
Complete Section 7: Domestic Abuse
Answer all questions about domestic abuse honestly. If there has been domestic abuse, provide details. This triggers a CAFCASS safeguarding check and may affect the type of hearing listed.
File at the Family Court and pay the fee
Submit the completed C100 at your local Family Court with the court fee (£232) or form EX160 (fee remission application). Keep a copy of everything you submit. The court will stamp your copy and give you a case number.
C100 Court Fee
£232Current fee as of 2024. Subject to change — check gov.uk for the latest fee.
If you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits (Universal Credit, Income Support, etc.), you may qualify for full or partial fee remission using form EX160. Submit the EX160 with your C100 application. The court will assess your eligibility and notify you of the outcome.
The court processes your application and serves it on the respondent.
First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) is listed. CAFCASS prepares a safeguarding letter.
The judge explores whether agreement can be reached. If not, further hearings are listed.
Dispute Resolution Appointment (DRA) if the case is not resolved at the FHDRA.
Final hearing if the case remains contested.
After filing, you will typically receive a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) date within 4–6 weeks. The full process for a contested case can take 6–12 months.
No. You can file a C100 yourself as a litigant in person. CourtCraft Advocate can help you complete the form correctly and prepare for your first hearing.
The current court fee for a C100 application is £232. If you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may qualify for full or partial fee remission using form EX160.
The court will serve the application on the respondent and list a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) within 4–6 weeks. CAFCASS will prepare a safeguarding letter before the FHDRA.
Yes, in most cases. You must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before filing a C100, unless an exemption applies (e.g., domestic abuse, urgency, or the other party is overseas).
Yes. If there is an immediate risk to the child, you can apply without notice (ex parte) by filing the C100 with a C2 application requesting urgent consideration. The court can list a hearing on the same day in genuine emergencies.
Completing the C100 correctly is critical — errors can delay your application or result in it being rejected. CourtCraft Advocate provides guided C100 form completion, McKenzie Friend support, and expert family court guidance to help you get it right first time.
Complete Your C100 with CourtCraft Advocate →courtcraftadvocate.com — AI-powered C100 form completion & McKenzie Friend support