Making a C100 application, section by section

Do you need permission?

A parent, guardian or special guardian can apply without the court's permission^[12]. So can some others for a child arrangements order, such as someone the child has lived with for at least 3 years in the last 5 years^[12]. Anyone else, including most grandparents, first asks the court's permission^[13].

You ask for permission on the C100 itself: question A1 on the front, then section 5, which asks for your reasons^[14][15]. Permission is also needed if an order under section 91(14) or a civil restraint order is in force against you; attach a copy^[14][15]. Asking for permission has its own court fee, which is not refundable, but you do not pay a second fee if permission is given^[16].

Applying online or on paper

HMCTS says to apply online to avoid delay^[20]. Both routes are the same C100 application^[1].

Form C1A and keeping your address private

If you say the children have experienced or are at risk of harm, from domestic abuse, child abduction, child abuse, drugs or alcohol, or another safety concern, you must fill in Form C1A and file it with the C100^[17]. The C1A is where you tell the court about that harm^[27].

If you do not want the other parent to see your contact details, leave them blank on the C100 and fill in Form C8 instead^[17]. Section 10 of the C100 is where you ask for special measures when you attend court^[19].

Writing the summary in section 5

Question 5.4 asks for brief details of four things: any earlier agreements or parenting plans and how they broke down; your reasons for applying; what you want the court to do; and the reasons the other parent has given for their actions^[15].

The form says not to give a full statement, just a summary; you may be asked for a full statement later^[15][18]. CB1 says to give only the information the form asks for, and you need the court's permission to add information it does not ask for^[28]. Miam can help you think it through before you write it.

Where to send it and paying

Apply to the Designated Family Centre for your area^[17]. On paper, the form says to send at least 3 copies: one for the court, one for you and one for the other parent^[17]. If you pay by card, the court contacts you within 3 working days to take payment^[17].

If you are applying for an order in a case that is already going on, you use Form C2 rather than a C100^[17]. What follows is on what happens after a C100.

The C100 application fee

The court fee for a C100 is £270, in force since 13 July 2026^[4]. If you are on a low income or benefits, Help with Fees can help you pay it^[5], and the form has a box for your reference number^[18].

You can apply for Help with Fees before or after paying: online as part of your application, or by post on form EX160 sent with it^[33]. If you have already paid, a refund needs you to have paid within the last 3 months and to have been eligible then^[33].

The MIAM before it is separate: typically £120–£150 per person, and free if either of you qualifies for legal aid^[34][35]. Every fee is on family court fees.