C100 Form UK 2026 | Download Guide

Content verified: May 2026 (Q2 2026) Download C100 Form Guide (PDF)

What is a C100 Form?

The C100 form, officially titled "Application under the Children Act 1989", is the form you use to apply to family court for orders about children in England and Wales. It is sometimes called a "C100 application form" or "form C100" and is used for family court applications.

You can use the form C100 to apply for three types of order:

• Child Arrangements Order - Where children live and who they spend time with
• Prohibited Steps Order - To prevent the other parent from doing something specific (such as taking the child abroad)
• Specific Issue Order - For decisions about schooling, medical treatment, religion, etc.

The C100 form replaced what used to be called "custody" and "access" applications.

Courts now focus on "arrangements" - recognising that both parents typically remain involved in their children's lives.

C100 Form Version 02.26 Updates (February 2026)

The current C100 form version 02.26 was published on 26 February 2026 with several important updates:

• Question 5 in the form has been updated
• Welsh form and landing page added
• Information on Mediation Information Assessment Meetings updated
• Online Help with Fees service noted as currently unavailable
• Large print version of C100 added
• PO Box address changed to the child's court
• Service now available to non-parents

Download current version: C100 Form (02.26) Official page: Gov.uk C100 Application

When Do You Need a C100 Application Form?

You might need to submit a C100 application form if:

• You can't agree where children should live
• The other parent won't let you see your children
• You want to change an existing arrangement
• You need to relocate with the children
• There are disagreements about school or medical decisions
• You have concerns about a child's safety with the other parent

Court should be a last resort. It's expensive, stressful, and can take months. Mediation is usually faster, cheaper, and gives you more control over the outcome.

C100 Form Online: How to Apply

You have two options for submitting your C100 form application:

Apply Online (Extended Pilot)

Practice Direction 36G extended the online C100 pilot to 31 March 2026. You can apply through the MyHMCTS portal on gov.uk. The online C100 form process:

• Guides you step-by-step through each section
• Lets you save your progress and return later
• Validates your answers as you go (reducing errors)
• Allows online payment of the fee
• Is generally processed faster than paper applications

Note: PD12Q now allows Section 91(14) Children Act 1989 permission applications to be made on the C100 form (or online equivalent) rather than requiring C2.

Paper Form (By Post)

Alternatively, you can download the C100 form PDF (version 02.26) from gov.uk, print and complete it by hand (use black ink) or fill it digitally, then post or deliver it to your local family court with a cheque or postal order for the fee.

Tip: The online C100 form process is generally quicker and easier. You'll need a gov.uk account to use it.

MIAM Requirement Before Submitting Form C100

On page 3 of the C100 form (the MIAM section), you must indicate one of the following:

1. You've attended a MIAM and have a signed certificate (Form FM1)
2. You have a valid exemption (domestic abuse, urgency, child protection, etc.)
3. A mediator has signed to confirm the other party won't attend or mediation isn't suitable

How Much Does a C100 Form Cost?

The court fee for submitting a C100 form is £263 (Gov.uk family court fees) - verified Q2 2026. This is a one-off payment made when you submit the C100 application form.

| Item | Cost | Notes | |------|------|-------| | C100 Form Court Fee | £263 | One-off submission fee | | With Fee Remission | Free | If you qualify for Help with Fees | | MIAM attendance | Around £120 | Required before submitting C100 form | | MIAM with Legal Aid | Free | If eligible for legal aid | | Solicitor (optional) | £200-£500+ | To help complete the form C100 |

For more detailed information about C100 form costs, see our C100 Form Cost Guide.

Fee Remission (Help with Fees)

If you're on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may not have to pay the C100 form court fee. Apply using Form EX160 at the same time as your C100 application. Note: Help with Fees online service is currently unavailable per gov.uk; paper EX160 still available.

Family Mediation Voucher Scheme (Extended 2026-27)

The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme has been extended for the 2026-27 financial year, with funding confirmed by the Ministry of Justice on 27 March 2026. The £500 contribution towards mediation costs continues to be available for eligible cases involving children. Vouchers are now administered by Opia Ltd on behalf of the MoJ (not the FMC directly). Important: The £500 voucher is for joint mediation sessions only. The MIAM itself (~£120) is not covered unless the client qualifies for legal aid.