C100 Form UK 2026 | Download C100 Court Form Guide

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 referred to as a "C100 form family court" application.

You can use the 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 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.

When Do You Need a C100?

You might need to apply using the C100 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. Before applying, consider direct negotiation, family mediation (required before court), solicitor negotiations, or collaborative law.

C100 Form Online: How to Apply

You have two options for submitting your C100 form application:

Apply Online (Recommended)

You can apply through the MyHMCTS portal on gov.uk. The online 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

Paper Form (By Post)

Alternatively, you can download the C100 form PDF 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 process is generally quicker and easier. You'll need a gov.uk account to use it.

C100 Form Download

If you prefer a paper application, download the C100 form directly from GOV.UK. The form is a PDF you can print and fill in by hand, or fill digitally using a PDF reader then print and sign.

You may also need these supplementary forms:

• C100 - Main application form (required)
• C1A - Allegations of harm supplement (if applicable)
• FM1 - MIAM certificate from your mediator
• EX160 - Help with Fees form (if applying for fee remission)

MIAM Requirement

On page 3 of the C100 (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 to Complete the C100 Form

The C100 form has several sections:

• Section 1: MIAM Information - Confirm you've attended a MIAM or have an exemption. Attach your FM1 certificate or exemption evidence.
• Section 2: Applicant's Details - Your full name, date of birth, address, and contact information. You can request your address be kept confidential.
• Section 3: Respondent's Details - The other parent's name, date of birth, and address if known.
• Section 4: Children's Details - Full names, dates of birth, gender, who they currently live with, and parental responsibility status.
• Section 5: Orders Applied For - Specify exactly what you're asking the court to order.
• Section 6: Reasons for Application - Explain why you're making this application and what you've tried so far.
• Section 7: Harm & Risk (Form C1A) - Any concerns about domestic abuse, violence, neglect, or other harm to the children.
• Section 8: Other Proceedings - Any related court cases involving these children or family members.
• Section 9: Declaration & Signature - Sign to confirm the information is true to the best of your knowledge.

Example of a Completed C100 Form

While every C100 application is unique, here's guidance on how to approach the key sections. A well-completed form is clear, factual, and focused on the children's needs.

Section 5 (Orders Applied For) - Example:

"I am applying for a Child Arrangements Order for [child's name] to spend time with me every other weekend from Friday after school to Sunday at 6pm, and one evening per week (Wednesday) after school until 7pm. I also seek shared holiday time, divided equally between both parents."

Section 6 (Reasons) - Example:

"The respondent and I separated in [month/year]. Since separation, I have been unable to maintain regular contact with [child's name]. I attended a MIAM on [date] and the respondent declined to attend mediation. I believe it is in [child's name]'s best interests to have a meaningful relationship with both parents."

How Much Does a C100 Form Cost?

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

| Item | Cost | Notes | |------|------|-------| | C100 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 | | MIAM with Legal Aid | Free | If eligible for legal aid | | Solicitor (optional) | £200-£500+ | To help complete the form |

Fee Remission (Help with Fees)

If you're on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may not have to pay the court fee. Apply using Form EX160 at the same time as your C100. You may qualify if you:

• Receive Universal Credit, Income Support, or income-based JSA/ESA
• Have a gross monthly income below £1,085 (single) or £1,245 (couple)
• Have savings under £3,000 (or £16,000 if over State Pension age)

What Happens After You Submit a C100 Form?

Once the court receives your C100 form, the following process begins:

How Long Does a C100 Form Take?

The timeline for a C100 application varies depending on complexity:

| Stage | Typical Timeline | |-------|-----------------| | Court processes application | 1-2 days | | Cafcass safeguarding checks | 1-2 weeks | | First hearing (FHDRA) | 4-6 weeks from application | | Total process (if contested) | 6-12 months (Gov.uk) |

Good news: Many cases are resolved at or shortly after the first hearing (FHDRA). According to Cafcass, their officers attend most first hearings to help parents reach agreement. If both parents reach an agreement with the help of the judge and Cafcass officer, a consent order can be made on the same day - meaning the process takes just 4-6 weeks total.

Emergency C100 Applications

In urgent situations where a child is at immediate risk, you can apply for an emergency hearing. This is called a "without notice" (or "ex parte") application.

When to make an emergency application

• A parent is about to take the child out of the country
• There is an immediate risk of physical harm to the child
• A child is being hidden or withheld unlawfully
• There is a risk of serious irreversible harm if the court doesn't act immediately

How to apply

1. Complete the standard C100 form and tick the "urgency" box
2. Complete Form C1A detailing the risk of harm
3. Write a supporting witness statement explaining the urgency
4. Contact your local family court directly and explain it's urgent

Emergency hearings can be listed within 24-72 hours if the court agrees there is immediate risk. You are usually exempt from the MIAM requirement in genuine emergencies.

C100 Form for Grandparents

Grandparents can apply for a Child Arrangements Order to spend time with their grandchildren, but the process is slightly different.

Do grandparents need permission to apply?

Unlike parents, grandparents need permission from the court (called "leave") before making a C100 application, unless:

• The child has lived with you for at least 3 years
• You have the consent of everyone with parental responsibility
• There is an existing Child Arrangements Order and you want to vary it

How to apply as a grandparent

1. Attend a MIAM (same requirement as parents)
2. Submit a Form C2 asking for permission to apply, explaining your relationship with the child
3. If permission is granted, submit your C100 form with the specific orders you're seeking

Courts generally recognise the value of grandparent relationships and will grant leave if there is a genuine connection with the child.

Responding to a C100 Form

If you've been served with a C100 (meaning the other parent has made an application about you), here's what you need to do:

Tip: Being served with a C100 doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. It means the other parent has asked the court to help resolve a disagreement about children. The court will consider both sides equally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a C100 without a solicitor?

Yes, many people submit C100 forms without a solicitor (as a "litigant in person"). The online form guides you through the process. However, if your case involves domestic abuse, complex finances, or international elements, legal advice is recommended.

What if I don't know the other parent's address?

You should make reasonable efforts to find their address. If you genuinely cannot, you can ask the court to serve papers by alternative means (such as email or through a relative).

Can I keep my address confidential?

Yes. If you have safety concerns, request your address be kept confidential using Form C8. The court will not share your address with the other party.

What if the other parent lives abroad?

International cases are more complex. If the child is habitually resident in England or Wales, the court can still hear your application. Seek legal advice for international cases.

Can I withdraw my C100 application?

Yes, you can withdraw at any time by notifying the court in writing. However, the court may refuse if it believes the child's welfare requires continued involvement.

Do I need to attend court in person?

The first hearing (FHDRA) can sometimes be attended remotely by video link. Later hearings involving evidence are usually in person. The court will specify how to attend.

How much does a C100 cost and can I get help with fees?

The C100 court fee is £263 (Gov.uk EX50). If you are on a low income or receive certain benefits, you may qualify for fee remission using Form EX160. This can reduce or eliminate the fee entirely. Check eligibility at Gov.uk Help with Court Fees.

What is Cafcass and what do they do?

Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) is an independent organisation that looks after the interests of children in family court cases. After you submit a C100, Cafcass will conduct safeguarding checks with police and local authorities, and a Cafcass officer will attend your first hearing to help parents reach agreement.

How long does a C100 application take?

According to Gov.uk, court orders usually take around 10 months. However, if you reach agreement at the first hearing (FHDRA), it can be resolved in 4-6 weeks. Complex cases with fact-finding hearings can take 12-18 months.

---

Official Resources & Authority Links

For authoritative information, visit these official UK government and regulatory sources:

Government Sources

• Gov.uk - Apply for a Court Order - Official guidance on C100 applications
• Gov.uk - Family Court Fees (EX50) - Current fee schedule
• Gov.uk - Children Act Forms - Download C100 and related forms
• Gov.uk - Help with Court Fees - Fee remission eligibility
• Family Mediation Voucher Scheme - £500 towards mediation

Court & Legal Resources

• Family Procedure Rules - Legal framework for family courts
• Cafcass - Children and Family Court Advisory Service
• Find a Court - Locate your local family court

Mediation Services

• Family Mediation Council - Find FMC-accredited mediators
• National Family Mediation - UK's largest family mediation charity
• Resolution - Family law professionals network