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Court forms · C2

The C2 form: applications in an existing case

Form C2 is the application you make inside a children case that has already started: for an order or directions, to be joined as a party or stop being one, or for permission to start proceedings[1]. The current edition is 06.26[2]. The fee for a C2 application is £62 by consent or £195 on notice[3][4][5].

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Last reviewed Sources checked

Prepare with MiamSee the sources
C2 by consent or without notice[3]
C2 on notice to the other parties[4]
Current edition of the C2[2]
Minimum notice before the court deals with it[6]

01/ At a glance

Form C2 at a glance

Apply for permission to start proceedings, for an order or directions in existing proceedings, or to be joined as, or stop being, a party in existing family proceedings under the Children Act 1989.

Current edition
Form C2 (06.26)[2]
Download Form C2 (PDF, GOV.UK)

Always take the form from its GOV.UK page: an old edition can be returned.

02/ What it is for

What the C2 form is for

GOV.UK describes Form C2 as the way to ask permission to start proceedings, to request an order or directions in existing proceedings, or to ask to join or leave proceedings[2]. The form covers family proceedings under the Children Act 1989[1].

It is not the usual way to start a case about where a child lives or spends time: that is Form C100, which itself says to use Form C2 for an order in existing proceedings or to be joined as a party[10][11]. A parental responsibility order is applied for on Form C1[12].

If a case is already going on, you use a C2 to ask for an order or directions within it[1][13]. Section 1 asks for the existing case number, and each child and the order you are applying for[1].

03/ Parties

Applying to be joined as a party

In a case about a section 8 order, the respondents are everyone the applicant believes has parental responsibility for the child[17]. Anyone else is not automatically a party, but the court may at any time direct that any person or body be made a party[14]. When it adds someone, it can give directions about serving the papers on them and about how the case is run[14].

Being joined is different from needing permission to apply for your own order: grandparents, for example, usually need the court's permission before applying for a child arrangements order[18][19]. See grandparents' rights.

04/ Section by section

What each section of the C2 asks

The 06.26 form runs to 10 pages[2]. It says to read leaflet CB1 first, and that not answering every question, or not saying one does not apply, could delay the case[1].

Form C2 (06.26), section by section
SectionWhat it covers
Section 1Summary: whether you need permission, any existing case number, and each child and the order sought
Section 2About you, including previous addresses
Section 3The respondents
Section 4Others who should be given notice, such as someone caring for the child
Section 5Your solicitor, if you have one
Section 6Brief details of what you are applying for and why
Section 7Attending court: interpreter, disability, special arrangements
Section 8Statement of truth

Read off the 06.26 form[1][15]. Leave contact details blank and use Form C8 to keep them from the respondents[1].

When you also need Form FM1

You must file a separate Form FM1 with the C2 if you are applying for a parental responsibility order or one ending it, an order appointing or removing a guardian, permission to change a child's surname or take them out of the UK, or a special guardianship order or one varying or ending it[1]. FM1 is where the MIAM confirmation or exemption goes for those applications[20]. See Form FM1.

Section 6: your reasons

Section 6 asks for brief details of what you are applying for and your reasons[1]. Under the court rules an application notice must state the order sought and briefly why, with a draft of the order attached[6].

Safety at court

Section 7 asks about interpreters, disability needs and special arrangements, such as a waiting room separate from the respondent[1]. The form also explains that the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 can prevent questioning in person, using Forms EX740 and EX741[1][21].

05/ The fee

How much a C2 application costs

The C2 does not name one fee: it says you may need to pay one, that leaflet EX50 explains which, and that you may be exempt from all or part of it[15]. Under the Fees Order, an application in existing Children Act proceedings costs £62 if it is by consent or without notice, and £195 if it is on notice to the other parties[3][4][5].

Where you need the court's permission to apply, the fee for the order is paid when you ask for permission, and no further fee is charged if permission is granted[5]. For a section 8 order that fee is £270[22]. Fee 5.1 is not charged on an application by consent to adjourn a hearing that the court receives at least 14 days before it[5].

If you are on a low income or benefits, Help with Fees can reduce or cover the fee[23]. The C2 has a box for your Help with Fees reference[1].

Court fee · fee 5.1

£62

in force from 13 July 2026

Fees 5.1 and 5.3 apply in Children Act 1989 proceedings; the section 8 fee applies when you ask permission to apply[5][3][4][22]. Help with Fees can reduce or cover a fee[23].

Estimate only. Beta service. Always check with official government websites. Check Help with Fees on GOV.UK.

06/ After you apply

What happens to a C2 application

A C2 follows the court's procedure for other applications in proceedings, in Part 18 of the Family Procedure Rules[6]. HMCTS guide CB1 says the court tells you when and how to serve it[13].

  1. Sign section 8, attach the fee, and take or send the C2 with one copy for the court, one for Cafcass or Cafcass Cymru, and one for each party or other person[15].

07/ Checklist

What to have ready before you send it

The C2's own "What to do now" page and the court rules ask for these[15][6]:

Before you send the C2

0 of 9 ready

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08/ Getting help

Help with a C2 application

You can represent yourself without a legal adviser, and GOV.UK points to AdviceNow, Support Through Court and Citizens Advice[24]. If the C2 is about safety, see Form C1A and domestic abuse support.

09/ Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is a C2 form used for?

Form C2 is for asking permission to start proceedings, for an order or directions in existing children proceedings, or to be joined as, or stop being, a party[1].

How much does a C2 application cost?

In existing Children Act proceedings the fee is £62 by consent or without notice, and £195 on notice[3][4][5]. Help with Fees can reduce or cover it[23].

Who serves a C2 application?

For a C2, you serve the respondents with a copy of the application and the documents the court provides, and the court tells you when and how[13].

How much notice does the other parent get of a C2?

A copy must be served as soon as practicable and at least 7 days before the court deals with it, unless a rule, practice direction or the court allows otherwise[6].

Can a C2 be decided without a hearing?

Yes, if the court considers a hearing would not be appropriate or the parties agree[6].

Do I need Form FM1 with a C2?

Yes, if you are applying for a parental responsibility, guardianship, surname or removal from the UK, or special guardianship order the C2 lists[1].

How do I apply to be joined as a party?

You apply on Form C2[13]. The court will make a person with parental responsibility a party if they ask, and may make anyone else a party[14].

10/ Sources

Sources we checked

  1. Form C2 (06.26), sections 1 to 8 — HMCTS
  2. Form C2: application in existing court proceedings relating to children — HMCTS, GOV.UK · Form C2 (06.26), PDF — HMCTS
  3. The Court and Tribunal Fees (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2026 (SI 2026/642), Schedule 3 — legislation.gov.uk
  4. The Court and Tribunal Fees (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2026 (SI 2026/642), Schedule 3 — legislation.gov.uk
  5. The Family Proceedings Fees Order 2008, Schedule 1 (fees 2 and 5 and notes) — legislation.gov.uk
  6. Family Procedure Rules, Part 18 — justice.gov.uk
  7. FMC MIAM Standards (Aug 2022) PDF
  8. GOV.UK — mediation · FPR r3.9
  9. FPR Part 3, r3.8(1)(d)
  10. Form C100 (06.26), opening pages — HMCTS
  11. Form C100 (06.26), sections 1, 6, 15 and 16 — HMCTS
  12. Making an application: children and the family courts (CB1) — HMCTS, GOV.UK
  13. Making an application: children and the family courts (CB1), forms and service — HMCTS, GOV.UK
  14. Family Procedure Rules, Part 12, rule 12.3(2) to (4) — justice.gov.uk
  15. Form C2 (06.26), what to do now and court fees — HMCTS
  16. Form C100 publication page — HMCTS, GOV.UK
  17. Family Procedure Rules, Part 12, rule 12.3: who the parties are — justice.gov.uk
  18. Contact with your grandchild if their parents divorce or separate — GOV.UK
  19. What rights do grandparents have to see their grandchildren? — House of Commons Library
  20. Form FM1 publication page — HMCTS, GOV.UK · Form FM1 (04.24), PDF — HMCTS
  21. Practice Direction 3AB — Prohibition of cross-examination in person, justice.gov.uk
  22. The Court and Tribunal Fees (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2026 (SI 2026/642), Schedule 3 — legislation.gov.uk
  23. GOV.UK — Get help with court fees
  24. Apply for a court order: get help from a legal adviser — GOV.UK

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