£232
Court Fee
MIAM
Required First
4-6 Weeks
First Hearing
Online
Can Apply Online
Quick Summary
The C100 form is the official application to family court for a Child Arrangements Order (what used to be called "custody" or "contact" orders). Before you can submit it, you must attend a MIAM or have an exemption. The court fee is £232 (or free with fee remission).
What is the 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. This includes:
- Child Arrangements Order - Where children live and who they spend time with
- Prohibited Steps Order - To prevent the other parent from doing something specific
- Specific Issue Order - For decisions about schooling, medical treatment, etc.
The form replaced what used to be called "custody" and "access" applications. Courts now focus on "arrangements" - recognizing that both parents typically remain involved.
When Do You Need a C100?
You might need to apply using the C100 form if:
Common Reasons
- 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
- Disagreements about school or medical decisions
Try First
- Direct negotiation with the other parent
- Family mediation (required before court)
- Solicitor negotiations
- Collaborative law
Court should be a last resort. It's expensive, stressful, and can take months. Mediation is usually faster and gives you more control over the outcome.
MIAM Requirement
Before You Submit a C100
You must have attended a MIAM (Mediation Information Assessment Meeting) and received a certificate, OR have a valid exemption. The court will not process your application without this.
On page 3 of the C100, you must indicate:
- Option 1:You've attended a MIAM and have a certificate (Form FM1)
- Option 2:You have an exemption (domestic abuse, urgency, etc.)
- Option 3:A mediator has signed to confirm the other party won't attend
Prepare with Miam: Before your MIAM, use our free AI assistant to organize your thoughts and priorities. Start preparing now.
How to Complete the C100 Form
The C100 form has several sections. Here's what you'll need to complete:
MIAM Information
Confirm you've attended a MIAM or have an exemption
Applicant's Details
Your name, address, and contact information
Respondent's Details
The other parent's details
Children's Details
Names, dates of birth, and who they live with
Orders Applied For
What you're asking the court to decide
Reasons
Why you're making this application
Harm/Risk
Any concerns about domestic abuse or harm to children
Other Court Cases
Any related proceedings
Declaration
Sign to confirm the information is true
Costs & Fee Remission
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| C100 Court Fee | £232 |
| With Fee Remission | Free or reduced |
| MIAM (before applying) | £90-150 |
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. You'll need to apply using Form EX160 at the same time as your C100.
You may qualify if you receive benefits like Universal Credit, Income Support, or income-based JSA, or if your income is below certain thresholds.
What Happens After You Apply
Court Receives Your Application
The court will check your form and fee are correct
Cafcass Safeguarding Checks
Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory Service) will do background checks with police and local authority
Papers Served on Respondent
The other parent receives a copy of your application
First Hearing (FHDRA)
Usually 4-6 weeks after application. Both parents attend court. The judge will try to help you agree.
Further Hearings (if needed)
If you can't agree, there may be more hearings and possibly a Cafcass report
Final Order
The judge makes a decision, or you reach an agreement that becomes an order
Need to Prepare for Your MIAM First?
Before you can submit a C100, you need a MIAM certificate. Our AI assistant Miam can help you prepare for that meeting - organizing your priorities and understanding the process.