What Happens After C100 Submission | Court Process UK

What Happens After C100?

Submitted your C100 form to family court? Understanding what happens after C100 helps you prepare for the court process ahead.

Here is the typical timeline of what happens after C100 is filed:

Stage 1: Court Receives Your Application

Immediately after C100 submission:

1. Court checks your application - Ensures C100 is complete with MIAM certificate or exemption
2. Court fee processed - £263 fee is taken (Gov.uk EX50)
3. Case number assigned - Your case gets a reference number
4. Cafcass notified - Cafcass receives your application
5. Respondent served - The other party receives a copy of your C100

Timing: 1-2 weeks after C100 submitted

Stage 2: Cafcass Safeguarding Checks

A key part of what happens after C100 is Cafcass involvement:

What Cafcass Does After C100

Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) conducts safeguarding checks. According to Cafcass policy, safeguarding checks should be completed within four weeks:

• Police records check - On both parents
• Local authority check - Children's services involvement
• Phone calls - Brief calls to both parents
• Safeguarding letter - Prepared for the first hearing

Cafcass Timeline After C100

| Action | Timing After C100 | |--------|------------------| | Cafcass receives application | 1-2 weeks | | Phone calls to parents | 2-4 weeks | | Safeguarding letter prepared | Before first hearing |

Stage 3: First Hearing (FHDRA)

The most significant milestone in what happens after C100 is the first hearing:

What is FHDRA?

FHDRA stands for First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment. This is where:

• Both parties attend court
• The judge reviews the case
• Cafcass officer is present
• Attempts are made to reach agreement
• Directions are given for next steps

When Does FHDRA Happen After C100?

The FHDRA typically occurs 4-8 weeks after C100 is submitted. This varies by:

• Court area
• Case urgency
• Court capacity

What Happens at FHDRA After C100?

Stage 4: Possible Outcomes After C100 FHDRA

What happens after C100 FHDRA depends on whether you reach agreement:

If You Reach Agreement

1. Agreement recorded
2. Judge may make consent order
3. Case concluded
4. Order becomes legally binding

If No Agreement

1. Directions for further evidence
2. Possible Cafcass section 7 report ordered
3. Dispute Resolution Appointment (DRA) scheduled
4. Final hearing set if needed

Stage 5: Further Hearings After C100

If your case continues after FHDRA, what happens after C100 includes:

Cafcass Section 7 Report

• In-depth investigation by Cafcass
• Home visits
• Meetings with children
• Recommendations to court
• Takes 12-16 weeks typically

Dispute Resolution Appointment (DRA)

• Review of Cafcass report
• Further settlement attempts
• Narrow issues in dispute

Final Hearing

• Both parties give evidence
• Judge makes final decision
• Binding child arrangements order made

Full Timeline: What Happens After C100

| Stage | Timing After C100 | |-------|------------------| | Court processes application | 1-2 weeks | | Respondent served | 1-3 weeks | | Cafcass safeguarding checks | 2-4 weeks | | FHDRA (first hearing) | 4-8 weeks | | Cafcass section 7 report | 3-6 months | | Dispute Resolution Appointment | 4-7 months | | Final hearing (if needed) | 6-12+ months |

Total time what happens after C100: 4 weeks (if settled at FHDRA) to 12-18+ months (if final hearing needed)

How to Prepare for What Happens After C100

Before FHDRA

• Gather relevant documents
• Prepare a position statement
• Consider what you want to achieve
• Think about what compromise is possible
• Consider instructing a solicitor

At FHDRA

• Dress appropriately
• Arrive early
• Bring all documents
• Stay calm and child-focused
• Be open to settlement

Can You Still Mediate After C100?

Yes. Even after C100, family mediation remains an option:

• Courts actively encourage mediation
• Cases can be adjourned for mediation
• Mediation can resolve some or all issues
• It's never too late to try mediation

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after C100 is submitted?

After C100 is submitted: the court processes your application, Cafcass conducts safeguarding checks, the respondent is served, and a first hearing (FHDRA) is scheduled for 4-8 weeks later.

How long after C100 is first hearing?

The first hearing (FHDRA) is typically 4-8 weeks after C100 submission. This varies by court and case urgency.

What does Cafcass do after C100?

After C100, Cafcass conducts police and local authority safeguarding checks, makes phone calls to both parents, and prepares a safeguarding letter for the first hearing.

Can the case settle at first hearing after C100?

Yes, many cases settle at FHDRA. The judge and Cafcass actively encourage agreement. If you settle, a consent order is made and the case concludes.

What is a section 7 report?

A section 7 report is an in-depth Cafcass investigation ordered by the court when more information is needed. A Cafcass officer visits homes, speaks to children, and makes recommendations. It typically takes 12-16 weeks.

Do I need a solicitor for the FHDRA?

No, you can represent yourself as a "litigant in person". However, if your case is complex, involves domestic abuse, or you feel unable to represent yourself effectively, legal representation is recommended.

What if the other parent doesn't attend the FHDRA?

If the respondent fails to attend, the court may proceed in their absence. The judge can make orders without hearing their views. Continued non-attendance may result in enforcement action.

How much does the whole court process cost?

The C100 fee is £263 (Gov.uk). If you instruct a solicitor, costs vary significantly. You may qualify for Help with Fees or Legal Aid if eligible.

Summary: What Happens After C100

1. Week 1-2: Court processes application, Cafcass notified
2. Week 2-4: Cafcass safeguarding checks, phone calls
3. Week 4-8: First hearing (FHDRA)
4. If settled: Consent order, case concluded
5. If not settled: Further directions, possible section 7 report, more hearings

Next Steps

1. Submitted C100? - Prepare for Cafcass contact
2. Not yet applied? - Consider mediation first
3. Need MIAM? - What is a MIAM
4. Prepare with Miam - AI assistant helps you get ready

Official Resources

For authoritative information on what happens after C100:

Government Sources

• Gov.uk - Apply for a Court Order - Official court process guidance
• Gov.uk - Court Fees (EX50) - Current fees
• Family Procedure Rules - Legal framework

Cafcass Resources

• Cafcass - Going to Court - What to expect
• Cafcass Safeguarding Policy - Safeguarding checks explained

Support

• Find a Court - Locate your local family court
• Citizens Advice - Family Court - Free guidance