What Happens After C100 Form Submitted? 2026 Guide

Content verified: March 2026

What happens after a C100 form is submitted? The court acknowledges receipt within 2-3 days, sends copies to the other party, and lists a first hearing (FHDRA) within 12-26 weeks. Cafcass conducts safeguarding checks and may speak to you and your children.

What Happens After a C100 Form is Submitted?

When you submit your C100 form (either online or by post), the family court begins processing your application immediately. Here's exactly what happens after a C100 form is submitted:

1. Court Receipt and Acknowledgment (2-3 days)

• The court receives your C100 application and fee payment
• Court staff review for completeness and MIAM compliance
• You receive an acknowledgment letter with your case number
• The case is allocated to a family judge

2. Court Serves the Other Party (5-7 days)

• The court posts copies of your application to the other parent (respondent)
• The respondent receives Form C1A if you've alleged domestic abuse
• They have 14 days to complete Form C7 (acknowledgment) and return it
• The court may attempt service by email if postal service fails

3. Cafcass Safeguarding Letter (Within 14 days)

Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) automatically becomes involved in what happens after a C100 form is submitted. They will:

• Send you both a "safeguarding letter" requesting information
• Ask about any concerns for your children's safety and wellbeing
• Conduct police and local authority checks on both parents
• Contact previous partners if relevant to safeguarding

You must respond to Cafcass within the deadline given (usually 2 weeks). Your response is crucial to what happens after a C100 form is submitted.

4. Possible Cafcass Contact (2-8 weeks)

• Cafcass may telephone you for additional information
• In complex cases, they may visit your home
• They might speak to your children (usually aged 9+) about their wishes
• A Cafcass officer will be assigned to prepare a safeguarding report

The First Hearing After C100 Submission: FHDRA (12-26 weeks)

A key part of what happens after a C100 form is submitted is the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA). This is not a trial - it's a case management hearing.

What Happens at the FHDRA:

• Duration: Usually 30-45 minutes
• Purpose: Explore whether agreement can be reached without trial
• Attendance: Both parents must attend (usually by video link post-COVID)
• Cafcass: The assigned officer attends and advises the judge
• Documentation: Cafcass provides a safeguarding report to the court

FHDRA Outcomes After C100 Submission:

The judge may make several orders:

1. Consent Order: If you reach agreement at the hearing
2. Interim Contact: Temporary arrangements while the case continues
3. Further Hearings: If more time/evidence is needed
4. Case Closure: If the application is withdrawn or resolved

Court Fees After C100 Form is Submitted

You must pay the court fee when submitting your C100:

| Application Type | Fee | Remission Available | |------------------|-----|-------------------| | C100 (Child Arrangements) | £263 | Yes (form EX160) | | Urgent/without notice | £1,090 | Limited | | Fee remission | £0 | If eligible |

Fee Remission After C100 Submission

You may not have to pay if:

• You receive certain benefits (Universal Credit, JSA, etc.)
• Your monthly income is below £1,170 (single) or £1,630 (couple)
• You have less than £3,000 in savings

Apply using form EX160 when you submit your C100.

Timeline: What Happens After a C100 Form is Submitted

Current waiting times vary significantly by court:

• Simple cases: 4-8 months from application to final order
• Complex cases: 12-18 months or longer
• Emergency applications: 1-7 days for urgent hearings
• Cases involving allegations: Often take 12+ months

Factors affecting what happens after a C100 form is submitted:

• Whether you reach agreement at FHDRA
• Need for expert reports (social workers, psychologists)
• Court availability in your area
• Compliance with court directions

What Happens After C100 Form Submission If Other Parent Doesn't Respond?

If the other parent (respondent) fails to:

• Complete and return Form C7 within 14 days
• Attend the FHDRA hearing
• Engage with Cafcass safeguarding checks

The court may:

• Continue with the hearing in their absence
• Make orders based on your application and Cafcass advice
• Issue enforcement warnings for non-compliance
• Consider costs orders against the non-participating parent

However, courts prefer both parents to participate in what happens after a C100 form is submitted and may:

• Adjourn hearings to give more time
• Direct personal service if postal service failed
• Order the respondent to attend the next hearing

Emergency Applications: What Happens After Urgent C100 Submission

In urgent situations involving immediate risk to children, what happens after a C100 form is submitted can be expedited:

Without Notice Applications

• Heard within 24-48 hours
• The other parent is not given advance notice
• Higher court fee (£1,090)
• Strict criteria: immediate risk of significant harm

Interim Orders

• Temporary arrangements pending the full hearing
• Can be made at any stage of proceedings
• Often made at FHDRA to provide clarity
• May include supervised or no contact in serious cases

Preparing While Understanding What Happens After C100 Submission

While waiting for your first hearing:

Documents to Gather After C100 Submission:

• Children's school reports and medical records
• Evidence of current living arrangements
• Photos/videos showing you with the children
• Character references from family/friends
• Evidence of parenting courses or counselling

What NOT to Do After C100 Form is Submitted:

• Contact the other parent directly about the case
• Breach existing court orders
• Expose children to court proceedings
• Make unilateral decisions about schooling/medical care

Consider After C100 Submission:

• Legal representation: Solicitor or direct access barrister
• Mediation: Can still happen even after court application
• Parenting courses: Courts view positively
• Counselling: For yourself or children if needed

Court Forms: What Happens After a C100 Form is Submitted

During what happens after a C100 form is submitted, you may receive various court forms:

• Form C7: Respondent's acknowledgment (they complete this)
• Form C1A: Domestic abuse allegations form
• Directions Orders: Instructions from the judge about next steps
• Position Statements: Your written arguments for hearings
• Form C79: Application for specific court directions

Each form has strict deadlines as part of what happens after a C100 form is submitted.

Cafcass Role: What Happens After C100 Form Submission

Cafcass remains involved throughout what happens after a C100 form is submitted:

Their Responsibilities:

• Safeguarding: Ensuring children are protected from harm
• Child's voice: Representing children's wishes and feelings
• Court advice: Advising judges on children's best interests
• Report writing: Preparing Section 7 reports when ordered

When Cafcass May Recommend During What Happens After C100 Submission:

• Child arrangements: Specific living and contact arrangements
• Supervised contact: If there are safety concerns
• No contact: In exceptional circumstances
• Further assessments: By psychologists or social workers

What Happens After the First Hearing Following C100 Submission?

Depending on the FHDRA outcome, what happens after a C100 form is submitted may follow different paths:

If You Reach Agreement:

• Court makes a Consent Order recording your agreement
• Order is legally binding and enforceable
• Case ends (unless either party returns to court later)

If No Agreement:

• Court lists further hearings (Dispute Resolution Appointments)
• May order expert reports or assessments
• Case progresses toward a Final Hearing
• Judge makes final decisions about arrangements

If Interim Orders Made:

• Temporary arrangements are put in place
• Both parties must comply with interim orders
• Regular reviews may be scheduled
• Case continues toward final resolution

Frequently Asked Questions: What Happens After a C100 Form is Submitted

How long after submitting C100 do you get a court date?

The first hearing (FHDRA) is typically scheduled 12-26 weeks after what happens after a C100 form is submitted begins. Urgent applications may be heard within 1-7 days. Current court delays mean many families wait 20+ weeks for their first hearing.

What happens at the first hearing after C100 submission?

The first hearing (FHDRA) is not a trial. It's a case management hearing where the court explores whether agreement can be reached. Both parents attend, Cafcass provides a safeguarding report, and the judge may make interim orders or schedule further hearings.

Can I withdraw my C100 application after submission?

Yes, you can withdraw your C100 application at any stage by filing a Notice of Discontinuance. However, you may still be liable for costs incurred, and the court may refuse withdrawal in some circumstances involving child welfare.

What happens after C100 form is submitted if the other parent doesn't attend?

If the respondent fails to attend the FHDRA, the court may continue in their absence and make orders based on your application and Cafcass advice. However, courts prefer both parents to participate and may adjourn to give more time.

Do I need a solicitor for what happens after C100 form submission?

Legal representation is not mandatory, but family law is complex. You can represent yourself (litigant in person), instruct a solicitor, or use a direct access barrister. Consider at least initial legal advice to understand your position.

Can I still go to mediation after C100 form is submitted?

Yes, mediation can continue even after what happens after a C100 form is submitted begins. Many agreements are reached through mediation during the court process. The court will adjourn proceedings if both parties agree to attempt mediation.

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Getting Support During What Happens After C100 Submission

Legal Support:

• Citizens Advice: Free legal guidance and form completion help
• Family Law Panel solicitors: Specialist family lawyers
• Direct Access Barristers: Court representation without solicitor
• Legal aid: Available in domestic abuse cases

Emotional Support:

• Support Through Court: Free emotional support service
• Gingerbread: Support for single parents
• Family Lives: Confidential helpline and online support
• Local family centres: Parenting support and advice

Practical Resources:

• Gov.uk family courts: Official guidance and court finder
• Cafcass website: Information about their role and process
• Court bundles service: Help preparing court documents
• McKenzie Friends: Non-lawyer court support (with court permission)

Understanding what happens after a C100 form is submitted helps you navigate the family court process with confidence. For specific advice about your case, consult a qualified family law solicitor.