What is a C100 Form? | Family Court Application Explained

What is a C100 Form?

The C100 form is the official application form used to apply to family court for orders about children in England and Wales. If you are asking "what is a C100 form used for?" - it is the document you need when you cannot agree with the other parent about child arrangements.

The C100 form (officially called "Application under the Children Act 1989") is how you ask a family court judge to decide arrangements for your children. Understanding what a C100 form is and what the C100 form is used for is essential before making any application.

What is a C100 Form Used For?

The C100 form is used to apply for three types of court order. When people ask "what is a C100 form used for?" - these are the main purposes:

1. Child Arrangements Order (C100 Form)

The C100 form is most commonly used for:

• Where children live (formerly called "residence" or "custody")
• Who children spend time with (formerly called "contact" or "access")
• When contact happens (weekends, holidays, special occasions)

2. Prohibited Steps Order (C100 Form)

The C100 form can be used to prevent the other parent from doing something specific:

• Taking the child out of the country
• Changing the child's school without agreement
• Changing the child's surname

See our guide: Prohibited Steps Order

3. Specific Issue Order (C100 Form)

The C100 form is also used to ask the court to decide specific questions:

• Which school the child should attend
• Medical treatment decisions
• Religious upbringing

See our guide: Specific Issue Order

When Do You Need a C100 Form?

You need to understand what a C100 form is and use one when:

• You cannot agree where your children should live
• The other parent will not let you see your children
• You want to change existing child arrangements
• You need to relocate with children
• There are disagreements about school or medical decisions
• You have welfare concerns about your child

What is a C100 Form vs Other Family Court Forms?

Understanding what a C100 form is means knowing how it differs from other forms:

| Form | What It Is For | When to Use | |------|---------------|-------------| | C100 form | Children - arrangements, contact, custody | Your main application | | C1 | General family application | Rarely needed | | C2 | Within existing proceedings | Adding to C100 case | | C4 | Leave to apply | Grandparents need this | | C79 | Enforcement | If C100 order broken | | FL401 | Domestic abuse protection | Separate from C100 |

The C100 form is specifically for disputes about children. According to Cafcass, the C100 is the most common family court application.

What Happens After You Submit a C100 Form?

Once you submit your C100 form, the family court process begins:

Full guide: What Happens After C100

C100 Form Requirements

Now you know what a C100 form is, here is what you need to submit one:

• MIAM certificate - Required before the court accepts your C100 form
• £270 court fee - Or fee remission if on low income
• Children's details - Names, DOBs, living arrangements
• Other parent's details - Name and address
• Clear explanation - What orders you want from your C100 form

How to Get the C100 Form

Now you understand what a C100 form is, you can get it:

• Apply online (recommended) through MyHMCTS portal
• Download the C100 form PDF from GOV.UK

See our guide: C100 Form Download

C100 Form Cost

The court fee for submitting a C100 form is £270.

You may not have to pay the C100 form fee if you:

• Receive certain benefits
• Have very low income
• Have limited savings

Apply for Help with Fees using Form EX160 with your C100 form.

What is a C100 Form? FAQs

What is a C100 form?

A C100 form is the official family court application form for orders about children in England and Wales. The C100 form is used for child arrangements orders, prohibited steps orders, and specific issue orders.

What is a C100 form used for?

A C100 form is used to ask a family court judge to make decisions about children when parents cannot agree. The C100 form covers where children live, who they spend time with, and other important decisions.

Do I need a solicitor to complete a C100 form?

No, many people complete the C100 form themselves. The online C100 form guides you through each section. However, for complex cases, legal advice is recommended. Resolution can help find a solicitor.

How long does a C100 form application take?

After submitting your C100 form, the first hearing is usually 4-6 weeks. If you reach agreement, your C100 case is resolved. Contested C100 cases can take 6-18 months.

Can I apply using a C100 form without a MIAM?

Only if you have a valid MIAM exemption. Otherwise, you must get a MIAM certificate before the court will accept your C100 form.

What is the difference between C100 and C1 forms?

The C100 form is specifically for Children Act applications (child arrangements). The C1 is a general application form. For child disputes, always use the C100 form.

Can grandparents use the C100 form?

Yes, but grandparents need permission (leave) from the court first using Form C4, unless they have lived with the child for at least 3 years within the last 5 years. See Section 10 Children Act 1989.

What is the difference between a C100 and consent order?

A C100 form is used when parents cannot agree and need the court to decide. A consent order (using Form A or D8) is used when parents have already agreed and want to make the agreement legally binding.

How long is a C100 order valid?

A child arrangements order made via C100 remains in force until the child turns 16, unless the court specifies otherwise. In exceptional circumstances, orders can extend to age 18.

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Next Steps After Learning What a C100 Form Is

1. Get your MIAM certificate first - What is a MIAM?
2. Download or apply online - C100 Form Download
3. Complete step-by-step - C100 Form Guide
4. Understand the process - What Happens After C100

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Official Resources & Further Reading

Primary Legal Sources

• Section 8 Children Act 1989 - Legal definition of Section 8 orders
• Section 10 Children Act 1989 - Who can apply for Section 8 orders
• Children and Families Act 2014 - Replaced residence/contact with child arrangements orders
• Family Procedure Rules 2010 - Court procedure rules
• Practice Direction 12B - Child Arrangements Programme

Government Guidance

• Gov.uk - Apply for a Court Order - Official application guidance
• Gov.uk - C100 Form Download - Download C100
• Gov.uk - Parental Rights and Responsibilities - Who has parental responsibility
• Gov.uk - Help with Court Fees (EX160) - Fee remission application
• Gov.uk - MIAM Exemptions - Valid exemptions
• Gov.uk - Find a Family Court - Local court finder
• MyHMCTS Portal - Online C100 application

Cafcass Resources

• Cafcass - Going to Family Court - What to expect at court
• Cafcass - Safeguarding Checks - Background checks process
• Cafcass - Section 7 Reports - Welfare reports
• Cafcass - FHDRA Guidance - First hearing explained

Mediation & Alternative Resolution

• Family Mediation Council - Find accredited mediators
• National Family Mediation - Mediation services
• Family Mediation Voucher Scheme - Government funding

Legal Support

• Resolution - Find family law solicitors
• Law Society - Find a Solicitor - Solicitor search
• Citizens Advice - Family - Free legal guidance
• AdviceNow - Family court survival guide
• Support Through Court - Free court support
• Advocate - Pro bono legal help
• Legal Aid Agency - Check eligibility