The C100 Form – A Friendly Guide for Litigants in Person
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The C100 is the official court form you use when you want the family court to make an order about children – for example, where a child will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, or any other arrangements that affect their welfare.
If you are asking the court to decide on a child arrangements order, a specific issue order, or a prohibited steps order, you start the process by filling in and filing a C100.
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| Section | What it’s asking you to tell the court | Tips for filling it in |
|---------|----------------------------------------|------------------------|
| Part A – Your details | Your name, address, date of birth, contact phone/email, and your relationship to the child(ren). | Write exactly as it appears on your ID (e.g., passport or driving licence). |
| Part B – Child’s details | Full name, date of birth, address where the child usually lives, and who has parental responsibility. | If the child lives with more than one person, list all addresses. |
| Part C – What you are asking the court to do | Tick the box(es) for the type of order you want (e.g., “Child Arrangements Order – live with”, “Specific Issue Order – school choice”, “Prohibited Steps Order – prevent relocation”). | You can ask for more than one thing; just tick each that applies. |
| Part D – Your reasons | A short statement explaining why you are making the application and what you hope the court will decide. Keep it factual and focused on the child’s welfare. | Use bullet points if it helps; aim for clarity, not length. |
| Part E – Any harm or risk (C1A) | If you are alleging that the child has suffered, or is at risk of, harm (e.g., abuse, neglect, domestic violence), you tick “Yes” and must attach a C1A form giving details. | If you are not alleging harm, tick “No” and leave this part blank. |
| Part F – Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM) | You must show that you have either attended a MIAM (a meeting with a family mediator) or that you qualify for an exemption (e.g., domestic violence, urgency, or the other party lives abroad). | Attach either the MIAM certificate or a completed FM1 exemption form. |
| Part G – Your signature | Sign and date the form to confirm the information is true to the best of your knowledge. | If you are filling it out on paper, sign in ink; if online, follow the e‑signature instructions. |
| Part H – Court use only | Leave this blank – the court staff will fill it in. | — |
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| Document | When you need it | What it contains |
|----------|------------------|------------------|
| C1A form | Only if you ticked “Yes” in Part E (alleging harm or risk). | Details of the alleged harm, dates, who was involved, and any evidence you have (police reports, medical notes, etc.). |
| MIAM certificate | If you attended a mediation information and assessment meeting. | Proof that you met with a qualified family mediator and discussed whether mediation could help. |
| FM1 form (exemption) | If you believe you are exempt from attending a MIAM (e.g., domestic violence, child protection concerns, urgency, or the other party lives outside England/Wales). | A short statement explaining why you qualify for the exemption, plus any supporting evidence (e.g., a police crime reference number). |
| Any other evidence (optional but helpful) | You can attach things like school reports, medical records, or correspondence that support what you say in Part D. | Keep copies for yourself; only send what the court asks for. |
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1. Acknowledgement
- The court will send you an acknowledgement of service (a letter or email) confirming they have received your application, giving you a case number and the date of the first hearing.
2. CAFCASS involvement
- The court will usually ask CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) to carry out safeguarding checks.
- A CAFCASS officer may contact you (and the other parent) to gather information about the child’s welfare and any safety concerns. They will prepare a short safeguarding letter for the judge.
3. First hearing (usually a First Directions Appointment or FHDRA**)
- This is a short, informal meeting where the judge:
- Checks that the paperwork is in order.
- Considers any urgent issues (e.g., interim living arrangements).
- Decides what further steps are needed – such as ordering a full CAFCASS report, setting a date for a dispute resolution appointment, or directing the parties to attend mediation.
- You will be told what to do next and given a date for the next hearing.
4. Further steps (if needed)
- Depending on the case, the court may order a detailed CAFCASS report, request additional evidence, or set a timetable for a dispute resolution appointment (DRA) where a judge tries to help you reach an agreement.
- If no agreement is reached, the case will proceed to a final hearing where the judge will make a binding order.
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You’ve taken an important step by seeking to sort out arrangements for your child through the court. The process can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into the pieces above – filling in the form, attaching the right papers, paying the fee, and knowing what comes next – makes it more manageable.
Please remember: This guide explains the general procedure and paperwork. It is not legal advice tailored to your personal circumstances. If you are unsure about any part of the form, what evidence to provide, or how the law applies to your situation, consider speaking with a solicitor, a legal aid adviser, or a trusted advice agency (such as Citizens Advice or a local law centre). They can help you make sure everything is completed correctly and protect your interests.
Wishing you strength and clarity as you move forward. You’re not alone in this. 🌼
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