C7 Acknowledgment Form — Family Court Guide

What is the C7 Form?

The C7 (also called the “Response to an Application for a Child Arrangements Order”) is the form you fill in when someone has served you with a C100 – the application that asks the court to decide things like where a child will live, how much time they’ll spend with each parent, or other matters about the child’s upbringing.

Think of the C7 as your chance to tell the court your side of the story and to say what you would like to happen (or not happen) regarding the child’s arrangements.

---

Deadline

You must file (send) your completed C7 to the court within 14 days of the date you were served with the C100.

• The date you were served is usually written on the C100 or on the covering letter that came with it.
• Mark the 14‑day deadline on your calendar as soon as you receive the papers – it’s easy to lose track, so setting a reminder helps.

---

What Each Section Asks

| Section | What it’s asking for (in plain English) | Tips for filling it in |

|---------|------------------------------------------|------------------------|

| 1. Your details | Your full name, address, date of birth, and contact information. | Write exactly as it appears on any ID you have (e.g., passport, driving licence). |

| 2. Details of the child(ren) | Names, dates of birth, and who currently looks after them. | If you share parental responsibility, list the child’s full legal name. |

| 3. Your relationship to the child | Explain how you are related (e.g., mother, father, step‑parent, grandparent) and whether you have parental responsibility. | Tick the box that applies; if you’re unsure about parental responsibility, you can note that you’re seeking clarification. |

| 4. Your response to the application | Indicate whether you agree, disagree, or partially agree with what the applicant is asking for in the C100. | If you disagree, say why briefly (you’ll get a chance to explain more later). |

| 5. What you want the court to order | State the arrangements you would like the court to make (e.g., where the child should live, how much time they should spend with each parent, any specific conditions). | Be realistic and child‑focused. Think about what is in the child’s best interests – stability, safety, and maintaining meaningful relationships. |

| 6. Reasons for your position | Explain the facts that support what you’re asking for. This is where you can mention things like the child’s routine, school, any concerns about safety, or why you think your proposal works best. | Keep it concise but clear. Use bullet points if it helps:
• Child has lived with you since X date.
• Child attends Y school nearby.
• You can provide a stable home environment. |

| 7. Any safety or welfare concerns | Tick if you have worries about the child’s safety (e.g., domestic abuse, substance misuse, neglect) and give brief details. | If you tick this box, the court may order a welfare report or other safeguards. Be honest – the court takes these seriously. |

| 8. Signature and date | Sign and date the form. | If you’re filing online, you’ll usually type your name; if you’re sending a paper copy, sign in ink. |

| 9. Certificate of service (if applicable) | Confirm that you have sent a copy of your C7 to the other party (the applicant) and/or their solicitor. | You can do this by first class post, email (if they’ve agreed to accept email), or hand delivery. Keep a copy of whatever you send as proof. |

---

How to Approach the Form Honestly and Effectively

1. Take your time – Read each question slowly. If something is unclear, you can look up the term on the HM Courts & Tribunals Service website or ask a citizen’s advice bureau for clarification (they won’t give legal advice, just explain the form).

2. Stay child‑focused – The court’s main concern is the welfare of the child. Frame your answers around what is best for the child, not just what you want.

3. Be factual, not emotional – Stick to what you can prove (dates, school attendance, medical appointments, etc.). If you feel upset, it’s okay to take a break and come back later.

4. Keep copies – Make a photocopy or scan of the completed C7 before you send it. Keep the original safe in case the court asks for it.

5. File on time – Aim to send it a few days before the 14‑day deadline to allow for postal delays. If you’re filing online, submit it as soon as you’re done.

6. Serve the other side – After you file with the court, send a copy to the applicant (or their solicitor) using the method they’ve accepted for service. Note the date and method on the certificate of service section.

---

What Happens If You Don’t File a C7?

• The court may proceed without hearing your side. If you don’t respond, the judge will make a decision based only on the information the applicant provided in the C100.
• You could lose the chance to influence the outcome. The court might issue an order that doesn’t reflect your wishes or the child’s best interests as you see them.
• In some cases, the court may view a missing response as a lack of engagement, which could affect how they weigh your later arguments if you try to challenge the order later.
• You may still be able to apply to set aside or vary an order later, but that is more complicated, costly, and time‑consuming than responding promptly with a C7.

In short, filing the C7 protects your right to be heard and helps the court make a fully informed decision.

---

A Friendly Reminder

While this guide explains the C7 form and the general process, every family situation is unique. If you feel unsure about any part of the form, the deadlines, or what to ask for, please consider speaking with a solicitor, a legal adviser, or a trusted advice service (such as Citizens Advice or a local law centre). They can look at your specific circumstances and help you make sure your response is as strong as possible.

You’ve got this – take it one step at a time, keep the child’s wellbeing at the heart of your answers, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Wishing you all the best as you work through this process.