What Is the C100 Form?
The C100 form is the application you use to apply to the family court for a child arrangement order. This is the legal process for deciding where your child will live, how much time they spend with each parent, and specific issues such as schooling, medical treatment, holidays, or relocation.
It can also be used to apply for a prohibited steps order (to prevent the other parent from doing something, such as taking the child abroad) or a specific issue order (to ask the court to decide a particular question about the child’s upbringing).
How Much Does the C100 Cost?
The C100 form cost (court fee) is currently £263. If you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may be able to apply for help with fees using form EX160.
What Forms Do I Need for Family Court?
The forms you need depend on what you are applying for:
- C100: for child arrangement orders, prohibited steps orders, and specific issue orders
- Form A: for financial orders after divorce (property, pensions, maintenance)
- FM1: the MIAM form that your mediator signs to confirm you have attended
- C1A: supplementary form for allegations of harm (domestic abuse, violence, neglect)
- EX160: application for help with court fees
Do I Need a MIAM Before Submitting a C100?
Yes. In most cases, you must attend a MIAM before the court will accept your C100 application. Section 1 of the C100 asks whether you have attended a MIAM, and your mediator will sign this section after your meeting.
There are some exemptions, but if you are unsure, book a MIAM and your mediator will assess the situation.
How to Fill In the C100 Form
The form has 16 sections. Work through each section in order and answer every question, even if the answer is “not applicable”.
Key Sections
- Section 1: MIAM requirement. Your mediator signs here, or you tick the relevant exemption.
- Section 2: Type of order. Tick whether you are applying for a child arrangement order, specific issue order, or prohibited steps order.
- Section 3: Your details. Full name, address, date of birth. You can ask for your address to be kept confidential if there are safety concerns.
- Section 5: The children. Full details of every child the application relates to.
- Section 6: The respondent. Details of the other party.
- Section 9: What you are asking for. Clearly state the order you want the court to make.
- Section 10: Your reasons. Explain why you are applying and any relevant history.
How to Submit the C100
You can submit the C100 online via the HMCTS online portal, or by post to your local Designated Family Centre (send at least three copies). Make sure your MIAM certificate is still valid (within four months) when you submit.
How Long Does the C100 Take to Process?
After the court receives your application:
- Cafcass will carry out safeguarding checks on both parents. This usually takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- The court will list a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA), usually within 4 to 6 weeks of your application.
- Both parents attend the hearing. The judge will try to help you reach an agreement, or give directions for the case to proceed.
What Happens at the First Family Court Hearing?
The first hearing (FHDRA) is not a full trial. It is a short hearing, usually lasting 30 to 60 minutes, where the judge reviews the Cafcass safeguarding letter, hears from both parties, and tries to help you agree on arrangements. If you cannot agree, the judge will give directions for the case to proceed, which may include ordering a full Cafcass report, requesting further evidence, or listing a further hearing.
Many cases are resolved at or shortly after the first hearing, particularly where both parents are willing to compromise.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting without a MIAM certificate or valid exemption (your application will be returned).
- Claiming urgency or exemptions that do not genuinely apply.
- Leaving sections blank instead of writing “not applicable”.
- Not clearly stating what order you want the court to make.
- Not filing the C1A supplementary form when there are allegations of harm.
Related Guides
Need a MIAM before submitting your C100? Book a free 15-minute chat to get started.
Ready to take the next step? Book your MIAM online today.
Book Your MIAMFrequently Asked Questions
How much does the C100 form cost?
The court fee for submitting a C100 is currently £263. You may qualify for help with fees using form EX160.
How to fill in the C100 form?
Work through all 16 sections in order. Answer every question even if the answer is not applicable. Make sure your MIAM certificate is valid and Section 1 is signed by your mediator.
How long does the C100 take to process?
Cafcass safeguarding checks take 2 to 3 weeks. The first hearing (FHDRA) is usually listed within 4 to 6 weeks of your application.
Can I submit a C100 online?
Yes. You can submit the C100 online via the HMCTS online portal, or by post to your local Designated Family Centre.
What forms do I need for family court?
The main forms are: C100 for child arrangements, Form A for financial orders, FM1 for the MIAM certificate, C1A for allegations of harm, and EX160 for help with fees.
What happens at the first family court hearing?
The first hearing (FHDRA) is a short hearing where the judge reviews the Cafcass letter, hears from both parties, and tries to help you agree. Many cases are resolved at this stage.
Written by
Abdul Wahid
FMA trained family mediator, registered with the Family Mediation Council. Over 10 years of experience helping families and businesses resolve disputes through mediation.