How to Fill in a Form C100
May 2025
When parents or guardians are unable to reach an agreement regarding the care and welfare of their children, a Form C100 can be used to make an application to the Family Court. This application can be used to determine the child’s general living arrangements (by way of a Child Arrangements Order), resolve a specific issue, such as which school the child should attend (by way of a Specific Issue Order) or to prevent one parent from doing something without the other’s consent, such as moving abroad with the child (by way of a Prohibited Steps Order).
This summary provides general information and does not constitute legal advice on any individual circumstances.
An application should only be made using a Form C100 if the matter cannot be resolved amicably through discussion or mediation. You are legally required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before applying to the court, unless you meet the specific exemption criteria, such as where domestic abuse is involved.
Filling in a Form C100
When filling out a Form C100, it is important to provide thorough and accurate personal information. This includes not only your child’s information, but also your name, address, and contact details, and those for the child’s other parent or guardian. In addition to this, you will need to explain why you are making the application, outlining the current arrangements, the specific issues you are seeking to resolve, and accordingly whether you are seeking a Child Arrangements Order, a Specific Issue Order, or a Prohibited Steps Order.
The form will also ask for details of any current or past involvement with social services or other relevant organisations, especially if there has been any history of domestic abuse or child protection concerns. It is crucial to provide this information honestly and transparently, as the court will carefully consider any background involving these issues when making a decision. Failure to disclose relevant information could delay the process or negatively impact your case.
Finally, you will also need to confirm whether there are other factors for the court to consider, such as the urgency of the application being made, or if you need permission to make it (if, for example, you do not have parental responsibility). If you are asking for an urgent hearing, or for the hearing to go ahead without notice to the other party, you will need to explain why. You will also need to attach your MIAM certificate, or evidence in support of your claim for a MIAM exemption.
Once the form is completed, and you have signed the statement of truth verifying its contents, it must be submitted to the Family Court, along with the appropriate court fee unless you qualify for a fee exemption. If you are unsure whether you qualify for an exemption, seeking legal advice is strongly recommended. Legal professionals can assist in ensuring that all forms are filled out correctly and in accordance with the relevant rules, as well as helping you understand whether you need to pay the fee or if you can apply for an exemption. This will help ensure that you follow the correct procedures and avoid unnecessary delays in your case.
What Happens After Submitting a Form C100?
After submitting a Form C100, the court will review your application. If the application is issued, a copy will be sent to the respondent (unless it is proceeding without notice to them, in which case the order will be sent to them after the hearing), and a hearing will be listed to begin the relevant proceedings.
If you have omitted any important information, however, then the court will require this to be provided before the application can be reviewed again. If you have claimed a MIAM exemption and this is not accepted, you will also need to attend the MIAM before the application can proceed.
How Can Fullers Help?
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