Responding to a Form C100
May 2025
Receiving a Form C100 can be unsettling, especially if you were not expecting court proceedings regarding your child. Whether the application relates to contact, residence, or a specific issue, it’s important to understand what steps to take next. Your response will play a key role in how the court approaches the matter, and ensure that your voice is heard from the outset.
This summary provides general information and does not constitute legal advice on any individual circumstances.
A Form C100 is used by a parent or person with parental responsibility to ask the court to make a decision about a child. This can include applying for a Child Arrangements Order (deciding who the child lives with or spends time with), a Prohibited Steps Order (deciding whether a particular action should not be allowed, such as changing the child’s school), or a Specific Issue Order (deciding whether a particular action should be allowed, such as the child receiving a specific medical treatment). If you’ve received a copy of this form, it means someone is asking the court to intervene in a matter involving your child.
The form you receive will outline the details of the applicant’s case, including the orders they are seeking and the reasons behind the application. You will also receive a notice of hearing that tells you when and where the first court hearing will take place.
How Should You Respond?
Upon receiving a Form C100, the respondent is required to file a response using a Form C7. This response must be served on all parties involved within 14 days of receiving the application, unless the court specifies a shorter timeframe. If there are allegations of harm or abuse, the respondent must also complete and serve a Form C1A.
When completing the form, you will be asked to fill in your personal and contact details, the case details, and to indicate whether you agree or disagree with the orders being requested in the Form C100. You should provide reasons for your agreement or disagreement, together with any other relevant information that you believe the court should consider. If you disagree, this might include your concerns about the proposed arrangements or details about your own involvement in your child’s life. You will then need to sign and date the form to confirm that the information provided is accurate.
In some cases, the court may invite both parties to attempt mediation before the case progresses. Mediation is often encouraged as a way to resolve issues amicably without going through full court proceedings. If mediation is not suitable or fails, however, then the court process will continue.
Attending the First Hearing (FHDRA)
The first court hearing is known as a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA). While the primary purpose of the FHDRA is to help the parties understand the issues that divide them, it is also important for identifying any immediate safeguarding issues, and managing the next steps in the case if an agreement is not possible at that stage, to include making interim orders if appropriate.
The next steps may involve attending further mediation, obtaining reports from CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service), or instructing an expert to report on any additional matters requiring third party input. These steps will form the timetable taking the matter forward to the second hearing, being the Dispute Resolution Appointment (DRA). You will be expected to engage with the process constructively and to focus on the child’s best interests.
What Happens If You Do Not Respond or Attend?
If you fail to attend the court hearing or engage with the process, the court may proceed in your absence and make decisions without your input. This could result in an order that does not reflect your wishes or circumstances, so it’s vital to attend court when summoned and participate in the process.
Even if you disagree strongly with the application, it’s essential to respond appropriately and not ignore court correspondence. Showing that you are willing to work within the legal process is looked upon favourably by the court.
How Can Fullers Help?
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