A Complete Walkthrough of the C100 Form


  1. Introduction
  2. What is a C100 Form?
  3. Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out the C100 Form
  4. Submitting the C100 Form
  5. Tips for Completing the C100 Form
  6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
  7. Conclusion

Introduction

Filling out a C100 form is an essential step when seeking court orders related to Child Arrangements, Prohibited Steps, or Specific Issues under the Children Act 1989 in England and Wales. It’s often the first form you’re going to come across if you get involved in family law proceedings.

This form initiates the legal process to resolve disputes concerning children, ensuring that their welfare remains paramount.

I get it.

Filling in court applications can be daunting – especially if you’ve never had any involvement with the legal system before; as I’ve said elsewhere it’s an alien environment for many people and an emotional one too – because you’re there for your children.

That said? Breaking it down into manageable steps can simplify the process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each section of the C100 form in detail, offering practical tips to ensure accuracy and clarity.

I’ll be honest with you, the form is clunky. You’ll find yourself repeating the same information in multiple sections. It’s worth filling it in and going through it a few time to make sure it’s all accurate. The consequences of filling it in incorrectly can vary from nothing at all, through to major consequences.

That said?

The court knows more and more people represent themselves these days and the court is there to act in the best interests of your child and most courts will work with you to clear up misunderstandings at the start to make things as simple and swift as possible.

Let’s dive in…

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What is a C100 Form?

The C100 form is used to apply for various types of child-related court orders, including:

  1. Child Arrangements Order: Determines where a child lives, whom they spend time with, and how they communicate with others.
  2. Prohibited Steps Order: Prevents someone from taking a specific action concerning the child without the court’s permission.
  3. Specific Issue Order: Resolves particular disputes about a child’s upbringing, such as their education, religious upbringing, or medical treatment.

Understanding the purpose of the form and the orders you are applying for is the first step toward completing it effectively.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out the C100 Form

Obtain the C100 Form

The C100 form is available for download from the HM Courts & Tribunals Service website. Ensure you have the latest version of the form to comply with current legal requirements. Print multiple copies if completing the form by hand, or use the editable PDF version if you prefer typing.

It’s possible to apply online too.

Personally? I prefer the paper copies because you have a physical copy and you can revise it before you submit it and be 100% sure you’re happy with it before you do anything.

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1. Section 1: Applicant and Respondent Details

Applicant Details:

Provide your full name, date of birth, and contact information. Clearly state your relationship to the child or children involved (e.g., parent, guardian, grandparent). If there are multiple applicants (e.g., both parents applying together), include their details as well.

Respondent Details:

Enter the full name and relationship of the individual(s) you are filing against. Respondents are typically the other parent or guardian involved in the dispute. Ensure the details are accurate, as errors could delay the process.

Legal Representation:

Indicate whether you have legal representation. If you are self-representing, also known as a litigant in person, check the appropriate box.

Contact information is key here. It’s possible that an error won’t make any difference at all…but then again it could mean you or your ex don’t get notification of a hearing or something crucial like that which means your hearing is adjourned and time is wasted.

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2. Section 2: Child Details

For each child involved, provide the following information:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Current living arrangements (e.g., living with one parent, shared custody, or residing with grandparents)

If multiple children are involved, ensure each child’s details are listed clearly. Accurate information is crucial to avoid confusion during court proceedings.

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3. Section 3: Type of Order Sought

Specify the type of order you are applying for. The main options include:

  • Child Arrangements Order: For determining where the child lives and with whom they spend time.
  • Prohibited Steps Order: To stop a specific action, such as relocating the child without consent.
  • Specific Issue Order: To resolve a particular matter, such as which school the child should attend.

You can select more than one type of order if needed. Be clear about your reasons for seeking the order(s) and how they align with the child’s best interests.

It is possible to tick one more of the boxes on the form for one of the above – because you can apply for multiple things in one application; the key thing is applying for the right orders (which hopefully you’ll know after reading this post, some of the others or even better – by speaking to us in one of our Ask Me Anything sessions).

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4. Section 4: Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)

Before applying for a C100 order, you are  required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This step is designed to encourage parents to resolve disputes outside of court. Indicate whether you have attended a MIAM or if you qualify for an exemption. Common exemptions include:

  • Domestic abuse concerns
  • Urgency of the situation
  • Child protection issues

If you qualify for an exemption, provide a clear explanation and attach any supporting evidence.

Attending a MIAM is the only requirement before making an application.

But.

The courts encourage meaningful mediation and parents working together to resolve issues between themselves, rather than leapfrogging into a court case where strangers work out what is best for the children because their parents won’t.

If you make an application after attending a MIAM only you may be asked what you didn’t actually go to mediation – it’s a fair question – but in practical terms (and me saying this will probably not go down well with many in the family law sphere)…it’s unlikely to make much difference.

But you should definitely avoid court if you can – so bear this in mind.

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5. Section 5: Grounds for Application

In this section, explain why you are making the application. Focus on:

  • The issues you seek to address
  • The impact on the child’s welfare
  • Why court intervention is necessary

Use clear, factual language and avoid overly emotional statements. Remember, the court’s primary concern is the welfare of the child, so structure your reasoning around their best interests. Keep it neutral, factual and child-focused.

The court doesn’t need chapter and verse on the situation at this stage.

The purpose of the C100 form is to get the matter into court where you can elaborate as needed later on, at the appropriate point.

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6. Section 6: Safety Concerns

A C100 form can be confusingIf there are safety concerns, such as domestic abuse, child neglect, or harm, complete the supplemental C1A form. This form provides detailed information about allegations of harm or risk to the child or applicant.

Key points to address include:

  • Nature of the concerns (e.g., physical violence, emotional abuse)
  • Dates and descriptions of incidents
  • Steps already taken to ensure safety (e.g., police reports, protective orders)

Providing accurate and detailed information helps the court understand the urgency and seriousness of your application. Think carefully about this. Denying a child a relationship with a parent for no good reason is abuse, as is putting them under pressure and a variety of other things; abuse isn’t only physical.

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7. Section 7: Additional Information

Include any other relevant details that may assist the court in understanding the case. Examples include:

  • Existing court orders
  • Previous court proceedings involving the child
  • Involvement of social services or other agencies

If there are any specific arrangements you are proposing, outline them clearly in this section. For example, you might suggest a schedule for shared custody or propose guidelines for communication between the child and respondent.

It’s important to add these in – it gives contact to your case and helps information be gathered more easily. If you don’t have all the information, don’t be too concerned. But add in everything you do have.

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8. Section 8: Declaration and Signature

Sign and date the form, confirming that the information provided is true to the best of your knowledge. Unsigned or incomplete forms may be rejected, so double-check this section before submission.

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Submitting the Form

Once completed, submit the C100 form to the appropriate family court. You can find the correct court using the court finder tool. Include the required fee with your application. If you are eligible for fee exemptions or reductions, complete the EX160 form and attach it to your application.

Go to the court with the forms (multiple copies!) and fee, asking the court staff to check it can be submitted. Often they’ll go through it and point out any obvious mistakes. If they accept it and can’t process it…you are likely to have it posted back to you saying it’s wrong (without saying how) and you’ll have to start the entire process again, delaying something you quite possibly want dealing with ASAP.

Keep copies of the completed form and any supplementary documents for your records.

Finally – when it comes to fees…there’s only one fee per application. So if you complete a C100 and a C1A you only pay one fee – not two. All court applications have fees too (aside from non molestation order applications).

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Tips for Completing the C100 Form

  1. Be Clear and Concise: Use simple, straightforward language. Avoid jargon or overly complex explanations.
  2. Focus on the Child’s Welfare: Frame your arguments around what is best for the child, as this is the court’s primary consideration.
  3. Provide Supporting Evidence: Attach any relevant documents, such as correspondence, school reports, or police records, to strengthen your case.
  4. Seek Legal Advice: If you are unsure about any part of the form, consult a legal professional or seek assistance from organizations like Family Law Assistance.
  5. Double-Check Details: Ensure all names, dates, and addresses are accurate. Mistakes can lead to delays or complications.

As I’ve said before – the impact of an error can vary wildly. It’s quite possible it’ll make no difference at all, other than a judge asking for clarification before moving on with things. But it can also result in applications being thrown out, paperwork returned to you, the court going down a path that isn’t appropriate for the situation and more.

Do everything you can to get it right first time round!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Incomplete Information: Leaving sections blank or providing vague answers can result in delays.
  • Emotional Language: Focus on facts rather than venting frustrations.
  • Failing to Attend a MIAM: Unless exempt, skipping this step can lead to your application being rejected.
  • Incorrect Fee Payment: Ensure you pay the correct fee or provide a completed EX160 form if applying for a fee waiver.

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Conclusion

Filling out a C100 form is a critical step in resolving disputes involving children. By following this guide and ensuring the information you provide is clear, accurate, and focused on the child’s best interests, you can improve the likelihood of a successful application. Remember, support is available through resources like Family Law Assistance and legal professionals who specialize in family law. Taking the time to prepare your application thoroughly can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

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