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Child Arrangements Order Application: Application under section 8 of the Children Act 1989 for a child arrangements, prohibited steps, specific issue order or to vary or discharge or ask permission to make a section 8 order
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Form C100 in short
Form C100 is the paper application to the family court in England and Wales for a child arrangements order, a prohibited steps order or a specific issue order under section 8 of the Children Act 1989. Parents and other relatives use it when they cannot agree on where a child lives, who they spend time with, or a specific issue such as schooling. You can also apply online through gov.uk.
| Issued by | HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) |
|---|---|
| Current version | C100 (06.26) (checked 2026-10-25) |
| Who fills it in | A parent or anyone else with parental responsibility for the child. gov.uk says other relatives, such as a grandparent, aunt or uncle, can also apply. The person applying is the applicant. The other parent or person is the respondent. |
| Who receives it | The family court. The form says you should normally apply to the Designated Family Centre for your area. The court shares the form with Cafcass, or Cafcass Cymru in Wales, before the first hearing. |
| Where to send it | Your nearest family court. Use the gov.uk court finder to find it. gov.uk says to send the original C100 and 3 copies. The form itself says to send at least three copies if you send a paper form. |
| Deadline | No fixed deadline. gov.uk says it usually takes around 10 months to get a court order, depending on where you live and your situation. |
| Fee | £270 for a new application under the Children Act 1989, such as a child arrangements, prohibited steps or specific issue order (EX50, fees order 2.1). You may be able to get help with fees (form EX160 or online) if you are on certain benefits or a low income. |
| Official links | Official page · Official PDF · Official instructions |
What changed
The current form is dated 06.26. gov.uk notes that in June 2026 the wording was changed to direct users to the confidential contact details form (C8), and question 5 was updated in February 2026.
How to fill out Form C100, line by line
| Pages 1 to 2 | MIAM information and acknowledgement Explains that you must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before applying unless an exemption applies. The signed acknowledgement page is optional; the form says your application will not be affected if you do not return it. |
| Page 3 to 5 | Names, nature of application and risk of harm Enter the applicant and respondent names, tick the order or orders you want and describe what you are asking for. If you answer Yes to any risk of harm question (domestic abuse, abduction, child abuse, substance misuse or other concerns), you must also complete form C1A. |
| Section 1 | The child(ren) Name, date of birth and sex of each child, and the orders you are applying for about each one. Give each applicant's and respondent's relationship to the child. |
| Sections 2 to 4 | MIAM attendance or exemptions Say whether you attended a MIAM. If you did, the mediator confirms it in section 4. If you claim an exemption, tick the reasons in section 3 (for example domestic abuse, child protection concerns or urgency) and give the evidence asked for. |
| Section 5 | Why are you making this application? Explain briefly what you want the court to order and why, and whether you need permission to apply. |
| Sections 6 to 10 | Urgency, other cases and attending court Say if you need an urgent or without notice hearing, list other court cases about the child, any international or Scotland or Northern Ireland links, and any support you need to take part, such as an interpreter or special arrangements. |
| Sections 11 to 13 | About you, the respondent(s) and others to notify Full details for each applicant, respondent and other person who should be given notice. If you do not want your address or contact details shared with the other party, use the confidential contact details form C8. |
| Sections 14 to 16 | Solicitor, checklist and statement of truth Give solicitor details if you have one, go through the checklist, then sign the statement of truth. On page 48 you can tick that you will pay the fee by card; the court then contacts you within three working days. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not attending a MIAM and not claiming a valid exemption. The form says the court cannot process the application unless you attended a MIAM or claim a valid exemption.
- Claiming a MIAM exemption without sending the evidence the form asks for.
- Answering Yes to a risk of harm question but not filing form C1A with the C100.
- Putting an address you want kept private on the C100 instead of using form C8.
- Using the C100 to enforce an existing order. The form says to use form C79 for enforcement, and form C2 for applications in existing proceedings.
- Leaving questions blank. The form says you must answer every question and say so if you do not have the information.
- Sending only one copy of a paper application instead of the copies the court needs.
Questions about Form C100
Can I apply for a child arrangements order online instead?
Yes. gov.uk has an online service where you can save and return to your application. You have 28 days to finish it once you start. You can also apply by post with the C100.
How much does a C100 application cost?
The court fee for a new application is £270. You may get help with fees if you are on certain benefits or a low income.
Do I have to go to mediation before using the C100?
You usually need to attend a MIAM first. gov.uk lists exemptions, for example evidence of domestic abuse, a risk of harm to the child, an urgent application, or a MIAM in the last 4 months.
Which orders can I ask for on a C100?
A child arrangements order (where a child lives and who they spend time with), a prohibited steps order (stopping a step such as taking the child abroad) and a specific issue order (deciding one question such as schooling or a change of surname).
What happens after I send the C100?
gov.uk says the court may arrange a hearing with both parents. A family court adviser from Cafcass, or Cafcass Cymru in Wales, usually attends and may write a report.
Does the C100 apply in Scotland or Northern Ireland?
No. gov.uk says there are different rules for child arrangements in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Tools for this form
Sources
Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-25. PDF Editor Hub is not affiliated with the HM Courts and Tribunals Service or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-c100-application-under-the-children-act-1989-for-a-child-arrangements-prohibited-steps-specific-issue-section-8-order-or-to-vary-or-discharge
- https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a10610c5e28c5cac81cf08e/C100_0626_save.pdf
- https://www.gov.uk/looking-after-children-divorce/apply-for-court-order
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fees-in-the-civil-and-family-courts-main-fees-ex50/family-court-fees-ex50