If you are having a dispute about arrangements for your child, you may come across something called a C100 form.
For many parents, this is the point where things start to feel serious. The language around court applications can feel formal and intimidating, particularly when emotions are already running high. This article explains what the C100 form is, when it is needed, and what happens once it is submitted, so you can approach the process with clearer expectations.
The C100 is the application form used to ask the family court to make decisions about arrangements for a child.
This can include:
Where a child lives
How much time they spend with each parent
Contact arrangements, including indirect contact
Specific issues such as schooling, medical treatment or travel
It can also be used to address disputes about parental responsibility in some circumstances.
The C100 does not require you to argue your entire case in detail. Its purpose is to explain what orders you are asking the court to consider and why court involvement is being sought.
A C100 is usually required where parents cannot agree arrangements between themselves and informal discussions or mediation have not worked.
Before applying, most parents are expected to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This is designed to explore whether mediation could help resolve matters without court proceedings. There are exemptions where mediation is not appropriate, for example in cases involving urgency or safeguarding concerns.
If mediation is unsuitable or unsuccessful, the C100 is the formal route into court.
When dealing with a C100 application, the court’s focus is always on the child, not the parents’ conflict.
The court will consider:
The child’s welfare and best interests
Their day-to-day needs and routine
Each parent’s ability to meet those needs
Any safeguarding or welfare concerns
It is not about deciding who is right or wrong. It is about making arrangements that support the child’s stability and wellbeing.
The form requires clear, factual information rather than long narratives.
Many people worry about saying the wrong thing or not saying enough. In practice, the court is looking for clarity about the issues in dispute and why intervention is being requested. Overly emotional language or unnecessary detail is rarely helpful.
This is where early legal advice can make a difference, particularly if the situation is complex or sensitive.
Yes, and many people choose to get advice before submitting the form.
A barrister can help by:
Advising whether a C100 application is appropriate
Helping you frame the issues clearly
Reviewing or drafting the application
Preparing you for what the court process is likely to involve
Some clients instruct a barrister purely for advice at this stage, while others go on to seek representation at hearings.
Issuing a C100 does not mean a long or hostile court battle is inevitable.
Many cases resolve early once a structured process is in place. Understanding what the form does, and what it does not do, can reduce anxiety and help you make informed decisions about next steps.
For a more detailed, step-by-step walkthrough, you can also download our full guide to completing the C100 form, which explains each section in plain English.