How to calculate and apply for Help with Court Fees for the C100

Eligibility for Help with Fees (HWF) depends on income, savings, and benefits. Calculate eligibility using EX160 online or the paper EX160 form by including take-home pay, benefits, maintenance, pension income, and self-employment income, plus savings and capital such as bank balances, investments, and premium bonds. If eligible, obtain an HWF reference online or attach EX160 to a paper C100. Submit your C100 with the HWF reference; if approved, your fee is reduced or waived.

Understanding C100 Applications | Child Arrangements Under the Children Act 1989

Q: What supporting documents do I need for a C100 application?

When completing a C100 application, include documents that evidence your relationship to the child, concerns, and any safeguarding issues. Helpful items include proof of your identity and the child's identity (where available), previous court orders, police reports or incident numbers, GP or hospital letters, Social Services correspondence, school or nursery letters, and screenshots of communication demonstrating missed contact or attempts to resolve matters. Include the MIAM certificate if attended or evidence supporting any MIAM exemption.

Q: How do I complete the safety concerns section on the C100?

Be clear, factual, and specific. Select all relevant categories of harm (e.g., domestic abuse, substance misuse, mental health concerns, neglect, child-to-parent violence, abduction risk). Describe what happened using dates or ranges, who witnessed it, and the impact on the child. Attach supporting evidence such as police reports, medical notes, or safeguarding letters. Explain any current safety measures (e.g., supervised contact, school handovers) and keep the tone neutral and child-focused.

Q: When can I request a MIAM exemption for the C100 form?

You may be exempt from attending a MIAM if your situation involves domestic abuse, child protection concerns, urgency, or practical barriers. Valid grounds include police or court-documented abuse, Local Authority involvement or Section 47 enquiries, immediate risk of harm or abduction, urgent medical decisions, a MIAM attended within the last four months, the other parent refusing to attend, no authorised mediator within 15 miles, or disability/logistical barriers. Tick the correct exemption and briefly explain why it applies.

Q: What happens after I submit the C100 form to court?

After submission, the court issues the C100 and notifies both parties. Cafcass conducts safeguarding checks (police and Social Services) and usually phones each parent before issuing a Safeguarding Letter to the court. The First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) is then listed, where safeguarding is reviewed, issues are clarified, and next steps are set. Possible directions include a Section 7 report, assessments, a fact-finding hearing, or interim contact arrangements. The case then progresses toward agreement or a final order.

Q: Do I need a solicitor or barrister to complete the C100 form?

You can complete the C100 yourself, but professional help can reduce errors and ensure your concerns are presented clearly. A direct access barrister is often a more focused and cost-effective option than a traditional solicitor. When legal help is sensible: Safeguarding issues such as domestic abuse, coercive control, neglect, or substance misuse Contact breakdowns or abduction concerns Uncertainty about which MIAM exemption applies History of court orders or Social Services involvement Needing support to structure evidence clearly and child-focused Why many choose a barrister over a solicitor: Specialist children law expertise and clear court guidance Lower cost due to direct instruction without solicitor overheads Pay only for specific support needed (form review, safety wording, hearing preparation) More precise advice on legal tests, safeguarding issues, and likely outcomes What a barrister can do for your C100: Review the form for accuracy and completeness Help draft or refine the safety section and reference evidence correctly Advise on MIAM exemptions and required supporting documents Prepare you for the FHDRA and Cafcass call, including likely directions and next steps Bottom line: You do not need a solicitor or barrister to file the C100, but a direct access barrister is often the most efficient, specialist, and affordable option for parents needing expert help.

Understanding applications under the Children Act 1989

What is the C100 Form?

The C100 is the standard application form used in England & Wales when you ask the court to make decisions about a child’s arrangements, such as where they live, how much time they spend with each parent, or to resolve specific disputes (for example schooling or medical care).

When will you need it?

You will use a C100 when:

You wish to apply for a Child Arrangements Order (deciding who a child lives with or spends time with).
You need to apply for a Specific Issue Order (a single unresolved issue about the child’s welfare).
You require a Prohibited Steps Order to prevent an action by a parent or carer (for example moving the child abroad without consent).
Or you are responding to such an application from someone else.

Why this page helps

Here we break down the C100 form in plain-English: what each section asks for, how the court uses the information, and tips to complete it accurately and confidently.

Why C100 matters

Form A is the document that officially tells the court you are asking for help with your financial settlement. Filing it:

To give the court and Cafcass a complete picture of the children, the parents, and the issues in dispute.

To ensure the application is accepted and listed for a hearing without delay — incomplete or inconsistent forms often cause adjournments.

To protect your credibility and position by providing full and frank disclosure of the facts you rely on.

What the C100 Form Includes

Details about both parties

Your information and the respondent’s details, including contact information and any address confidentiality.

Type of application

This sets out whether you are applying for a Child Arrangements Order, Specific Issue Order, or Prohibited Steps Order.

Urgency & MIAM

This section confirms if the application is urgent and whether you have attended mediation or qualify for an exemption.

Children's information

This records each child’s identity, current living arrangements, schooling, and key background details.

Risk and Welfare Details

This covers any safeguarding concerns, previous incidents, or welfare risks the court needs to consider.

Previous proceedings

This lists any earlier court cases involving the same children or similar issues.

Court attendance needs

This notes whether you require an interpreter, video link, separate waiting area, or accessibility adjustments.

Other people involved

This identifies anyone else with parental responsibility or a significant role who may need to be notified or served.

How to complete the C100 form

Prepare your documents, complete the form accurately, and understand what happens after you submit.

Preparation First

Gather children’s details, prior orders, and MIAM proof.
Confirm if mediation applies and your exemption, if any.
Draft a brief timeline of key events.
Collate safeguarding evidence (police refs, school notes).
Set quiet time to complete without rushing.

Tips as You Fill It In

Write plainly and stick to facts.
Describe arrangements with days, times, and handovers.
For urgency/risks, give short, dated examples.
Match names, addresses, and DOBs to official records.
Check each section for completeness before moving on.

After You Submit

Court issues the case; Cafcass starts checks.
You receive the FHDRA hearing date.
File everything together and note deadlines.
Prepare a short summary of your proposal.
Chase the court if no update after a few weeks.

Common Challenges with Form A

You may run into difficulties i

Are dealing with safeguarding or abuse allegations.
Have complex or international arrangements, relocation plans or multiple homes.
Are self-represented and unsure about legal procedure.
Miss mediation (MIAM) or fail to show why you are exempt.
Use emotional or argumentative language which can undermine your credibility.

When to get professional help

If you’re unsure what to request, facing serious welfare risks, or the other parent is represented, it may be time for specialist advice. A barrister can:

Review your draft C100 and suggest edits
Help you decide which order to apply for
Prepare your Position Statement and evidence bundle
Represent you at the hearing if required

Get a quote

What supporting documents do I need for a C100 application?

You need documents that support your relationship to the child, your concerns, and any evidence of safeguarding issues. The court will not process a C100 without a properly completed form.

When completing a C100 application for a Child Arrangements Order, Prohibited Steps Order, or Specific Issue Order, you should gather documents that help the court understand the background and urgency of your case. Helpful documents include:

Core documents

Proof of your identity (passport or driving licence).
Proof of the child’s identity if available (passport, birth certificate).
Any previous court orders relating to the child or family.

Safeguarding and welfare

Police reports, incident numbers, or bail conditions.
GP or hospital letters relating to injuries or domestic abuse.
Social Services correspondence or assessments (if any).
School or nursery letters documenting concerns.
Evidence of substance misuse concerns (where relevant).

Communication and arrangements

Screenshots of messages showing breakdown of communication.
Evidence of missed contact or parental conflict.
Agreements or correspondence that show attempts to resolve issues.

MIAM / mediation

MIAM certificate (if attended).
Evidence supporting any MIAM exemption you are claiming.

Why this matters:

The C100 is reviewed by the court and Cafcass safeguarding early on. Clear supporting documents help them understand the risks, urgency, and appropriate next steps.

How do I complete the safety concerns section on the C100?

Be clear, factual, and specific. The court and Cafcass rely on this section to assess risks and decide whether safeguarding measures are needed.

The safety concerns section (Section 4 of the C100) is one of the most important parts of the form. Here’s how to complete it effectively:

Be specific about the type of harm

Select all that apply, such as:

Domestic abuse (physical, emotional, financial, coercive control)
Substance abuse
Mental health concerns
Neglect
Child-to-parent violence
Abduction risk

Describe what happened, not how you feel

Focus on factual examples:

Dates or date ranges
What happened
Who witnessed it
Impact on the child
Any ongoing risk

Attach supporting evidence where possible

Police reports, messages, medical notes, or safeguarding letters strengthen your concerns.

Explain current safety measures

If you use supervised contact, handovers at school, or no-contact arrangements, include that information.

Stay neutral and child-focused

Avoid emotional language or accusations. Describe risks clearly and explain how they affect the child’s safety or wellbeing.

When can I request a MIAM exemption for the C100 form?

You may be exempt from attending a MIAM if issues involve domestic abuse, risk of harm, urgency, or if mediation is not suitable or possible.

Before submitting a C100, most applicants must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)—but there are several valid exemptions.

Domestic abuse exemptions

Supported by:

Police evidence
Court orders
Social Services records
GP or hospital letters
Refuges or support services

Child protection exemptions

Local authority involvement
Section 47 enquiries
Ongoing social worker assessment

Urgency exemptions

Threat of child abduction
Immediate risk of harm
Sudden breakdown in arrangements
Urgent medical decisions
Risk of losing contact entirely

Practical / process exemptions

Respondent is bankrupt (in some order types)
Previous MIAM attended within 4 months
Other parent refuses to attend
No authorised mediator within 15 miles
Serious disability or logistical barriers

Note:

You must clearly tick the right exemption and explain why it applies. Unsupported exemptions may lead the court to question your application.

How do I calculate and apply for Help with Court Fees (EX160) for the C100?

Your eligibility depends on your income, savings, and benefits. You apply using EX160, either online or on paper.

The fee for filing a C100 can be reduced or waived if you qualify for Help with Fees (HWF).

Step 1 Check your eligibility

You may qualify if:

You receive certain benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Income-based JSA, ESA).
You have low income.
Your savings are below the HWF limits.

Step 2 Calculate your income

You’ll need to include:

Take-home pay
Benefits
Maintenance received
Pension income
Self-employment income

Step 3 Check savings rules

Your eligibility depends on:

Any savings you hold
Any capital in bank accounts
Premium bonds
Investments

Step 4 Complete EX160 online or on paper

If applying online, you receive an HWF reference number.
If using a paper form, attach EX160 to your C100.

Step 5 Submit your C100 with HWF reference

If successful, your fee is reduced or waived. If not, the court may contact you for payment.

What happens after I submit the C100 form to court?

The court issues your application, Cafcass completes safeguarding checks, and you receive a date for the first hearing.

Once the court receives and processes your C100, the following steps normally take place:

1. Application is “issued”

The court stamps your C100 and notifies both parties.

2. Cafcass completes safeguarding checks

This includes:

Police checks
Social Services checks
Initial risk screening
A phone interview with each parent

You will then receive the Cafcass Safeguarding Letter, which informs the court about any risks and recommendations for the first hearing.

3. The First Hearing (FHDRA) is scheduled

You’ll be given a hearing date. At this hearing, the court will:

Review safeguarding issues
Identify what the dispute is really about
Encourage agreement
Decide if further reports or assessments are required

4. Possible next steps

Depending on the situation:

A Section 7 report may be ordered
Drug, alcohol, or mental health assessments may be requested
Fact-finding hearings may be listed if abuse allegations are disputed
Interim contact arrangements may be put in place

5. The case progresses until an agreement or final order

Most cases settle before the final hearing, but the court will keep making directions to ensure the child’s welfare comes first.

Do I need a solicitor or barrister to complete the C100 form?

You do not have to use a solicitor or barrister to complete the C100 form. Many parents submit it themselves, especially where the issues are straightforward. However, professional help can make the process clearer, reduce errors, and ensure your concerns are presented properly. A direct access barrister is often a more cost-effective and specialist option than using a traditional solicitor.

You may want legal help if:

There are safety concerns or allegations of harm
A parent is refusing contact or communication has broken down
There are risks such as abduction, neglect, substance misuse, or coercive control
You are unsure how to present your concerns clearly or neutrally
There is a history of court involvement or Social Services involvement

Why many people choose a barrister instead of a solicitor:

Barristers specialise in court work and children law, so they can explain exactly what the court expects
You can access expert legal advice directly, without paying solicitor firm overheads
You only pay for the specific help you need, such as reviewing your C100, advising on the safety section, or preparing for hearings
Barristers provide clearer, more focused guidance on the legal tests, safeguarding concerns, and how courts make decisions about child arrangements

You can complete the C100 alone, but if you want expert support without solicitor-level costs, a direct access barrister is often the most efficient, affordable, and specialist option.

What is C100?

Understanding applications under the Children Act 1989

Why C100 matters