Child Arrangements Order
Sets out arrangements such as where a child lives, spends time or otherwise has contact with a person.

C100 application support
Get practical help preparing a clear, complete C100 application for a Child Arrangements, Prohibited Steps or Specific Issue Order. We help you understand the form, organise the required information and avoid common preparation mistakes.
C100 explained
A C100 application asks the family court in England and Wales to make one or more orders concerning a child. It is commonly used when there is no agreement about what should happen.
Sets out arrangements such as where a child lives, spends time or otherwise has contact with a person.
Prevents a specified step concerning a child from being taken without the court’s permission.
Asks the court to decide a particular question about a child, such as an aspect of education or upbringing.
Before applying
Parents, guardians and some other people may be entitled to apply without first obtaining the court’s permission. Other applicants may need permission. The rules depend on your relationship to the child and the circumstances.
Before most applications, the applicant is expected to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, known as a MIAM. The mediator explains mediation and assesses whether it may be suitable. A MIAM is not the same as taking part in mediation.
Preparing the form
Names, dates of birth, addresses where appropriate, relationships and everyone with parental responsibility.
A clear account of the decision or arrangements you are asking the court to make.
Details of current or earlier cases and relevant existing orders concerning the children or family.
Accurate answers about domestic abuse, harm, risk, social-services involvement and any need for urgent protection.
Mediator confirmation, or the exemption relied on and supporting information required by the form.
Focused arrangements and reasons connected to the child’s welfare, rather than a general history of adult conflict.
Avoid delays
After submission
If the court accepts and issues the application, it will arrange for the other parties to receive the papers and list the first hearing. Cafcass, or Cafcass Cymru in Wales, may undertake safeguarding checks and speak to the parties before that hearing.
At the first hearing, the court considers the issues, safeguarding information and whether agreement is possible. It may make directions for statements, reports or other evidence. Every case is different, and urgent or high-risk applications can follow a different path.
The application is checked, issued and provided to the relevant parties in line with court directions.
Relevant agencies may make initial checks and provide safeguarding information to the court.
The court identifies the issues, considers safety and decides what directions or interim arrangements may be needed.
How we assist
Access 2 Children can help you understand the form, identify the information needed and prepare your account in a structured, child-focused way. We explain the agreed service and its limits before work starts.
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Frequently asked questions
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Request a free callback and a member of our team will be in touch about your C100 application.