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C100 application support

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  • Application preparation support
  • MIAM and exemption information
  • Safeguarding sections explained
  • Clear next-step guidance

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.

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C100 explained

What a C100 form is used for

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.

01

Child Arrangements Order

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

02

Prohibited Steps Order

Prevents a specified step concerning a child from being taken without the court’s permission.

03

Specific Issue Order

Asks the court to decide a particular question about a child, such as an aspect of education or upbringing.

Before applying

Who can apply and when a MIAM matters

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.

  • Check whether you can apply as of right or need permission
  • Use the current C100 form and current court guidance
  • Complete the MIAM section accurately
  • Identify and evidence any exemption you rely on
  • Consider whether urgency or safeguarding needs separate attention
  • Check the current court fee and any fee-remission eligibility

Preparing the form

Information a C100 application usually requires

01

The children and parties

Names, dates of birth, addresses where appropriate, relationships and everyone with parental responsibility.

02

The order requested

A clear account of the decision or arrangements you are asking the court to make.

03

Previous proceedings

Details of current or earlier cases and relevant existing orders concerning the children or family.

04

Safeguarding information

Accurate answers about domestic abuse, harm, risk, social-services involvement and any need for urgent protection.

05

MIAM details

Mediator confirmation, or the exemption relied on and supporting information required by the form.

06

Practical proposals

Focused arrangements and reasons connected to the child’s welfare, rather than a general history of adult conflict.

Avoid delays

Common C100 application mistakes

  • Using an outdated form or missing mandatory fields
  • Requesting an unclear order or not stating the practical outcome sought
  • Leaving out related proceedings or existing court orders
  • Selecting a MIAM exemption without the required basis or evidence
  • Failing to address safeguarding concerns in the correct section
  • Including long, unfocused allegations instead of concise relevant facts
  • Using the form to criticise the other party rather than explain the child-focused issue
  • Submitting without checking names, dates, contact details and attachments

After submission

What generally happens next

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.

01

Court issue and service

The application is checked, issued and provided to the relevant parties in line with court directions.

02

Safeguarding checks

Relevant agencies may make initial checks and provide safeguarding information to the court.

03

First hearing

The court identifies the issues, considers safety and decides what directions or interim arrangements may be needed.

How we assist

Practical help preparing your C100 application

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.

  • Reviewing the circumstances and the order you may need
  • Helping organise key facts, dates and existing orders
  • Explaining the MIAM and safeguarding sections
  • Helping make the application clear and focused
  • Checking the form for common preparation gaps
  • Explaining the usual stages after submission
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