What Is a C100 Form?

A C100 form is the application used to ask the Family Court to make decisions about children.

Parents commonly use it when they cannot agree on issues such as:

• Where a child should live.
• When a child spends time with each parent.
• School arrangements.
• Holiday arrangements.
• Specific parenting decisions.
• Other child arrangement disputes.

The court will always focus on what it considers to be in the child's best interests.

Before You Apply: Do You Need a MIAM?

In many situations, you will be expected to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before submitting a C100 application.

The purpose of the MIAM is to explore whether family mediation could resolve the dispute without court proceedings.

However, there are situations where a MIAM may not be required, such as certain cases involving domestic abuse, urgency or other recognised exemptions.

Gather Your Information First

Many parents start filling in the C100 form before collecting the information they need.

It is usually much easier to gather everything first.

This may include:

• Your child's full details.
• The other parent's details.
• Important dates.
• School information.
• Medical information where relevant.
• Previous agreements.
• Existing court orders.
• Any safeguarding concerns.

Having everything organised beforehand makes completing the application far less stressful.

Keep Good Communication Records

If communication between parents has become difficult, organised records may become important.

You may wish to keep copies of:

• Messages.
• Emails.
• Parenting schedules.
• Calendar changes.
• Missed contact.
• Medical appointments.
• School communications.
• Evidence of attempts to resolve disagreements.

Good records help demonstrate patterns rather than isolated disagreements.

Think About the Outcome You're Asking For

Before completing the C100 form, ask yourself:

• What arrangement would best meet your child's needs?
• Why is that arrangement in your child's best interests?
• Have you considered practical issues such as school, travel and routines?
• Could any compromise be possible?

The court is interested in practical solutions that support the child's welfare, not simply what either parent would prefer.

Common Mistakes Parents Make

• Submitting the application before gathering evidence.
• Focusing on the other parent's behaviour instead of the child's needs.
• Including unnecessary relationship history.
• Using emotional or inflammatory language.
• Not checking whether a MIAM is required.
• Leaving sections incomplete.

Keeping your application factual, organised and child-focused is usually far more effective than including every disagreement that has happened since separation.

What Happens After You Submit the C100 Form?

Once your application has been submitted, the Family Court will acknowledge receipt and begin the case management process.

Although every case is different, the process often includes:

• The application being served on the other parent.
• Initial safeguarding checks.
• A Cafcass safeguarding letter being prepared.
• A date being set for the first hearing.
• Requests for additional information if required.

Cases can progress at very different speeds depending on the complexity of the issues involved and the court's workload.

The Role of Cafcass

Before the first hearing, Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) will usually carry out safeguarding checks.

This commonly involves:

• Speaking with each parent.
• Checking police records where appropriate.
• Checking local authority records.
• Preparing a safeguarding letter for the court.

Cafcass helps the court understand any safeguarding concerns and may make recommendations about how the case should proceed.

Your First Hearing

The first hearing is often known as a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA).

Its purpose is to identify the issues, explore whether agreement can still be reached and decide what should happen next.

The court may:

• Approve an agreement if one is reached.
• Encourage further mediation.
• Order reports or additional evidence.
• List further hearings.
• Make interim arrangements where appropriate.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Unfortunately, there is no fixed timescale.

Simple cases may conclude relatively quickly, while more complex disputes involving safeguarding concerns or expert reports can take considerably longer.

Being organised from the beginning can help reduce unnecessary delays.

Preparing for Court Hearings

Before each hearing, it helps to:

• Read all court documents carefully.
• Organise your evidence chronologically.
• Review your parenting proposals.
• Focus on your child's needs.
• Remain respectful throughout proceedings.

Judges are interested in practical solutions that support children, not arguments about who was the better partner during the relationship.

How The Coparent App Can Help

While no app can replace legal advice, The Coparent App helps separated parents stay organised throughout the process.

Features include:

• AI-assisted messaging to encourage calm, child-focused communication.
• Court-ready communication records stored in one place.
• Shared calendars for hearings, contact arrangements and appointments.
• Parenting plans that can be updated as arrangements evolve.
• Boundary Mode to reduce excessive messaging.
• Quiet Mode for less stressful communication.
• Unlimited document storage for important paperwork.
• One-device access to help maintain account integrity.

Many parents search for a court approved co-parenting app. While there is no single official UK-wide list of approved apps, a court-ready co-parenting app can help parents keep communication organised, factual and easier to review if required.

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Final Thoughts

Preparing a C100 application takes time, but good preparation can make the entire process far less stressful.

Gather your information early, understand whether a MIAM is required, keep organised records and remain focused on your child's welfare throughout the process.

Whether your case settles quickly or proceeds through the Family Court, being prepared gives you the best chance of presenting clear, organised information that helps everyone focus on what matters most — your child.

Frequently Asked Questions