Wondering what does a C100 form look like? Learn what sections it includes, what information you’ll need, and how to complete it before applying to the family court.

Applying to the family court for the first time can feel overwhelming. You may hear about the C100 form and immediately wonder what it looks like or what information it asks for.

The good news is that the form is much easier to understand than many people expect. While it may seem long at first glance, each section has a clear purpose and guides you through the application step by step.

If you’re applying for Child Arrangements or another type of child order, knowing what the form looks like before you begin can make the process much less stressful.

In this guide, you’ll learn what does a C100 form look like, what each section includes, and how to prepare before filling it out.

A C100 form is an official court application used in England and Wales.

Parents, guardians, or other people with parental responsibility use it when they need the family court to make decisions about a child.

What Is a C100 Form?

The form can be used to apply for:

• A Child Arrangements Order
• A Specific Issue Order
• A Prohibited Steps Order

These court orders help resolve disagreements about important decisions involving a child.

For example, you may need the court to decide:

• Where a child should live
• How often they should spend time with each parent
• Whether a child can travel abroad
• Which school they should attend
• Certain medical or religious decisions

So, What Does a C100 Form Look Like?

The C100 form is a structured document made up of several sections.

Instead of asking everything at once, it guides you through one topic at a time.

The form includes:

• Personal details
• Information about the child
• Details about the other parent or respondent
• Information about the order you want
• Questions about mediation
• Safety concerns
• Supporting information
• Declaration and signature

Although the document is several pages long, most questions only require straightforward answers.

The First Page

The first page introduces the purpose of the application.

You’ll usually see:

• The title of the form
• Guidance notes
• Information about the type of application

This page helps confirm that you’re using the correct form before you begin completing it.

Your Personal Information

One of the first sections asks about you.

You’ll provide details such as:

• Your full name
• Address
• Contact information
• Date of birth
• Relationship to the child

The court uses this information to identify who is making the application.

If there are safety concerns, you may be able to request that your address remains confidential.

Details About the Child

Next, you’ll complete a section about the child or children involved.

This includes information like:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Current living arrangements

If more than one child is involved, you’ll provide information for each child.

The court uses these details to understand who the application relates to.

Information About the Other Parent

The form also asks for details about the other person involved.

This usually includes:

• Their name
• Address
• Contact information
• Relationship to the child

If you do not know some of this information, explain why.

Provide as much detail as you reasonably can.

The Orders You Are Asking For

This is one of the most important sections of the form.

Here, you’ll explain what you want the court to decide.

For example, you might ask for:

• A child to live with you
• Regular contact arrangements
• Permission for a child to travel abroad
• A decision about education

Be clear and honest when explaining what you want.

The judge will read this carefully.

Why You Are Applying

The form gives you space to explain why you believe the court should make the order.

Keep your explanation:

• Honest
• Clear
• Focused on the child

Rather than criticising the other parent, explain why the arrangements you are requesting are in the child’s best interests.

This helps the court understand your concerns.

The MIAM Section

One section asks about mediation.

Before applying to court, many parents must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).

The form asks whether:

• You attended a MIAM
• You qualify for an exemption
• A mediator signed your application

If an exemption applies, you’ll explain why.

The official guidance explains when mediation is required and when exemptions apply. GOV.UK MIAM guidance

Safety and Welfare Questions

The court takes child safety seriously.

The C100 form asks whether there are concerns involving:

• Domestic abuse
• Violence
• Emotional abuse
• Drug or alcohol misuse
• Child neglect
• Mental health issues affecting safety
• Risk of child abduction

These questions help the court identify urgent issues early.

Answer them honestly and provide supporting details if requested.

Allegations of Harm

If you have concerns about harm to the child, you’ll complete an additional section.

This allows you to explain:

• What happened
• When it happened
• Who was involved
• Why you believe the child is at risk

You should stick to facts rather than assumptions.

The court may ask for supporting evidence later.

Confidential Information

Some people worry about their personal information being shared.

If revealing your address or contact details could place you or your child at risk, the form provides options to request confidentiality.

The court considers these requests carefully.

Other Court Proceedings

The form asks whether there have been previous family court cases involving the child.

For example:

• Earlier Child Arrangements Orders
• Care proceedings
• Domestic abuse orders

Providing this information helps the judge understand the child’s history.

Additional Information

Towards the end of the form, you’ll have space to include anything else that may help the court understand your application.

This could include:

• Important background information
• Recent changes in circumstances
• Details that do not fit elsewhere

Try to keep your explanation organised and relevant.

The Final Declaration

Before submitting the form, you’ll complete a declaration.

By signing it, you’re confirming that:

• The information is true
• You understand your responsibilities
• You believe the details you’ve provided are accurate

Always review the form carefully before signing.

Is the Form Difficult to Complete?

Many parents worry when they first download the form because it appears lengthy.

In reality, most sections ask for information you already know.

If you prepare your information beforehand, completing the form becomes much easier.

Helpful documents to have nearby include:

• Your child’s birth certificate
• Previous court orders
• School details
• Contact information
• Any supporting evidence

Working through the form one section at a time makes the process much more manageable.

Tips Before Filling Out the Form

Taking a little time to prepare can help you avoid mistakes.

Here are a few useful tips.

• Read the Guidance First

The official notes explain many of the questions before you answer them.

Understanding the instructions can save time later.

• Be Honest

Always provide accurate information.

The court relies on the details you include.

• Focus on the Child

Throughout the form, keep the child’s welfare at the centre of your answers.

Avoid emotional language or personal attacks.

• Double-Check Everything

Before submitting your application:

• Check names are spelled correctly.
• Confirm dates are accurate.
• Make sure every required section is completed.
• Attach any supporting documents if needed.

A careful review can prevent unnecessary delays.

What Happens After You Submit the Form?

Once the family court receives your C100 form, it will review the application.

If everything has been completed correctly, the court will usually:

• Issue the application
• Notify the other parent
• Arrange safeguarding checks
• Schedule the first hearing

During the process, the court’s main priority is always the child’s welfare.

You can also review the latest version of the C100 form and guidance through the official UK court forms service.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been asking what does a C100 form look like, the answer is simpler than you might expect. While the form contains several sections, each one is designed to collect specific information about you, your child, and the orders you’re requesting.

By understanding the layout before you begin, gathering your information in advance, and completing each section carefully, you can make the application process much less stressful.

Remember, the court isn’t looking for perfect legal language. It wants clear, honest information that helps it make decisions in the best interests of your child.