Wondering what happens after a C100 form is submitted? Learn each stage of the process, from court checks to hearings and possible outcomes, in this easy-to-follow guide.
Filling out a C100 form can feel like a big step. Whether you’re asking the court to decide where your child lives, how often they spend time with each parent, or another child arrangement issue, it’s normal to wonder what comes next.
The good news is that submitting the form is only the beginning of the process. After that, several things happen before a judge makes any decisions.
If you’re applying for a Court order, understanding each stage can help you feel more prepared and less anxious.
In this guide, you’ll learn what happens after a C100 form is submitted, what to expect at each stage, and how you can prepare for the hearings ahead.
The Court Receives Your C100 Form
Once you submit your C100 form, the court first checks that everything has been completed correctly.
This includes making sure:
- All required sections are filled in
- The correct court fee has been paid (unless you qualify for fee help)
- Any supporting documents are included
- The application meets the legal requirements
If something important is missing, the court may contact you and ask for more information before moving your application forward.
Once everything is accepted, the court officially opens your case.
The Other Parent Receives a Copy
After the application is accepted, the respondent (usually the other parent) is sent a copy of your application.
This allows them to:
- Read your concerns
- Understand what orders you’re asking for
- Prepare their own response
- Attend future court hearings
This is an important part of making sure both parents have the chance to present their side.
CAFCASS Gets Involved
One of the first things many people notice after submitting a C100 form is contact from CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service).
CAFCASS plays a very important role.
Their main job is to focus on what is best for the child, not to take sides.
According to the official guidance from the UK Government, CAFCASS helps the court understand any welfare concerns that could affect the child. They may also carry out safeguarding checks before the first hearing. You can read more in the official guidance from the UK Government.
Typically, CAFCASS will:
- Contact both parents by phone
- Ask basic questions about the child
- Discuss any concerns about safety
- Carry out police and social services checks
- Prepare a safeguarding letter for the court
These checks usually happen before the first hearing.
Safeguarding Checks Take Place
The safeguarding checks are one of the most important stages.
CAFCASS works with:
- The police
- Local authority children’s services
The purpose is to identify whether there are any concerns involving:
- Domestic abuse
- Violence
- Child neglect
- Substance misuse
- Serious safeguarding risks
If there are concerns, the court will consider them carefully before making any decisions.
You Receive a Hearing Date
Once the initial checks are complete, the court schedules the first hearing.
This hearing is known as the:
First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA).
You will receive:
- The hearing date
- The time
- Court instructions
- Information about attending in person or remotely, where applicable
Make sure you read every document carefully.
What Happens at the First Hearing?
The first hearing is not usually the final decision.
Instead, it helps the court understand:
- What both parents agree on
- What they disagree about
- Whether the case can be settled without a full trial
During the hearing:
- A judge or magistrates listen to both parents.
- CAFCASS may share their safeguarding findings.
- The judge asks questions.
- Both parents explain their concerns.
Sometimes, an agreement is reached on the day.
If that happens, the judge may approve the agreement and make it legally binding.
What If Parents Cannot Agree?
Not every case ends at the first hearing.
If disagreements remain, the judge may decide that more work is needed before making a final decision.
The court might:
- Ask CAFCASS to prepare a full welfare report
- Request witness statements
- Order additional evidence
- Schedule another hearing
- Give directions for the next stage
This allows the judge to gather enough information before making decisions that affect the child.
CAFCASS May Prepare a Section 7 Report
If the court needs more information, CAFCASS may be asked to prepare what’s known as a Section 7 Report.
This report looks closely at:
- The child’s needs
- Each parent’s situation
- The child’s wishes (depending on age and maturity)
- School arrangements
- Family relationships
- Any safeguarding concerns
To prepare the report, CAFCASS may:
- Visit each parent’s home
- Speak with the child
- Contact schools
- Speak with professionals involved with the family
The report contains recommendations, but the judge makes the final decision.
Additional Hearings May Be Needed
Some cases are straightforward. Others take several hearings.
Additional hearings may include:
- Dispute Resolution Hearing
This gives parents another chance to settle the case before a final hearing.
- Fact-Finding Hearing
If one parent makes serious allegations, such as domestic abuse, the court may first decide whether those allegations are true.
Evidence may include:
- Police records
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Text messages
- Emails
Only after deciding these issues does the court move forward.
- Final Hearing
If no agreement is reached, the case ends with a final hearing.
What Happens at the Final Hearing?
At the final hearing:
- Both parents present their evidence.
- Witnesses may give evidence if needed.
- CAFCASS recommendations are considered.
- The judge reviews everything carefully.
The court’s main concern is always one question:
What is in the child’s best interests?
The judge is not trying to reward one parent or punish the other.
Instead, every decision focuses on the child’s welfare.
This approach is set out in the Children Act 1989, which guides family courts when making decisions about children. You can read more about the legislation here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/41/contents.
What Orders Can the Court Make?
Depending on the evidence, the court may make different types of child arrangements.
These may include decisions about:
- Where the child lives
- How often the child spends time with each parent
- Holiday arrangements
- Phone or video contact
- Special occasions
- School handovers
The exact order depends on the facts of each case.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
One of the biggest questions parents ask is how long everything will take.
The answer depends on several factors.
Simple cases where parents reach agreement may finish within a few months.
More complex cases involving:
- Safeguarding concerns
- Domestic abuse allegations
- Multiple hearings
- Expert reports
can take much longer.
Every family is different.
What Should You Do While Waiting?
Waiting between hearings can be stressful.
However, there are several things you can do to help your case.
- Follow Any Temporary Court Orders
If the court makes temporary arrangements, stick to them.
Showing that you respect court directions reflects well on you.
2. Keep Communication Civil
Even if emotions are running high, try to remain polite.
Avoid arguments over text or social media.
Everything you say could become relevant later.
3. Focus on Your Child
Continue supporting your child’s daily routine.
Keep school attendance, medical appointments, and activities as normal as possible.
The court appreciates parents who put the child’s needs first.
4. Keep Good Records
It can help to keep notes about:
- Contact arrangements
- Missed visits
- Important conversations
- School events
- Medical appointments
Clear records may be useful if questions arise later.
Can You Settle Before the Final Hearing?
Absolutely.
Many parents reach agreements after the first hearing.
Some settle after reading the CAFCASS report.
Others agree after discussions between solicitors.
If both parents can agree on suitable arrangements, the court can often approve those arrangements without a lengthy final hearing.
This usually saves:
- Time
- Money
- Stress
Most importantly, it can reduce conflict for the child.
Common Reasons the Court Delays a Case
Although everyone wants cases to move quickly, delays can happen for several reasons.
For example:
- Missing documents
- Busy court schedules
- Additional safeguarding concerns
- Waiting for CAFCASS reports
- Requests for expert evidence
- One parent failing to attend court
Unfortunately, these delays are fairly common in family court proceedings.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what happens after a C100 form is submitted can make the process feel far less overwhelming.
After your application is accepted, the court carries out several important steps, including notifying the other parent, arranging safeguarding checks, scheduling hearings, and gathering any evidence needed to make a fair decision.
While every case follows its own timeline, the court’s goal stays the same throughout: making decisions that are in the child’s best interests.
The process can take patience, but understanding what lies ahead allows you to prepare, stay organised, and focus on what matters most, helping the court reach the right outcome for your child.
