How to respond to a C100 application about a child

How long it takes, and what it would cost

On your own

A day or more

With Wren

About an hour for most forms

Solicitor for each form

£740 to £1,2403 to 5 hours

Times and hours are Wren’s estimates for a typical case, not quotes. Solicitor costs are those hours at £247 an hour, the courts’ guideline rate for a solicitor with over four years’ experience, outside London (GOV.UK, Solicitors' guideline hourly rates (in effect from 1 January 2026)). The guideline runs from £200 to £295 an hour outside London depending on experience, firms set their own rates, and VAT is added on top.

What you will receive

In applications for child arrangements and similar orders, the court serves the papers on you. The papers usually include these documents.

1. A copy of the C100, with any Form C1A the applicant filed.
2. A notice of the hearing (Form C6), with the date of the first hearing.
3. An acknowledgement form to fill in (Form C7).
4. A blank Form C1A.
5. Information leaflets, including the guide for separated parents (CB7).

Sending your response

You must send Form C7 to the court within 14 days of receiving the application, unless the court set a shorter time. The C7 lets you say whether you agree with or oppose the orders asked for.

If you want to respond to allegations of domestic abuse, fill in Form C1A and send it with the C7.

The court sends copies of your C7 and any C1A to Cafcass and to the applicant.

What not to send yet

When filling in a court form, only give the information it asks for. Do not add statements the form does not require.

The rules say no evidence, such as witness statements, should be filed until after the first hearing unless the court directs it.

Keeping your contact details private

You do not have to reveal your address or contact details, or your child's, to the other party. You give them to the court on Form C8, and they will not be shared unless the court directs.

If you move during the case, you must tell the court your new address.

If you or a child are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.

Before the first hearing

Cafcass will carry out safeguarding checks and will usually phone you. It sends the court a safeguarding letter before the hearing.

You are strongly encouraged to attend a MIAM, although the rules do not require it before the application is made. At the first hearing, the court checks whether you attended one.

If the court asks, each party completes Form FM5 on non-court dispute resolution and sends a copy to the other party.

Going to the first hearing

You must attend the first hearing (FHDRA) unless the court directs otherwise. If you do not attend, the court may go ahead if it is satisfied you had reasonable notice.

You can bring a McKenzie friend for support. If you are worried about your safety at court, you can ask for participation directions, such as separate waiting areas or screens.

Some family courts use a different approach called the Child Focused Model. There, a Child Impact Report is prepared early and the steps differ from those described here. Cafcass says the model is being rolled out across England and Wales.

Key dates

1. Within 14 days of receiving the applicationSend Form C7, and Form C1A if relevant, to the court.Source: PD12B para 8.11 ↗ (external source, opens in a new tab)
2. At least 14 days before the first hearing, where practicableThe rules say the respondent gets notice of the FHDRA by then.Source: PD12B para 14.2 ↗ (external source, opens in a new tab)
3. Usually week 5 after issue, at the latest week 6The first hearing (FHDRA) takes place.Source: PD12B paras 14.1, 22.4 ↗ (external source, opens in a new tab)