Applying for child arrangements (Form C100) — and what your first hearing (FHDRA) is really for

Who this is for. If you and your child's other parent cannot agree on where your child lives or who they spend time with, and you are thinking about asking the family court to decide, this guide walks you through it in plain English. It is written for people representing themselves (a litigant in person). It explains the application form (C100), the mediation meeting you must usually attend first (the MIAM), what happens after you apply, and what your first hearing — the FHDRA — actually does. It does not give legal advice and it does not take sides.

Reviewed by Sean McNamara on 2026-10-21

What a "child arrangements application" actually is

The family court can make child arrangements orders — decisions about where a child lives and who spends time with them (the two parts are usually called "live with" and "spend time with", or "contact"). This is one of the "Section 8 orders" under the Children Act 1989. The same application form (C100) is also used for the two other Section 8 orders:

a specific issue order — asking the court to decide one particular question (for example, about schooling or changing a surname); and
a prohibited steps order — asking the court to stop a specific action (for example, preventing someone from taking a child to another country).

Most parents and guardians do not need the court's permission to apply. Some people — for example many grandparents — must first get the court's permission to make the application. The C100 form explains this, and the official CB1 guide (linked below) sets out who needs permission.

The court's north star is the child's welfare — what is in their best interests — and every decision is made on that basis, not on which parent "wins".

The MIAM — the mediation meeting you must usually attend first

Before the family court will accept a child arrangements application, in most cases you must attend a MIAM — a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting — with an accredited family mediator. It is a legal requirement (unless a valid exemption applies).

A MIAM is not mediation itself. It is a single meeting where a trained family mediator:

explains what mediation and other "non-court" ways of resolving the dispute look like;
helps you think about whether agreeing outside court is realistic for your situation; and
can point you to other help and support.

A MIAM can be attended in person or online. If you attend a MIAM but the other parent does not, you can still go on to apply to court. The mediator who runs your MIAM signs Section 4 of the C100 to confirm you attended.

You may not have to attend a MIAM (exemptions) in situations including:

you have been to a MIAM (or tried certain other routes) in the last 4 months;
you have evidence you are a victim of domestic abuse;
your child is at risk of harm, for example social services are involved;
the application is urgent, or you are applying for a without-notice hearing;
you are applying for a consent order (you and the other parent already agree); or
you genuinely cannot attend because of your location, situation, or the mediator's availability.

Claiming an exemption is not a free pass — you mark the relevant box on the form and, where required, support it. Do not claim an exemption unless it genuinely applies.

How to fill in and submit the form

Apply online (recommended). You can apply through the official online service at gov.uk/looking-after-children-divorce/apply-for-court-order, which leads to the child arrangements application portal. Applying online generally processes faster. You have 28 days to complete the application once you start it.

Apply by paper. If you cannot apply online, you download Form C100 (last updated June 2026, version 06.26) and send it to your child's local family court (the "designated family centre" for your area). If applying by post you must send the original plus 3 copies of the form (and 3 copies of each supporting document).

Key things to get right on the form:

Use the current version — the form is updated; check it is the latest before you start.
Give the children's details (full names, dates of birth) and say which type(s) of order you want.
Complete the MIAM section honestly — either the mediator's confirmation (Section 4) or a genuine exemption with supporting evidence.
If you are making allegations of harm or domestic abuse, you will also need to complete the supplementary Form C1A.
Send it to the correct court — the child's local family court — or it will be delayed.

Fees and help with fees. There is a court fee to apply. Fees change, so check the current amount on gov.uk/court-fees-what-they-are rather than relying on third-party figures. If you are on a low income or certain benefits you may get help with fees — apply at gov.uk/get-help-with-court-fees.

What happens next (after you apply)

Once your application is accepted, the court serves the application on the other parent and lists a series of hearings. The practical order is roughly:

1. The court checks the form is complete and allocation — decides which level of judge/court is appropriate. 2. Cafcass (the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, cafcass.gov.uk — or Cafcass Cymru in Wales) carries out safeguarding checks, including with the police and local authority, to surface any risk or local-authority involvement. 3. A notice of hearing tells you the date, time, and court for your first hearing.

Your very first hearing is almost always the FHDRA (below). Everything after that depends on whether the case can settle or needs fuller investigation (for example a Cafcass "Section 7" welfare report, or a fact-finding hearing where a disputed allegation is tested).

What the FHDRA is — and what your first hearing is actually for

The FHDRA — the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment — is your first substantive hearing. Its name is the clue to its purpose: at this stage the court is trying to resolve the dispute early, not to decide your case.

The FHDRA is an administrative and exploratory hearing, not the trial of your application. Typically the judge will:

identify the issues — pin down what the dispute is actually about (where there is genuine disagreement, and where there is not);
review the Cafcass safeguarding letter — the results of the checks, so the court knows about any risk or local-authority involvement;
explore agreement — with the judge's help (and a Cafcass Family Court Adviser, where allocated), see whether you and the other parent can agree the arrangements, or narrow the issues, here and now; and
decide the next steps — whether the case can be resolved, or needs more: directions, a fuller hearing, a Section 7 report, or a separate fact-finding hearing if a relevant allegation is disputed.

The FHDRA is usually a relatively short hearing and is rarely where your application is finally decided. Do not expect to give a full performance of your case on the day; the court is taking stock, checking safety, and trying to settle or narrow the dispute.

Realistic expectations for a litigant in person

You do not need to be a lawyer, but preparation wins. The judge will expect you to know what you are asking for and to be able to say why it is in the child's interests. Calm, organised, child-focused beats aggressive and disorganised every time.
The FHDRA is the start, not the finish. Most cases take several hearings; some settle along the way. Do not be discouraged that a decision is not made on day one.
Never criticise the child, and keep your anger about the other parent out of the courtroom. Say what you need in terms of the child's welfare. A parent who looks balanced and reasonable presents far better than one who looks like the problem.
Co-operate openly with Cafcass. The adviser reports to the court; a transparent, co-operative parent is easier for the court to trust. Cafcass does not simply do what the child "wants" — the court makes the decision in the child's best interests.
Prepare your paperwork before the hearing — a note of what you are asking for, and the key points you want the judge to hear. Keep it short and written down.
Support exists. Many family courts have duty advice or pro bono options, and a family-law solicitor offering a free or fixed-fee initial consultation is usually money well spent to check your form and approach. Some unions, schools, and local services also offer support.
Legal aid is limited but can be available in family cases involving domestic abuse or certain child-protection contexts. Check your eligibility on gov.uk/legal-aid rather than assuming you cannot get it. Even if you are not eligible, a first consultation is worth it.

A practical first-steps checklist

[ ] Try to avoid court first — speak to the other parent, or get help reaching an agreement (mediation, or a parenting plan). Court is a last resort.
[ ] Book your MIAM with an accredited family mediator (online or in person) — or confirm you have a genuine exemption.
[ ] Get the current C100 (and C1A if there are allegations of harm), and read the official CB1 "Making an application" and CB7 "Guide for separated parents" leaflets.
[ ] Check the current court fee and apply for help with fees if you qualify.
[ ] Fill the form in carefully and completely — missing details cause delays and rejections.
[ ] Submit online, or post the original + 3 copies to your child's local family court.
[ ] Note your case number and the date/venue of the FHDRA from the notice of hearing (each court guide in this directory has the address and code).
[ ] Prepare a short written note for the FHDRA: what you want, and why it is in the child's best interests.
[ ] Co-operate with Cafcass and answer their safeguarding checks promptly.

Official sources (gov.uk / Cafcass)

Form C100 and how to apply: gov.uk/government/publications/form-c100-application-under-the-children-act-1989-for-a-child-arrangements-prohibited-steps-specific-issue-section-8-order-or-to-vary-or-discharge
Apply for a court order / the online application: gov.uk/looking-after-children-divorce/apply-for-court-order
Making child arrangements if you separate: gov.uk/looking-after-children-divorce
"Making an application: children and the family courts" (CB1): gov.uk/government/publications/family-court-applications-that-involve-children-cb1
Court fees: gov.uk/court-fees-what-they-are · Help with fees: gov.uk/get-help-with-court-fees
Legal aid eligibility: gov.uk/legal-aid
Cafcass: cafcass.gov.uk

This is general information, not legal advice. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified family-law solicitor or a regulated adviser, and it does not take sides or prejudge any case. Court fees, processes and forms change — always verify the current position on the official GOV.UK pages linked above before acting. If you believe you or your child are in immediate danger, call the police on 999; if you are a survivor of domestic abuse, contact Refuge (0808 2000 247) or Women's Aid. The family court decides each case on its evidence and on the best interests of the child.

YourFamilyCase is an independent, impartial information resource. We are not part of GOV.UK, HM Courts & Tribunals Service, or Cafcass, and we receive no payment or preferment from any mediator, solicitor, or agency named or linked in this guide. The information here is provided to help you understand the system; it does not replace professional legal advice.

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