Child arrangements at the family court in East Sussex
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-31
The application
Applying for a child arrangements order (who a child lives with or spends time with) starts with form C100. Before you file you normally need to attend a MIAM or show an exemption — domestic abuse and urgency are common exemptions. Cafcass safeguards-checks the children after issue; most cases settle or are decided at the FHDRA (first hearing).
- Form: C100 on gov.uk
- Fee: £270 (C100) — Help with Fees (EX160) if on low income
- Where to file: Brighton County Court, William Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 0RF
- Our full guide to Brighton County Court
What happens after you file
1. The court issues the application and lists a first hearing (usually 4–8 weeks out). 2. You serve the other party (or the court does) — service rules matter; see the service guide. 3. Safeguarding/enquiries as applicable (Cafcass for children cases; FMVS mediation offer). 4. First hearing (FHDRA/FDR/directions) — most cases settle or get narrowed here.
Getting help in East Sussex
- Support services in East Sussex
- Finding a solicitor near East Sussex
- Finding a mediator near East Sussex
General information only — not legal advice. Fees per SI 2026/642 (in force 13 July 2026). Source: gov.uk form pages, HMCTS court data. Confirm the current fee before filing.
Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.