Form C1A — allegations of harm and domestic abuse (supplemental information)

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-09-01

What form C1A is

Form C1A is the HMCTS supplemental information form you send with a C100 child arrangements, prohibited steps or specific issue application (or with your response to one) when there are allegations of harm or domestic abuse affecting a child. It tells the court, in a structured way, what harm is alleged, when it happened, and what help was sought at the time.

Official form page on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-c1a-provide-supplemental-information-when-making-or-responding-to-allegations-of-harm-and-domestic-violence

The form itself is clear: it cannot be used on its own to make an application. It is always sent together with the relevant application form (C100) — or, if you are the respondent, with your C7 response if the applicant served a C1A on you.

Who fills it in

Applicants who allege that a child has suffered, or is at risk of suffering, harm or domestic abuse — including abuse directed at them that the child has witnessed.
Respondents who have been served with a C1A and want to respond to the allegations.

What the form asks

Which types of behaviour are alleged (physical, emotional, financial, psychological, sexual, coercive or controlling behaviour).
Details of incidents: approximate dates, how long behaviour continued, and a brief factual description.
Any court orders that already exist — non-molestation orders, occupation orders, restraining orders, forced marriage protection orders or other injunctions. Attach copies of any orders you have.
Whether help was sought at the time — police, social services, doctor, a domestic abuse service, Citizens Advice, or anyone else — and what happened as a result.

Practical points for litigants in person

Keep contact details confidential: if you do not want your address known to the other party, leave that space blank and complete form C8 (confidential contact details) and send it with the application. Never include confidential addresses in the C1A or anything attached to it.
Be factual, not argumentative. Dates, what happened, what you did about it. The form feeds the court's decision on safeguarding checks and whether a fact-finding hearing is needed — it is not the place for point-scoring.
Attach evidence of orders you already hold rather than describing them.
The definitions of harm and domestic abuse are set out on page one of the form itself — read the guidance at the end of the form before filling it in.

Where to get the form

From the official GOV.UK form page above, from the HMCTS form finder (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/court-and-tribunal-forms), or from any family court office. Always use the latest version.

If you are at risk now, call 999. For domestic abuse support, see Refuge's National Domestic Abuse Helpline: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with HMCTS or gov.uk.

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.