What I Need to Know About Family Mediation C100 Form and How To Get One

If you’re going through a separation or divorce and facing issues around child arrangements, you may have heard about the C100 form. It’s one of the most commonly used family court documents in England and Wales - but it’s also one of the most misunderstood.

In this article, we’ll explain:

• What the C100 form is

• When and why you need it

• How family mediation and a MIAM certificate fit into the process, including how services like Digital MIAM can help

• Common mistakes to avoid when submitting the form

Whether you’re a parent, carer, or legal guardian, this is the essential information you need before making an application to family court.

What Is a C100 Form for a Child Arrangements Order?

The C100 form is the official application form you use to ask the Family Court to make a decision about arrangements for your child. The C100 form is used to apply for a child arrangements order, specific issue order, or prohibited steps order.

• Child arrangements (e.g. where your child lives, how much time they spend with each parent): The court can make a court order for child arrangements based on the application form.

• Specific issues (e.g. schooling, medical treatment, taking a child abroad): The court can make a specific issue order as a court order if there is a dispute, using the application form.

• Prohibited steps (e.g. preventing someone from doing something with your child, such as removing the child from the area without consent): The court can make a prohibited steps order as a court order to prevent certain actions, based on the application form.

It is used when parents or guardians cannot reach an agreement and need the court to intervene.

When Do You Need a C100 Form?

Submitting a C100 form is a legal requirement to start a court application regarding child arrangements.

You need to submit a C100 form if:

• You’ve tried family mediation, but couldn’t reach an agreement

• The other party refuses to engage in mediation

• There are urgent or safeguarding concerns (e.g. child at risk of harm)

• You want the court to decide on key issues like where the child lives or visits

Most applicants must attend a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) before the court process can begin, unless an exemption applies.

Important: The court will usually expect you to have attended a MIAM before accepting your C100 form - unless you’re exempt. Services like Digital MIAM make it easy to quickly complete your MIAM online and get your certificate, helping you meet this legal requirement efficiently.

Do I Need a MIAM Before Submitting a C100?

In most cases, yes.

A MIAM is a mandatory, private session with an authorised family mediator. Its purpose is to:

• Explain how mediation works

• Assess whether mediation is suitable for your case

• Explore options to avoid court

A prospective applicant may be exempt from attending a MIAM if a valid exemption applies, such as previous MIAM attendance within the last four months, safety concerns, urgency, or other specific circumstances. Attending a MIAM can be done on video link if in-person attendance is not possible.

If mediation isn’t appropriate (e.g. due to abuse, or refusal to participate), the mediator will issue a MIAM certificate, which you must include with your C100 form.

Without this certificate, your C100 application may be rejected - unless you meet one of the legal exemption criteria.

For a fast, convenient option, Digital MIAM offers fully online MIAM assessments and provides your MIAM certificate within 24–72 hours (subject to scheduling availability), helping you avoid delays in starting the court process.

What Information Does the C100 Form Require?

You’ll be asked to provide:

• Details about both parents (or parties involved), including the other parent, and specify if the children share the same parents.

• Information about the children involved (names, DOBs, schooling, etc.), ensuring you include all relevant information about each child, such as whether they are known to local authority children's services, have a social worker assigned, or if there are different children requiring different orders.

• What you’re asking the court to decide, and attach a parenting plan if available to outline arrangements in the child's best interests.

• Any safeguarding or child protection concerns (domestic abuse, substance misuse, etc.), and disclose if there is a child protection plan or such a plan in place for the child's welfare.

• Evidence of mediation attendance or your exemption.

• Details of any previous or ongoing proceedings involving the same or different children, and provide information about the outcome or current status.

• Note that a welfare report may be required to assess the child's welfare as part of the court's decision-making process.

You can submit the C100 form online via HMCTS (His Majesty's Courts & Tribunals Service) or download a PDF to fill out and post.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting a C100 Form

1. Skipping the MIAM without an exemption

2. Incomplete details - missing sections can delay or void your application

3. No court fee or fee exemption - check if you qualify for Help with Fees

• Submitting the form without paying the correct court fees - ensure you pay the current court fees or have an approved fee exemption before filing, as missing payment can result in your application being rejected.

• Not seeking independent legal advice - always consider getting independent legal advice before submitting the C100 form to understand your rights and the implications of your decisions.

• Relying on an informal arrangement - depending solely on an informal arrangement for child contact or custody can lead to misunderstandings; formalising agreements through a court order provides clarity and legal protection.

4. Using aggressive or emotional language — keep the tone factual and neutral

5. Not specifying exactly what order you’re asking the court to make

How Digital MIAM Can Help

At Digital MIAM, we specialise in helping parents get their MIAM certificate fast, fully online and at a lower cost than traditional providers.

• Complete your MIAM assessment digitally

• Get your certificate in as little as a few hours (this is an average turnaround time, and subject to scheduling)

• Speak to qualified mediators if mediation is suitable

This gives you the proof you need to submit your C100 form - without unnecessary delays.

Ready to get started? Check if you need a MIAM.

FAQs About the C100 Form

Is a C100 Form Only for Divorcing Couples?

No. Anyone with parental responsibility (including grandparents or guardians) can submit a C100 if child arrangements need legal resolution.

How Much Does It Cost to File a C100?

The court fee is approximately £250 (as of October 2025). You may qualify for fee exemption if you’re on a low income or receive certain benefits.

Can I Fill Out the C100 Myself?

Yes. While you can hire a solicitor, many people submit the C100 form themselves, especially with guidance from services like Digital MIAM.

Final Thoughts: Know Before You File

The C100 form is a vital legal step for parents who can’t agree on child arrangements. But don’t overlook the requirement for a MIAM - it’s more than just a formality. It’s often the key to unlocking faster, less stressful outcomes without a court battle.

Before applying, make sure you:

• Attend your MIAM (consider using Digital MIAM for a quick, convenient online option)

• Get your certificate

• Consider mediation as an alternative to court

Need help fast? Contact our expert team at Digital MIAM - we’re here to guide you through it all.

If you have already booked your MIAM, please read our guide on What to expect at your MIAM.