The UK Dad's Guide to the C100 Form: Taking Control of Your Child Arrangements

Navigating the family court system can feel daunting, but for many UK dads fighting for fair and equal time with their children, the C100 form is the key to unlocking a court-ordered Child Arrangements Order. While the process requires careful thought, it is a proactive step that shows you are serious and committed to your child's welfare.

This guide will break down exactly what the C100 form is, how it fits into your journey for 50/50 shared parenting, and what you can expect after you submit it.

What is the C100 Form?

Simply put, the C100 is the formal application used to ask a family court to make decisions about a child's care and living arrangements. It is officially titled "Application under the Children Act 1989," and it is used to apply for one of three main types of orders:

• Child Arrangements Order: This is the most common application for UK dads. It determines who a child lives with and how much time they spend with each parent. This is the order you will seek to formalise your 50/50 child contact schedule.
• Prohibited Steps Order: This prevents a specific action from being taken by a parent without the court's permission (e.g., preventing a child from being taken abroad).
• Specific Issue Order: This resolves a specific, one-off dispute, such as a disagreement over a child's school, religion, or medical treatment.

The C100 and Your 50/50 Goal

While the Children Act 1989 does not grant an automatic right to 50/50 child contact, a C100 application is the most direct way to get a legally binding order for shared parenting. By submitting the form, you are showing the court your commitment and confidence in providing an equal environment for your child.

When filling out the C100, remember to keep your focus on the child's best interests. This is what the court cares about most. Ensure your proposed 50/50 schedule is reasonable and well-considered, and be prepared to explain how it will benefit your children's well-being. Use phrases like "for our children's sake" and "what is best for our children" to demonstrate your child-centric approach.

Filling Out and Submitting the C100

You can fill out the C100 form online or download a paper copy from the official government website. The application fee is £232, but you may be eligible for help with fees if you are on a low income. It is highly recommended to check this before you submit your application.

Key information you will need to provide includes:

• Your personal details and those of the other parent.
• The child's details, including names, dates of birth, and current living arrangements.
• A summary of what you are asking the court to decide (e.g., a specific 50/50 schedule).
• Details of any past or ongoing court cases.
• Your MIAM certificate, which you will have received after your Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. This is the most crucial document to have.

Keep your statements in the form factual and to the point. The court will not be impressed with long, emotional accounts. Avoid bad-mouthing the other parent and focus on your desired outcome and how it is best for your child.

What Happens After You Submit the Form?

Once the court receives your C100 and the fee (or your fee exemption form), a series of events are set in motion:

1. Court Notice: The court will send a notice of the first hearing date to both you and the other parent. This is called a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA).
2. Safeguarding Checks: The court will forward your case to Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service). A Cafcass officer will conduct safeguarding checks with the police and social services to identify any immediate risks to the child.
3. Cafcass Call: The Cafcass officer will call both parents to discuss your concerns and any safeguarding issues. This is their opportunity to gather information for their report to the court.
4. First Hearing (FHDRA): Both parties attend this first hearing. The court will review the Cafcass report and try to help both parents reach an agreement. If an agreement cannot be reached, the court will set a timetable and give directions for how the case will proceed.

The entire process, from submitting the form to the first hearing, can take a number of weeks. However, completing and submitting the C100 is the most powerful step you can take to move your case forward.

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Disclaimer:

Please remember, this is based on our personal experience and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. For more details on this follow the link -  A Quick Note on Legal Stuff.
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