Guide To Family Court Forms

Navigating family court proceedings can be a complex and emotionally challenging process. Two essential forms often used in these proceedings are the C100 Form, for child arrangement matters, and Form A, for financial orders. This page provides a comprehensive overview of both forms, detailing their purposes, the processes involved, and key considerations for each.

Additionally, to assist you in accessing the most current and relevant information, we have included the latest download links for both the C100 form and Form A. These links will direct you to the most up-to-date versions of the forms, ensuring that you have the necessary resources at your fingertips for your family court proceedings.

C100 – Child Arrangement Matters

A C100 Form is used to apply for a court order to make arrangements for a child or resolve a dispute about their upbringing. This form is typically used in situations where parents or guardians cannot agree on arrangements for a child’s living situation, contact with a non-resident parent, or other significant matters concerning the child’s welfare.

The C100 Form is part of the process for applying to the family court. It’s used to request orders like:

• Child Arrangement Orders: These orders decide with whom the child will live, spend time, or otherwise have contact. This can include direct contact, like visits and overnight stays, or indirect contact, like phone calls and letters.

• Prohibited Steps Orders: These orders prevent a certain action concerning a child, like taking them out of the country or moving them to a different part of the country without consent.

• Specific Issue Orders: These orders are for determining specific questions about a child’s upbringing, such as which school they should attend or whether they should have a particular medical treatment.

Before applying for a court order using the C100 form, you will be required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to see if mediation could be a suitable alternative to court proceedings. However, there are exceptions, such as in cases of domestic abuse.

The form requires detailed information about the child, the applicant, the respondent (other party involved), and the nature of the case. It’s important to fill out the form accurately and provide all necessary information to avoid delays in the process. Legal advice or assistance is often recommended when dealing with such sensitive and potentially complex matters.

You can download the C100 Form by clicking here – C100.

Form A – Financial Orders

When seeking a financial order within the family courts, typically as part of a divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, you would use a form known as “Form A.” This form is an application for a financial order, which can cover various financial matters, including the division of assets, maintenance payments, and pension sharing or splitting.

The process of applying for a financial order involves several steps, and it’s important to note that before filing Form A, you will be required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). The purpose of a MIAM is to explore whether mediation could be a suitable alternative to court proceedings, helping to resolve financial disputes without the need for a formal court hearing. However, there are exceptions to this requirement, such as in cases of domestic abuse or urgency.

Filing Form A: After attending a MIAM (unless exempt), you start by completing and submitting Form A to the court. This form notifies the court and the other party that you are seeking a financial order.

Financial Disclosure: Both parties are usually required to provide full disclosure of their financial circumstances. This is often done through another form known as “Form E,” where you detail your income, assets, liabilities, and other financial considerations.

First Appointment: This is a preliminary court hearing where the judge assesses the information provided and decides on the next steps. The judge can order further disclosures, valuations, or even appoint experts if necessary.

Financial Dispute Resolution Appointment (FDR): This is a court hearing where the judge encourages the parties to reach an agreement on financial matters. The judge might give an indication of what they consider a fair division of assets, but they cannot make a binding decision at this stage.

Final Hearing: If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a final hearing where the judge will make a binding decision on how assets should be divided.

Seeking legal advice when dealing with financial matters in a divorce or dissolution is crucial, as the process can be complex and the decisions made can have long-lasting implications. Legal professionals can provide guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.

You can download the Form A by clicking here – Form A.

What To Do Now

If you’re considering divorce or separation, family mediation offers a constructive, cost-effective way to resolve disputes without the stress and expense of going to court. By working with a professionally trained mediator, you can reach practical agreements that reflect the needs and interests of everyone involved — especially children.

At We Mediate, we provide a comprehensive range of services to support you through every stage of your separation. Our experienced and accredited mediators help you navigate complex issues such as financial arrangements, child contact schedules, co-parenting strategies, and communication challenges, all in a safe and confidential setting.

We believe every family deserves a fair, respectful, and accessible path through separation. Our focus is on creating balanced outcomes that prioritise the wellbeing of all parties, and our commitment to affordability means we can support families across England and Wales, no matter their circumstances.

Before starting mediation, you will need to attend a MIAM — a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. This is a confidential one-to-one session with an accredited family mediator, where you’ll learn more about how mediation works and whether it’s suitable for your situation. We can usually arrange MIAMs quickly, often within 24–48 hours, with daytime and evening appointments available. Book your MIAM today to take the first step towards resolving matters in a more cooperative and less adversarial way.

If you’re ready to explore a more amicable approach to divorce or separation, we invite you to browse our website or contact us directly. Whether you’re just beginning to consider your options or are already in the midst of proceedings, our team is here to guide and support you at every stage. Schedule your consultation today and discover how mediation can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

You can call us on 0333 567 1676 or click here to send us a confidential email.