Family court forms explained: C100, C1A, C7 and FM5
Four forms come up in almost every child arrangements case. The C100 starts the application, the C7 is the response, the C1A deals with harm and allegations, and the FM5 records your views on non-court dispute resolution. This guide says what each is for and who files it. Always check the deadline on your own court papers.
Form C100: the application
The C100 is the form used to apply for a child arrangements order and related orders. The court fee for a Children Act application was reported as £270 from 13 July 2026, so check the current fees list (leaflet EX50) before you apply. Applicants normally need to have attended a MIAM first, unless an exemption applies.
Form C7: the response
The person responding sends the court the acknowledgement form C7, and form C1A where it applies, within 14 days of receiving the application, unless the court has set a shorter time.
Form C1A: harm and allegations
The C1A is the supplemental information form for telling the court about harm or risk of harm. It can also be used to respond to allegations made by the other party. If allegations are disputed, the court considers at the first hearing whether a fact-finding hearing is needed.
Form FM5: non-court dispute resolution
The FM5 records your views on trying to resolve matters outside court. Where it applies, it is filed with the court and sent to the other party at least 7 days before the first hearing held on notice to all parties, or by the date the court sets. Some guidance says 7 working days, so use the longer period. It does not apply if a domestic abuse MIAM exemption was claimed or form C1A has been filed. Check whether your court papers require it.
What if an order is not being followed?
If a court order already exists and is not being followed, the court has enforcement powers. An enforcement application is made on form C79. Keep a factual record of what was arranged and what happened.
Related guides
- What is a MIAM (mediation information and assessment meeting)?
- What happens at the first hearing (FHDRA)?
- What is a Cafcass safeguarding letter?
- Free checklist: your first 30 days in Family Court
- When You Can’t See Your Child: the book
Sources
- Practice Direction 12B, paragraphs 8.2, 8.7, 8.11, 14.13 and 21 (justice.gov.uk)
- Practice Direction 3A, paragraphs 10B to 10C, and Family Procedure Rules rule 3.3(1A) (justice.gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, Form C1A (gov.uk)
- Court fees, leaflet EX50, July 2026 (gov.uk; check the current list)
Sources checked 20 September 2026. Procedure changes, so check that each source is current before relying on it.
This guide gives general information about the standard process in England and Wales. It is not legal advice, and procedure changes. Some court areas use a different process, the Child Focused Model, so check your notice of hearing. Full disclaimer