Child Arrangements in UK Family Court
A child arrangements order decides who a child lives with and who they spend time with. You apply using Form C100 on GOV.UK after attending a MIAM. CAFCASS safeguards the child throughout proceedings.
Everything in This Cluster
What is a Child Arrangements Order?
A child arrangements order (CAO) is a court order made under section 8 of the Children Act 1989. It replaced the old residence and contact orders following the Children and Families Act 2014. The order sets out:
- ✓Who the child lives with ("lives with" order — formerly residence)
- ✓Who the child spends time with ("spends time with" order — formerly contact)
- ✓When and how contact takes place (dates, times, handover arrangements)
- ✓Any conditions attached to contact (supervised, indirect, etc.)
GOV.UK reference: gov.uk/looking-after-children-divorce/types-of-court-order
The C100 Form — Your Application
The C100 is the application form used to apply for a child arrangements order, prohibited steps order, or specific issue order. It is available free on GOV.UK. You must complete it accurately — errors can delay your case.
Key C100 sections:
Download C100: gov.uk/government/publications/form-c100-application-under-the-children-act-1989
CAFCASS — What They Do and How to Work With Them
CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) is an independent organisation that safeguards children in family court proceedings. They are not on either parent's side — their sole focus is the child's welfare.
Safeguarding letter
Produced before the first hearing. Checks police and social services records for both parents.
Section 7 report
A detailed welfare report ordered by the judge. Takes 12–16 weeks. Carries significant weight.
Section 37 report
Ordered when the court is concerned about significant harm. May lead to care proceedings.
Parenting plan
CAFCASS may help parents agree a parenting plan without a court order.
CAFCASS official site: cafcass.gov.uk
Contact Orders and Prohibited Steps Orders
A contact order (now called a "spends time with" order within a child arrangements order) sets out when and how a non-resident parent sees their child. Courts start from the presumption that contact with both parents is in the child's best interests unless there is evidence of harm.
A prohibited steps order prevents a specific action — such as taking the child abroad, changing their school, or changing their surname — without court permission. It is applied for using Form C100 and is often used urgently.
Important: If you need to prevent a child being removed from the UK urgently, you can apply for a prohibited steps order on the same day. Contact the court directly and explain the urgency. See gov.uk for the C100 form.
How to Apply for a Child Arrangements Order — Step by Step
Attend a MIAM
Before applying to court, you must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) with an accredited mediator, unless an exemption applies (e.g. domestic abuse, urgency). See gov.uk/family-mediation-voucher-scheme.
Complete Form C100
Download and complete Form C100 from gov.uk. Include details of the child, both parents, and what order you are seeking. Attach the MIAM certificate or exemption evidence.
File at your local Family Court
Submit your C100 to the Family Court with the £232 fee (or apply for fee remission using Form EX160 if you cannot afford it). Keep copies of everything.
Attend the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA)
At the FHDRA, CAFCASS will have completed a safeguarding check. The judge will explore whether the case can be resolved by agreement or needs further hearings.
Engage with CAFCASS
CAFCASS may be asked to prepare a section 7 welfare report. Cooperate fully, be child-focused, and provide any evidence of your involvement in the child's life.
Prepare your position statement
For each hearing, prepare a concise position statement (max 2 pages) setting out your position, what you are asking for, and why it is in the child's best interests.
Attend the Final Hearing
At the final hearing, the judge will hear evidence and make a child arrangements order. Bring three copies of all documents and arrive 30 minutes early.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a child arrangements order in the UK?
A child arrangements order is a court order that sets out who a child lives with, who they spend time with, and how contact is managed. It replaced residence and contact orders under the Children Act 1989 as amended by the Children and Families Act 2014.
How do I apply for a child arrangements order?
You apply using Form C100, available on GOV.UK (gov.uk/government/publications/form-c100-application-under-the-children-act-1989). You must first attend a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) unless an exemption applies. The court fee is £232.
What does CAFCASS do in child arrangements cases?
CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) safeguards the welfare of children in family court proceedings. They produce safeguarding letters, section 7 welfare reports, and section 37 reports. Their recommendations carry significant weight with judges.
What is a prohibited steps order?
A prohibited steps order prevents a parent from taking a specific action regarding a child without court permission — such as removing the child from the UK, changing their school, or changing their name. It is applied for using Form C100.
Can I change a child arrangements order without going back to court?
Yes, if both parents agree to the change. You can record the agreement in writing. If you cannot agree, you must apply to the court to vary the order using Form C100 or C79.