If you’re separating and stuck in a disagreement about your child, you’ve probably seen the C100 Form mentioned everywhere.
I remember thinking: “Surely I don’t need to go straight to court just to sort this out?”
As it turns out, the answer isn’t straightforward. Before I applied, I learned what Form C100 actually does, why mediation kept coming up, and what the court really expects from parents first.
This is what I wish I’d known earlier.
What is the C100 Form?
The C100 Form is the application used in England and Wales when you ask the family court to make a decision about child arrangements.
That might include:
Where a child lives
Time spent with each parent
Holidays, schooling, or specific parenting decisions
Submitting Form C100 means you are asking a judge to decide what should happen if you cannot agree yourselves.
Why most people can’t just apply to court
One thing that surprised me was learning that you usually can’t submit a C100 Form straight away.
Before the court will accept it, you are normally required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).
This isn’t optional in most cases. It’s a legal requirement under the Children and Families Act 2014, unless a recognised exemption applies.
What is a MIAM and how does it link to Form C100?
A MIAM is a short, private meeting with a qualified family mediator. It’s designed to:
Explain how mediation works
Check whether mediation could be suitable
Identify safety or safeguarding concerns
If mediation is not suitable, or if it does not go ahead, the mediator completes and signs the MIAM section of the C100 Form.
Without that signature (or a valid exemption), your application is likely to be rejected by the court.
Mediate UK explains how this works in plain English in their guide on completing a C100 Form.
My assumption: mediation wouldn’t help
I went into my MIAM expecting very little.
We weren’t communicating well. Emotions were high. I assumed we’d end up in court anyway.
What I didn’t expect was how different mediation felt compared to our own conversations.
What mediation actually looked like in practice
Mediation wasn’t about blaming anyone or reopening the past.
It was structured. Calm. Focused on our child.
The mediator helped us:
Slow things down
Keep discussions practical
Separate parenting decisions from relationship issues
We didn’t agree on everything. But we agreed on enough to avoid court at that stage.
Do you always need to complete a C100 Form?
No, and this was the biggest takeaway for me.
You usually only need to complete Form C100 if:
Mediation is unsuitable or breaks down
One parent refuses to engage at all
No agreement can be reached
If mediation leads to an agreement, there may be no need to apply to court.
That can save time, cost, and stress.
When can you skip a MIAM?
Some people are exempt from attending a MIAM before submitting a C100 Form, including situations involving:
Evidence of domestic abuse
Urgent safeguarding concerns
Certain recent court applications
Even then, some parents still choose to attend a MIAM to understand their options before committing to court proceedings.
How courts view mediation
Family courts in England and Wales actively encourage parents to try resolving issues outside court where it is safe to do so.
Judges are increasingly critical of parents who refuse mediation without good reason.
That matters when decisions about children are being made.
Practical tips before filling in a C100 Form
From my experience, these steps helped:
Read the form carefully, it’s detailed and mistakes can cause delays
Attend a MIAM early, even if you’re unsure mediation will work
Focus on your child’s needs, not past arguments
Get legal information if helpful, alongside mediation
Mediate UK’s online resources explain each stage in plain English.
Why mediation made sense before court
Mediation didn’t solve everything.
But it reduced conflict.
It gave us more control.
And it kept decisions centred on our child rather than a courtroom timetable.
Even knowing court remained an option made mediation feel less pressured.
Where to start
If you’re unsure whether you really need to complete a C100 Form, taking time to understand your options can make a real difference. Starting with clear, practical information can help you decide whether court is necessary, or whether there are other ways to resolve things first.
Mediate UK offers straightforward guidance on the C100 Form, along with MIAMs and a free 15-minute consultation to talk through your situation. You can find out more and decide what feels right for you by visiting our website.
Final thought
Applying to court is a serious step, especially when children are involved.
Completing a C100 Form might be necessary in some cases, but it is rarely the only option.
Taking time to explore mediation first can be a calmer, more child-focused way to move forward.
If you’re unsure where to begin, Mediate UK can help you understand your choices before decisions are made for you.
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