Applying for a Child Arrangements Order — checklist and evidence to gather

Introduction

Applying for a Child Arrangements Order can feel daunting. The court focuses on a child’s welfare and expects clear, organised evidence that supports your proposals. This guide gives a practical, step‑by‑step checklist and explains the types of evidence you should gather before filing a Form C100. Follow these steps to present a focused application that helps the court take swift, informed decisions.

Overview of the Child Arrangements Order process

Start by attending a MIAM unless you qualify for an exemption such as urgency domestic abuse or local authority intervention. If mediation cannot resolve matters you file a C100 application at your local family court. The court then lists a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment where a judge will encourage negotiation and set directions. The court may request welfare reports from Cafcass or a guardian and may order disclosure or assessments.

Checklist before you file a C100 application

1. Confirm whether you need to attend a MIAM

– Book a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting within your area.

– Keep the MIAM attendance note or exemption evidence to include with your application.

– If domestic abuse, fear for safety or urgency applies, collect evidence that supports the exemption.

2. Get the correct forms and complete them accurately

– Complete Form C100: child arrangements, prohibited steps and specific issue application. Answer questions fully and stick to facts.

– Prepare a Form C1 for urgent hearings if you need immediate protection or orders.

– Where you ask the court to consider costs apply using the appropriate form and explain grounds concisely.

3. Check court fees and fee remission eligibility

– Confirm the current court fee for issuing a private law children application.

– Apply for a fee remission if you meet income or benefit criteria and attach proof of entitlement.

4. Service details and respondent information

– Obtain the respondent’s full name date of birth current address and last known address.

– Provide details of any other persons with parental responsibility or other parties with a significant interest in the child, such as grandparents.

Essential evidence to gather for the application

Court decisions focus on the child’s best interests. Evidence should be relevant concise and reliable. Gather the following documents where available.

1. Identification and relationship documents

– Child’s full birth certificate showing parentage.

– Parents’ identity documents such as passports driving licences or national ID cards.

– Marriage or civil partnership certificates if relevant.

2. Proof of residence and living arrangements

– Recent council tax or utility bills showing addresses for each parent.

– Tenancy agreements mortgage statements or letters from landlords to prove living arrangements.

– School or nursery confirmation of current address if the child lives elsewhere.

3. Chronology of key events

– Produce a clear chronology listing dates and short descriptions of important events such as separation dates contact history incidents of concern and significant changes in schooling or health.

– Keep the chronology factual and avoid emotional language and speculation.

4. Communication records

– Save text messages emails social media messages and instant messaging threads that show agreed contact arrangements or demonstrate refusal or harassment.

– Keep call logs or screenshots of video call schedules where relevant.

– Do not edit or alter records. Present originals or certified copies.

5. School and education documents

– Recent school reports attendance records and letters from teachers or headteachers.

– Details of special educational needs statements or Education, Health and Care plans where applicable.

– Evidence of distance between home and school if relocation issues arise.

6. Health and medical evidence

– GP or hospital letters confirming medical conditions or treatments that affect the child or a parent.

– Mental health professional reports where parental capacity or child welfare concerns depend on clinical evaluation.

– Immunisation records or paediatrician notes if health matters influence arrangements.

7. Safeguarding and statutory agency records

– Copies of referrals reports or assessment documents from social services, if any exist.

– Letters or reports from children’s services, police or CAFCASS that relate to the child’s welfare.

– If social services closed a section 47 or section 17 enquiry include documents that summarise outcomes.

8. Evidence of domestic abuse or risk

– Police incident reports crime reference numbers and any restraining or non‑molestation orders.

– Medical records showing injuries and dated photographs if you have them.

– Witness statements from friends family or professionals who observed abuse patterns.

– Records of calls to helplines refuge refuges or specialist services and written replies.

9. Financial and benefit information

– If finances affect the child’s welfare include details of benefits child maintenance school free meal eligibility and housing support.

– Bank statements payslips or proof of benefits demonstrate capacity to provide stable accommodation and childcare.

10. Witness statements and supporting declarations

– Prepare short witness statements from people who can provide relevant observations, such as childcare workers teachers family members or neighbours.

– Keep statements factual and dated and avoid commentary on contested legal issues rather than observable facts.

– Witnesses should sign and date their statements and include their contact details.

Evidence specific to certain orders

– For a Prohibited Steps Order gather passport details travel plans and any communication that suggests a removal risk.

– For a Specific Issue Order include independent reports or expert evidence that supports the discrete decision you seek, such as a medical specialist’s note about treatment.

– For supervised contact applications obtain referrals to contact centres and professionals’ assessments supporting the need for supervision.

Preparing the application statement and your evidence bundle

1. Draft a concise witness statement

– Explain facts in chronological order and keep sentences short.

– State what you want the court to order and why that outcome best serves the child’s welfare.

– Refer to documents by exhibit number and attach exhibits in the order you reference them.

2. Produce a paginated evidence bundle

– Number pages across all documents and create a contents page.

– Group documents into sections such as identification communications school records medical reports safeguarding records and witness statements.

– Ensure copies are clear and legible and include originals for the court hearing where requested.

3. Provide a proposed parenting plan

– Include a practical parenting plan or timetable that covers day‑to‑day arrangements school holidays handovers travel and dispute resolution steps.

– Keep the plan realistic and child‑centred with contingency plans for illness travel and emergencies.

Practical considerations before filing

– Seek our advice if you have complex safeguarding concerns international elements or significant disputes about parental responsibility or if the process is simply too daunting for you.

– Consider mediation and negotiation; the court expects parties to try alternatives unless an exemption applies.

– If you are worried about safety check whether the court can hold a private or listed hearing and ask for anonymity measures where necessary.

– Ensure you understand service requirements. If the respondent cannot be found you may need to apply for an alternative service method supported by evidence of diligent attempts.

What happens after you file a C100

– The court will set a first hearing where a judge will usually encourage negotiation and set directions.

– Cafcass may contact you and the child to prepare a Section 7 welfare report.

– The court may order safeguarding checks medical assessments or expert instructions before a final hearing.

Enforcement and breaches

– Keep records of any breaches of interim orders. If the respondent disobeys court orders you can apply for enforcement, which may include changed contact arrangements fines or other sanctions.

– Take photographs call logs or contemporaneous notes to evidence breaches.

Conclusion

A successful Child Arrangements Order application requires clarity organisation and relevant evidence that focuses on the child’s welfare. Prepare a MIAM record complete accurate forms assemble a paginated bundle of identification school medical safeguarding and communication records and draft a clear witness statement and parenting plan. Use mediation where appropriate and seek legal advice if safety or complexity arises. Proper preparation helps the court reach decisions that protect your child and promote stable workable arrangements.

At Alexander JLO we have many years of experience of dealing with all aspects of family law and will be happy to discuss your case in a free no obligation consultation. Why not call us on +44 (0)20 7537 7000, email us at info@london-law.co.uk or get in touch via the contact us button and see what we can do for you?

This blog was prepared by Alexander JLO’s senior partner, Peter Johnson on 1st December 2025 and is correct at the time of publication. With decades of experience in almost all areas of law Peter is happy to assist with any legal issue that you have. He is widely regarded as one of London’s leading divorce lawyers. His profile on the independent Review Solicitor website can be found Here