Mediators registered with the Family Mediation Council • Confidential and impartial process • Online appointments across England and Wales
Attending a MIAM does not commit you to mediation
Mediators registered with the Family Mediation Council • Confidential and impartial process • Online appointments across England and Wales
Attending a MIAM does not commit you to mediation
This article is part of our MIAM & Court Process Guides, which explain how MIAMs relate to mediation and the family court process.
The C100 form is the application form used in England and Wales to ask the family court to make decisions about arrangements for children.
It is commonly used when parents or carers cannot agree on matters such as:
Understanding what the form is — and when it is used — can help reduce uncertainty if court proceedings are being considered.
A C100 form is typically used to apply for:
These applications relate to decisions about a child’s upbringing, living arrangements, or significant issues affecting them.
Submitting the form begins the formal family court process.
The person applying to the court (the applicant) completes and submits the C100 form.
The form asks for information about:
The form should be completed carefully and accurately so the court has a clear understanding of the situation.
In most cases in England and Wales, the court expects mediation to be considered before a C100 application is issued.
This usually involves attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) unless a recognised exemption applies.
After a MIAM has taken place, the mediator can complete the relevant section of the C100 form confirming that:
This confirmation is sometimes referred to as the MIAM certificate.
In most situations the court will expect this section of the C100 form to be completed before accepting the application, unless a valid MIAM exemption applies.
If you are unsure whether a MIAM is required, you may find it helpful to read: Do I need a MIAM?
More detailed guidance about mediation in relation to a C100 application is explained separately.
Once the form is submitted, the court will usually:
At the first hearing, the court considers whether agreement may still be possible and what further steps may be required.
The case then proceeds according to the court timetable.
Not necessarily.
Some cases resolve before a final hearing, either through agreement between the parties or with support during the court process.
Submitting a C100 begins formal proceedings, but it does not automatically mean that a fully contested trial will take place.
Court proceedings are sometimes necessary, particularly where there are safety concerns or urgent issues.
In other situations, structured discussion outside court may help clarify arrangements before or alongside formal proceedings.
Understanding the available options can help you decide how to proceed.
If you are preparing to submit a C100 form, you will usually need to attend a MIAM first so that the relevant section of the form can be completed by a mediator.
If you need to arrange a MIAM appointment, you can request one here:
If you would first like to understand how MIAM appointments work within our service, you can read: MIAM
If you would like to understand how mediation fits into the C100 process, you may also find this guide helpful: C100 Form Mediation