When relationships breakdown...

It can be really difficult to manage a situation where a relationship breaks down, especially when we have children together. 

At Dad Matters we can't offer legal advice, but have worked with some dads with experience to provide the information and signposting below.

Please remember:

• Your child loves both of their parents. 

• All communication should be direct and with purpose. 

• You need to stay child focussed at all times. 

• You cannot control the actions of other people, only your own actions and how your child sees you act and react. 

• Your mental health is important to your child – reach out for support if you’re struggling. 

A very brief guide to family court applications

Mediation  

Mediation was introduced some years ago in an attempt to reduce the amount of family court applications being made. 

While Mediation is necessary before any family court application can be made, there are some circumstances when Mediation isn’t appropriate (find Mediation information here) 

You can find out more about mediation and find local mediators in your area here - always book a mediation service local to the residence of the child. 

Costs of mediation  

Costs and availability vary from mediator to mediator. It is recommended that you contact at least 2 -3 mediators to compare prices and availability. Some offer subsidised mediation for people on lower incomes, so it’s worth asking around. Find more information on Mediation costs.

If mediation does work  

Great news! An agreement has been reached through mediation and both parties are happy! You can still insist that any agreement reached is made into a legally binding Child Arrangements Order (also known as a Court Order). Without this, and despite both parties agreeing in mediation, a mediation agreement holds absolutely no legal standing. Always insist on the agreement being made into a legally binding one. If all parties agree, it shouldn’t be a problem. 

If mediation doesn’t work  

If mediation talks breakdown, if the other party declines to attend mediation, or the mediator decides mediation is not suitable, the mediator will sign a c100 form  so that you can make a family court application. This is something the mediator will still charge you for. Again, compare mediation prices beforehand as you’ll be surprised how much the price can vary. 

Completing the c100 application  

A lot of dads assume that going to court will costs thousands, but you can self represent successfully, and if you do the c100 application, this costs £232 regardless of how many hearings take place. £232 is all you will pay to the courts unless there is a need for any emergency hearing or directions hearing which would be a further £167. (see ex160).  

For more information on court fees, visit the gov.uk page.

Completing the actual c100 form is quite straight forward. However, you must pay particular attention to section 5b on page 10. This is the first opportunity for the courts to gather an idea of the issues that have forced you to make this application. 

In addition to the c100, you may need to submit supporting applications as follows … 

C1 

Add the c1 form to the c100 if you are not named on the birth certificate and wish to apply for parental responsibility.

C2 

Add the c2 form to the c100 to request proceedings to start if you do not have parental responsibility. 

C4 

Add the c4 form to the c100 if you do not know the address of the child you are applying for (note: the address will not be made available to you.) 

Ex160 

It’s very much possible that you are entitled to waived or reduced fees when making a c100 application. I suggest everyone to complete the ex160 and submit this with the c100. 

Final note 

Now all you need to do is submit the c100 application (and any other applicable forms) to the courts “that are closest to where the child resides” and wait for the courts to write to you with the date of the first hearing. During the wait you might consider developing a position statement in readiness of the hearing. 

For more information, visit the gov.uk pages. 

There are organisations who can support you with this process :

Only Mums and Dads: (previously Only Dads) organisation who support parents who are struggling to make the best decisions for their family during separation and divorce. 

Families Need Families (FNF): the leading UK charity supporting dads, mums and grandparents to have personal contact and meaningful relationships with their children following parental separation since 1974. 

Fathers Justice UK: an independent Facebook group where you can find FREE support & advice on seeing your children after separation & without the need to use a solicitor. Our whole purpose is to help you self-represent / be a Litigant in Person. 

Family Lives: Offers free, confidential advice on parenting and family life via phone, online chat, email, and a forum to connect with other parents.

Relate: Provides family counselling and mediation services to help parents navigate separation and its emotional impact.

YoungMinds: Offers a guide for parents on divorce and separation, with information on their helpline for those concerned about their child's mental health.

Both Parents Matter: Champions a child's relationship with both parents during and after separation by offering information, advice, and support.

Child Contact Centres - NACCC: Provides safe, neutral places where children of separated families can spend time with one or both parents. 

Citizens Advice: Can provide advice to parents on various aspects of family law during a relationship breakdown.

Gingerbread: Supports single parents in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland with practical advice on issues like money, housing, and work after separation.

One Parent Families Scotland: Offers support for single parents in Scotland.

Child Maintenance Service: A government service to help work out and manage child maintenance payments. 

Childline: A free, confidential helpline for children to talk about their feelings and concerns, accessible via phone or 1-2-1 online chat.

Children 1st Parentline (Scotland): Provides advice to all family members to help achieve the best outcomes for children.

Filling out your C100 form - Do’s and don’ts: 

• Make sure the C100 is signed and dated (especially on the first page), otherwise the family court will send the court application back. 

• When submitting the C100, make sure you retain a copy (signed) for future reference. Send the Court the original. 

• When completing the C100, keep it brief but to the point, especially in section 5b. Anything detailed within the form such as concerns need to be factual and not based on your opinion or views. Remember, keep the emotions out of the form and don’t bad-mouth the other parent. If you are going to make relevant allegations in the form, don’t forget to also complete the supplementary C1A Allegations form. What you write in these court forms can still be used as evidence later on in the proceedings so be mindful of what you write. 

• If Mediation has been sought / attended, remember to attach a copy of the MIAM signed page confirming attendance. Such MIAM signed letters / c100 signed counter page have an expiry date of around four months before a new mediation appointment is required. 

• Check with the Family Court of where you intend to send it by calling them to see if they deal with the applications directly as some Family Court’s have different venues for dealing with applications. 

• Do NOT make your application to court public such as on social media as the proceedings are meant to be private matters between both parents. Making court matters public on social media can lead to you getting into trouble should the Family Court become aware of this. 

• A copy of the C100 will be provided by the Family Court to the other parent, therefore you do not need to send them a copy or tip them off that court proceedings have been initiated as this may provoke a negative reaction from them. 

• Make sure you fill in the C100 as best as you can with all the most up to date contact details for yourself and the other parent in question. Once you’ve submitted your C100 either by email, online or by post, you should hopefully get a response from the Family Court within 2-5 weeks, if not give the court a call to see if they’ve received the application / are processing the forms. ️