UK Family Court Forms & Applications: The Complete Guide for Litigants in Person
Unsure which Family Court form you need? Learn about C100, C1A, enforcement, appeals, and all key applications in England and Wales.
UK Family Court Forms & Applications: The Complete Guide for Litigants in Person
Key takeaways for litigants in person
- Most private children cases start with a C100 application under the Children Act 1989.
- If domestic abuse is raised, safeguarding rules under Practice Direction 12J may apply.
- There are different forms for enforcement, variation, emergency protection, appeals, and financial disclosure.
- Using the correct form — and completing it clearly — can materially affect how your case progresses.
- Deadlines and compliance with the Family Procedure Rules 2010 matter as much as the substance of your case.
Why Understanding Family Court Forms Matters
The Family Court operates through structured applications. Every request you make must be made using the correct procedural form. Forms are governed by the Family Procedure Rules 2010. If you file the wrong document, your application may be delayed or rejected.
Below is a comprehensive list of forms and applications that litigants in person commonly encounter in private family proceedings.
Core Private Children Act Forms
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| C100 | Application for Child Arrangements Order, Prohibited Steps Order, or Specific Issue Order. |
| C1A | Allegations of harm and domestic violence supplement. |
| C2 | Application in existing proceedings (e.g., variation, additional directions). |
| C79 | Application to enforce a Child Arrangements Order. |
| C63 | Application to vary or discharge an enforcement order. |
| C7 | Acknowledgement of service (responding to a children application). |
| C8 | Confidential contact details form. |
Emergency & Protective Applications
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| FL401 | Application for Non-Molestation Order or Occupation Order. |
| C11 | Application without notice (urgent applications). |
| C1 | Application for other orders under the Children Act 1989. |
Financial Disclosure & Related Forms
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Form E | Financial disclosure in financial remedy proceedings. |
| Form E1 | Financial disclosure in Schedule 1 Children Act cases. |
| Form A | Application for financial remedy. |
| D81 | Statement of information for consent orders. |
Appeals & Procedural Applications
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| FP161 | Appellant’s Notice (appeal in Family Court). |
| C2 (urgent) | Application for directions, adjournments, permission requests. |
| EX160 | Application for help with court fees. |
Other Forms You May Encounter
- C9 – Witness summons
- C17 – Application for further directions
- C13A – Special guardianship support
- C66 – Application to revoke placement order
- FL403 – Response to non-molestation application
- EX50 – Civil and family court fees
Where to Find Official Forms
Official Family Court forms are available on GOV.UK: Family Court Forms Collection .
Book a 15-minute consultation (phone)
If you are unsure which form applies to your situation — or how to complete it strategically — you can book a 15-minute initial consultation below:
Useful links
-
Children Act 1989
legislation.gov.uk -
Family Procedure Rules 2010
legislation.gov.uk -
Practice Direction 12B
justice.gov.uk -
Practice Direction 12J
justice.gov.uk -
GOV.UK Family Court Forms
gov.uk -
Help With Fees (EX160)
gov.uk
