Help with Child Arrangements in Family Court
Navigating child arrangements court is one of the most emotionally demanding things a parent can face. You should not do it alone.
Child arrangements proceedings — whether about where a child lives or how much time they spend with each parent — are among the most emotionally charged proceedings in family court. The court's paramount consideration is always the welfare of the child. Bridge The Gap provides plain-English guidance and connects you with McKenzie Friends experienced in children proceedings.
The Gaps
Family court is full of things nobody warns you about.
We call them Gaps — the difference between what people believe about family court and what actually happens. Reading them before your hearing could change everything.
How child arrangements proceedings work
Most child arrangements cases begin with a C100 application. The court will typically hold an initial FHDRA (First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment), followed by further hearings if the case is not resolved. CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) will usually be involved, conducting safeguarding checks and potentially preparing a report for the court. In some areas, cases may be handled under the Pathfinder programme (now Child Focused Courts) — a reform model being rolled out across England and Wales that emphasises early investigative steps and child-focused case management.
The C100 application
The C100 is the application form for child arrangements, prohibited steps, or specific issue orders. You must generally attend a MIAM (Mediation Information Assessment Meeting) before filing — unless an exemption applies, such as in cases involving domestic abuse. A McKenzie Friend can help you identify the correct exemption and complete the form accurately.
CAFCASS — what to expect
A CAFCASS officer represents the interests of the child in family court proceedings. They will typically interview both parents, carry out DBS and social services checks, and may produce a Section 7 report with recommendations for the court. This report is often highly influential. Being honest, child-focused, and calm in your CAFCASS interview matters enormously.
Fact finding hearings
A fact finding hearing is held when there are disputed allegations — most commonly involving domestic abuse. The judge examines the evidence and makes findings of fact. These findings then inform subsequent decisions about child arrangements. Preparation for a fact finding hearing requires careful attention to evidence and presentation.
Did you know?
Most people go into family court believing things that simply aren't true.
The Gaps are short, honest explanations of the most common family court misconceptions — written in plain English, not legal jargon. Each one covers what people believe, why that belief exists, and what the court reality actually is.
How Bridge The Gap Can Help
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Your experience matters
Have you been through family court? You know something others don't.
The Gaps are built from real litigant experiences. If you discovered something in your case that nobody warned you about — something that changed how you understood the process — your contribution could help someone else avoid the same shock.