C1 — Application for Certain Orders Under the Children Act 1989
Used to apply to the Family Court for orders under the Children Act 1989 that are not care or supervision orders, Section 8 orders (child arrangements, prohibited steps, specific issue), or enforcement of a child arrangements order.
This is a reference summary, not the official form (C1).
Do not file this page. Always download and submit the current official form from the issuing authority.
Who uses this form
Parents, guardians, special guardians, and others with an interest in a child's welfare who are applying for a Children Act 1989 order that falls outside the Section 8 categories covered by form C100 — for example applications relating to parental responsibility, special guardianship, or other orders and directions concerning a child.
When to use it
Use C1 for Children Act orders other than a child arrangements, prohibited steps, or specific issue order (use C100 for those) and other than a care or supervision order (which only a local authority can apply for). Read the notes section in the form before you fill it in.
Where to file
The Family Court — the C1 form page links the CB1 guidance (family court applications that involve children) on GOV.UK, which explains how applications are made and what to expect.
Court fee
£270 — the fee for new applications under the Children Act 1989 requesting an order or directions concerning a child (fee 2.1 of the family court fees order); the same bracket also covers child arrangements, prohibited steps, specific issue and special guardianship orders.
Fee remission
Help with Fees (EX160) is available if you get certain benefits or have a low income.
Common mistakes to avoid
Using C1 for a child arrangements, prohibited steps, or specific issue order — these Section 8 orders must be applied for on form C100, not C1
Using C1 to apply for a care or supervision order — those can only be applied for by a local authority and are excluded from C1
Not filing a separate form C8 (apply to keep your contact details confidential) when your own address or contact details need to be kept from the other party
Not reading the notes section in the form before completing it
Not checking the current court and tribunal fee before applying, since fees change periodically
Related Guides
Official source
Download / view form on GOV.UK or HMCTSAlways download forms directly from official government sources. Third-party copies may be outdated.