Child Arrangements Order Journey
From separation through MIAM, mediation, C100 application, FHDRA, fact-finding (if needed), final hearing, and order.
Who Uses This Journey
Separated parents (or others with parental responsibility, special guardianship, or sufficient connection) seeking court orders about where a child lives and who they spend time with.
Stage-by-Stage Timeline
MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting)
Mandatory before applying to court unless an exemption applies (domestic abuse, urgency, etc.). The mediator assesses whether mediation is suitable and signs the C100 confirming attendance.
Try mediation or NCDR
Non-court dispute resolution — mediation, collaborative law, arbitration (IFLA scheme), private FDR. Many cases resolve without court.
Apply on C100
If court proceedings necessary, file Form C100 specifying the orders sought (Lives With / Spends Time With / Specific Issue / Prohibited Steps).
FHDRA (First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment)
First substantive hearing usually 4–6 weeks after issue. Court explores whether case can be resolved by agreement; if not, sets directions including possible Section 7 (welfare) or 37 (s.37 investigation) report by Cafcass.
- Agreed Child Arrangements Order
- Directions for further hearings
- Cafcass involvement
Fact-finding (if alleged domestic abuse)
Where one party alleges domestic abuse and the other denies it, the court may hold a Fact-Finding Hearing to determine findings on the balance of probabilities. Practice Direction 12J governs.
Welfare hearing / final hearing
Court applies the welfare checklist (s.1(3) Children Act 1989) and decides on the arrangements that best serve the child's welfare.
- Position statements
- Cafcass report
- Witness evidence on welfare matters
- Child Arrangements Order
- Specific Issue Order
- Prohibited Steps Order
- No Order (where the child's welfare is best served by parents agreeing without court intervention)