Form C1A tells the family court about domestic abuse, or a risk of harm to you or your children, in a case about child arrangements. You send it with your C100 application, or use it to respond to allegations the other parent has made. There is no fee. It helps the court plan a safe first hearing.
- Official name
- Allegations of harm and domestic violence (supplemental information form)
- Court fee
- None
- Online or paper
- Included in the online C100 questions; C1A is the paper version
- Who fills it in
- The applicant or the respondent
- When
- With the C100 application, or with your response on form C7
- Current version
- C1A (06.26)
- Where it goes
- With the main application or response, to the court dealing with the case
Correct at 20 October 2026. Fees from GOV.UK, Family court fees (EX50).
How do you fill in Form C1A?
C1A can’t be used on its own to apply for an order. It goes with a C100 or a C7. The form defines domestic abuse broadly, including psychological, emotional and financial abuse, and harm includes a child seeing or hearing someone else being ill-treated.
Section 1: about you
Your name, whether you’re the applicant or respondent, whether you’ve completed form C8 to keep your contact details private, the children’s details and your solicitor’s, if you have one.
Section 2: domestic abuse
Tick the kinds of abuse you or the children have experienced and list any protective orders, such as a non-molestation order, with copies. Then, in the table, give a short description of each incident or pattern: when it started and how long it went on, what happened, and whether you sought help from the police, your GP, social services or anyone else. You’ll have a chance to make a fuller statement later, so focus on the key facts.
Section 3: abduction
Say whether you think the children are at risk of being abducted and why, whether there have been threats or attempts before, where the children are now, who holds their passports and whether the passport office has been told.
Section 4: other concerns
Any other worries about the children’s safety or wellbeing, such as substance misuse or mental health concerns.
Section 5: steps or orders to protect you
What you’re asking the court to do to protect you and the children. The form also asks whether you agree to the children spending unsupervised time, supervised time, or other contact such as phone calls with the other person.
Sections 6 and 7: statement of truth and attending court
Sign the statement of truth. Then tick any special arrangements you need to attend court: separate waiting rooms, exits and entrances, screens, video links, an interpreter or help with a disability.
What are the common mistakes on Form C1A?
- Leaving out incidents because you think they’re too minor, or because they happened years ago.
- Writing a long narrative rather than dated, specific points.
- Including your address when it needs to stay private. Use C8.
- Not attaching copies of protective orders you mention.
- Not completing C1A when you’re responding to allegations you dispute.
What happens after you send Form C1A?
Cafcass carries out safeguarding checks before the first hearing. Where the information on C1A or from those checks shows domestic abuse may be relevant, the court must make sure it’s dealt with at the hearing, and the parties should not be expected to take part in conciliation that isn’t safe (Practice Direction 12J). The judge may decide some allegations need to be decided at a separate fact-finding hearing before arrangements for the children are settled.
Where do you get Form C1A?
If you apply online, the C100 service asks these questions as part of the application. For a paper application, download C1A from GOV.UK; the guidance is at the end of the form. Send it with your C100 or C7.
We explain forms but never host them, so you always download the current version from GOV.UK.
When should you get help with Form C1A?
If you have evidence of domestic abuse you may qualify for legal aid, and a family solicitor can help you prepare C1A and any application for protection. If you’re in danger now, call 999.
Get help with Form C1A
Tell us what’s going on and we’ll introduce you to two or three family solicitors who can help. Introductions are free for you.
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Common questions
When do I need form C1A?
When you are alleging that you or your children have experienced or are at risk of domestic abuse or other harm, or when you want to respond to allegations made against you, in a case about children.
Is there a fee for form C1A?
No. There is no fee. It goes with the main application, which has its own fee.
Will the other parent see my C1A?
The form is part of the court papers and is usually served on the other party. Keep your address and contact details off it and use form C8 if you need them kept private.
What happens after I send a C1A?
Cafcass carries out safeguarding checks, and the court must address the allegations at the first hearing. The judge may list a fact-finding hearing to decide disputed allegations.
Sources
- GOV.UK, Form C1A allegations of harm and domestic violence (form version 06.26)
- Family Procedure Rules, Practice Direction 12J: child arrangements and contact orders, domestic abuse and harm
- GOV.UK, Making child arrangements: after you apply for a court order
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This page is general information about court forms, not legal or financial advice. Forms, fees and rules change, so always download the current form from GOV.UK and speak to a qualified professional about your situation. Facts checked 20 October 2026.