This guide reflects current family court practice in England and Wales as of 2026.
Few family court forms carry as much weight — or cause as much alarm — as the C1A form. When a party files it, they ask the court to consider allegations of harm, domestic abuse, or serious safeguarding concerns involving a child.
For many parents, this marks the first time the court formally questions their parenting or behaviour in writing. That moment alone can feel unsettling.
The C1A is not a routine attachment. In 2026, particularly under the expanded Pathfinder court model, judges often read it closely before the first hearing, alongside early safeguarding material. What you include on the form can shape interim contact decisions, set the tone of the case, and determine whether the court moves toward a fact-finding hearing.
This guide explains what the C1A form is, when you must use it, how it fits into a C100 child arrangements application, and how courts handle it in practice — including what happens when a party disputes the allegations.
The C1A form is a supplemental information form used in the family court to notify the court of:
- Allegations of harm
- Domestic abuse (including coercive or controlling behaviour)
- Violence, threats, or intimidation
- Risks of emotional, physical, or psychological harm to a child
It is most commonly filed alongside a C100 application for a Child Arrangements Order under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989.
A critical legal point
A C1A records allegations.
It does not determine whether those allegations are true. Findings of fact are only made after proper evidence and, where necessary, a fact-finding hearing.
The Legal Context: Domestic Abuse Act 2021
The way courts interpret C1A forms changed significantly after the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
“Harm” now explicitly includes a child:
- Seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another person
- Being exposed to controlling or coercive behaviour
- Living in an environment shaped by fear or intimidation
This means a parent does not need to allege direct harm to a child for the C1A to be relevant.
When Is a C1A Form Required?
A C1A is required where a party says that child arrangements may expose a child to harm, including where there are allegations of:
- Domestic abuse (past or ongoing)
- Coercive or controlling behaviour
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Substance misuse affecting care
- Threats, harassment, or intimidation
Failing to disclose relevant safeguarding issues at the outset can seriously damage credibility later in proceedings.
How the C1A Fits With the C100 Application
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| C100 | Applies to child arrangements or related Section 8 orders |
| C1A | Alerts the court to allegations of harm or abuse |
| C8 | Keeps addresses and contact details confidential where safety is an issue |
Most applicants now submit these through the “Apply for a Child Arrangements Order” digital service, which integrates the C1A into the online process. The official PDF is also available on the government portal.
How Courts Actually Use the C1A in 2026 (Pathfinder Reality)
Under the expanded Pathfinder model (now operating across many areas):
- Judges often read the C1A before the first hearing
- It is considered alongside early safeguarding information
- Risk assessment starts earlier than under the old FHDRA-only model
In practice, the form helps the court decide:
- Whether immediate protective steps are needed
- What role should CAFCASS take
- Whether the case may require fact-finding
What Happens After a C1A Is Filed?
CAFCASS Safeguarding Call
After a C1A is submitted, CAFCASS will usually:
- Conduct police and local authority checks
- Telephone both parties
- Prepare a safeguarding letter for the court
This stage is often the most stressful for parents. The call is not an interrogation, but what you say will be summarised and shared with the judge.
In practice, judges frequently read the C1A and safeguarding letter together — sometimes before hearing from either parent in person.
Also Read: What Is a Common Law Partner? Rights in the UK, Canada & US
How to Fill In a C1A Form (Practical Guidance)
1. Be precise, not emotive
Courts assess risk, not moral character. Specific dates, incidents, and patterns matter far more than broad statements.
2. Link allegations to the child
Explain how the behaviour affects — or could affect — the child’s welfare.
3. Be realistic about evidence
State whether incidents were:
- Reported to the police
- Recorded by professionals
- Witnessed
Avoid overstating what you can prove.
4. Confidentiality matters
⚠️ Important:
If you are in a refuge or have a confidential address, complete Form C8. The C1A is normally shared with the other party.
How to Respond to a C1A Form (If Allegations Are Made Against You)
This is usually the moment people panic — especially if the allegations come as a shock.
Responses are typically made via:
- A C7 response form
- A written statement
- CAFCASS safeguarding discussions
What courts expect
- Calm, factual responses
- Clear acceptance or denial of each allegation
- Evidence-based explanations
- A child-focused approach
A more realistic example (2026-appropriate)
If an allegation of “constant harassing phone calls” is made, don’t stop at “I deny this.”
A stronger response might be:
“I deny this allegation. Communication has taken place only via the OurFamilyWizard parenting app since March 2025. Call logs show no direct calls during the period alleged.”
This shows restraint, boundaries, and awareness of safeguarding concerns.
Fact-Finding Hearings, QLRs & Scott Schedules
When fact-finding is ordered
Not every C1A leads to a fact-finding hearing. One is ordered only where:
- Allegations are relevant to child arrangements and
- They are disputed
Scott Schedule
Where multiple allegations exist, the court often directs a Scott Schedule — a table listing each allegation, response, and finding.
Cross-examination rules (QLR Scheme)
If allegations involve domestic abuse:
- The alleged abuser cannot cross-examine the other party personally
- The court will appoint a Qualified Legal Representative (QLR) to conduct questioning
This is mandatory and designed to protect victims.
Also Read: The Mediator’s Mindset: Why the Best Family Lawyers Prioritize Peace Over Battles
Court Powers: Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs)
If a C1A reveals immediate or serious risk, the court now has the power to consider Domestic Abuse Protection Orders on its own initiative — even if no party has applied for one.
This reflects a shift toward preventative safeguarding, not reactive enforcement.
Common Mistakes That Weaken C1A Cases
- Treating the form as a narrative statement
- Including relationship grievances
- Using absolute or exaggerated language
- Ignoring confidentiality safeguards
- Responding defensively rather than precisely
Many people complete a C1A without legal advice. That makes clarity and restraint even more important.
FAQs
Q. Can I submit video or screenshot evidence with a C1A form?
Not usually. The C1A form sets out allegations of harm rather than filing evidence. In most cases, the court will later provide formal directions on when and how you can submit digital evidence, including videos, screenshots, or call logs.
Q. Does a C1A form automatically stop child contact?
No. Filing a C1A form does not automatically stop contact with a child. The court assesses the level of risk and may allow supervised, supported, or interim contact where it considers this safe and appropriate.
Q. Is the C1A form shared with the other parent?
Yes, in most cases. The court normally shares the C1A form with the other party so they can respond to the allegations. If safety concerns exist, you can protect confidential details by completing Form C8.
Conclusion
The C1A form is one of the most influential documents in a child arrangements case. It shapes how risk is assessed, how safeguarding begins, and how the court approaches early decisions.
For some parents, it is also the first time deeply personal issues enter a formal legal process. That can be difficult — but the court’s focus remains consistent: protecting children and managing risk.
Handled carefully, the C1A allows concerns to be addressed proportionately. Handled poorly, it can harden positions and complicate proceedings. Understanding how courts actually use the form puts you in a far stronger position from the outset.
Related: Comprehensive Redundancy Law Advice in the UK: Your Rights, Process & Legal Guidance
