Last updated: July 2026
by Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy at Mediate UK. Reviewed by Belinda Atkins, Managing Director, Family Legal Ltd. This blog is written in accordance with our editorial standards. Information is current as of 21 July 2026.
Key Takeaways
- A C2 application (Form C2) is used within existing family court cases to seek permission to apply, update the court, or add or remove a party.
- It is different from the C100, which starts a brand new child arrangements case.
- Grandparents and others without parental responsibility usually need a C2 to ask permission before applying about a child.
- C2 application fees range from £62 to £321 depending on what you are asking for, as of July 2026.
- Help with court fees is available on a low income, and family mediation can often resolve the issue without any court application.
What Is a C2 Application
A C2 application, made on Form C2, is a family court form used within existing children proceedings to seek the court’s permission to apply, to update the court, or to add or remove a party. Unlike the C100, which starts a new case, a Form C2 is used once a case already exists or when someone without parental responsibility needs permission first. Fees range from £62 to £321 as of July 2026.
If you are dealing with child arrangements through the family court, there are moments when you need to make a specific request that the standard forms do not cover. That is where a C2 application comes in. Whether you are a grandparent seeking contact with your grandchildren, or a parent who needs to update the court about changed circumstances, understanding Form C2 can be the difference between a smooth process and avoidable delay. This guide covers what a C2 is, when you need one, how much it costs, how to complete it, and the alternatives.
What Is a C2 Application in Family Court?
A C2 application is a court form used in England and Wales for children cases under the Children Act 1989. Unlike the C100 form, which starts new proceedings, Form C2 is used to make a request inside a case that already exists, or to ask the court’s permission before you can apply at all. You can view the form itself on the official GOV.UK C2 page.
The form is eight pages long and fairly straightforward, but accuracy matters. Mistakes or missing details can delay your case or lead to the application being rejected, which is why many people get help to complete their C2 form even when they plan to represent themselves in court.
When Do You Need a C2 Application?
There are three main situations where you will need a C2 application:
1. Seeking permission to start an application
Anyone with parental responsibility can apply directly for a child arrangements order using the C100. Others who are important in a child’s life usually have to ask the court’s permission first. This often includes:
- Grandparents who want contact with their grandchildren
- Step-parents who have been involved in the child’s upbringing
- Aunts, uncles or other relatives who have played a significant role
- Close family friends with an established relationship with the child
“We often work with grandparents who are devastated at losing contact with their grandchildren after their adult child’s relationship breaks down. The C2 application gives them a formal route to seek permission from the court, and in many cases that permission is granted when they can show the important role they play in the children’s lives.”
Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy, Mediate UK
2. Updating the court during ongoing proceedings
If you already have a case in progress, you might use a C2 application to request an adjournment, update the court on urgent matters, ask for changes to interim arrangements, request that an expert gives evidence, apply for an urgent hearing over safety concerns, or seek specific directions. For example, if circumstances change significantly, perhaps one parent loses their job or there are new worries about a child’s wellbeing, you can raise it with the court on Form C2 rather than starting a brand new application.
3. Adding or removing someone from a case
Sometimes it becomes necessary to change who is involved. A C2 can be used to join an additional party (most commonly grandparents), remove someone who no longer wishes to be part of the case, or add a new party whose involvement becomes relevant as things develop. We have seen cases where only the parents were involved at first, but as discussions moved on it became clear that grandparents needed to be formally included to help build the best arrangements for the children.
Could you avoid the court application altogether?
Many disputes that end up on a C2 can be resolved through mediation instead, which is quicker and less expensive. Book a MIAM to get started, or arrange a free call to talk it through first.
How Much Does a C2 Application Cost?
The C2 application fee depends on what you are asking for. These are the fees as of July 2026, following the increase that took effect on 13 July 2026:
| What you are asking for | Fee (from 13 Jul 2026) | Previous fee |
| By consent or without notice (for example, an adjournment) | £62 | £60 |
| On notice, general application where no other fee applies | £195 | £190 |
| New Children Act 1989 application, including permission requests | £270 | £270 |
| Financial order application (contested) | £321 | £313 |
These figures come from the Ministry of Justice, which you can read in the court and tribunal fees update for July 2026. The most common C2, a straightforward request by consent or without notice such as an adjournment, is £62.
Help with court fees
You may be able to get help with court fees using the EX160 form, which can reduce or waive the fee if you receive certain benefits such as Universal Credit, have a low income, or would face financial hardship. If you qualify, you will get a Help with Fees reference number to include on your application.
Family Law Service
Need Help Completing Your C2 Form?
Our partners at Family Law Service can complete your Form C2 correctly at a fixed fee, so your application is clear and less likely to be delayed or rejected.
How Do You Complete a C2 Form?
The form has eight sections. Work through them carefully:
Summary of application. An overview of all parties, the children affected, whether you are seeking permission, and the case number if one exists.
About you. Your full name and any previous names, date of birth, current address and contact details, and your relationship to the children.
The respondents. The same details for everyone who will receive your application, usually the parents with parental responsibility and any current carers.
Others who should be given notice. Anyone who must be told about the application even if not a party, such as a local authority or a previous carer.
Solicitor’s details. Whether you have legal representation, and if so your solicitor’s name, firm, contact details and case reference.
Details of application. The most important section. Explain clearly what you are asking the court to do, why it is necessary, and how it benefits the children. Be honest, factual and concise, as all parties will read it.
Attending court. Any special arrangements you need, such as accessibility, an interpreter, protection from another party, or a video link.
Statement of truth. Your signed declaration that the information is true and that you understand the consequences of providing false information.
What Are the Alternatives to a C2 Application?
Before you submit a C2 application, it is worth asking whether family mediation could resolve the issue. Mediation tends to be faster and less expensive than going to court, gives families more say over the outcome, and helps protect relationships, all while keeping the focus on the children. Even after proceedings have started, courts view favourably any real effort to resolve matters through mediation, and the agreement you reach is often better than an order a judge would impose.
For child arrangements there is also the government family mediation voucher scheme, a one-off contribution of up to £500 per family towards the cost of mediation, which is not means-tested.
How Does the Court Decide a C2 Application?
Whatever the request, the court’s first concern is always the children’s best interests. When deciding a C2 application it will weigh the children’s physical and emotional safety, the impact of the requested order, whether the application is necessary for their welfare, the relationship between the applicant and the children, and any risks or benefits of granting it.
For permission applications, such as grandparents seeking contact, the court also looks at the nature of the proposed application, the applicant’s connection with the child, any risk to the child’s welfare if the application proceeds, and whether the application has a reasonable prospect of success.
What Is the C2 Application Timeline?
After you submit a C2, the court usually acknowledges it within 5 to 10 working days, then serves it on the other parties so they have time to respond, and may give initial directions before setting a hearing date based on urgency. As a rough guide, urgent applications can be heard within days or weeks, standard applications usually reach a first hearing within 8 to 12 weeks, and permission applications are often decided on the papers without a full hearing.
What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid?
Most delays come from a handful of avoidable errors:
- Incomplete information in any section, or missing signatures and dates
- The wrong court fee, or no payment included
- Failing to serve all the relevant parties
- An unclear explanation in Section 6, so the court cannot see what you want or why
- Not considering mediation first, or applying to the wrong court for your area
Summary
A C2 application is the form for anyone in family court proceedings who needs to seek permission, update the court, or change who is involved in a case. The form looks simple, but getting it right takes care, and the key to success is showing how your request serves the children’s best interests. Fees range from £62 to £321 as of July 2026, with help with fees available on a low income.
Family mediation is often a better route than a court application, and for child arrangements the £500 voucher makes it even more accessible. Whether you are a grandparent seeking contact or a parent needing a change, it is worth trying to agree things outside court first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a C2 application in family court?
A C2 application is a court form used in England and Wales, within existing children proceedings under the Children Act 1989, to seek permission to apply, update the court, or add or remove a party. Unlike the C100, which starts a new case, a Form C2 is used inside a case that already exists.
How much is the C2 application fee?
As of July 2026, a C2 costs £62 by consent or without notice (for example, an adjournment), £195 for an on notice general application, £270 for a new Children Act application including permission requests, and £321 for a contested financial order. Help with fees is available on a low income.
Is a C200 form the same as a C2 form?
There is no C200 form. “C200” is a common way people mistype or mishear C2. If you are looking to seek permission, update the court, or add or remove a party in an existing children case, the correct form is the C2.
Who needs to use a C2 form to seek permission?
Anyone without parental responsibility who wants to apply for a child arrangements order usually has to seek the court’s permission first using a C2. This commonly includes grandparents, step-parents, aunts, uncles and close family friends with an established relationship with the child.
How long does a C2 application take?
The court usually acknowledges a C2 within 5 to 10 working days. Urgent applications can be heard within days or weeks, standard applications usually reach a first hearing within 8 to 12 weeks, and permission applications are often decided on the papers without a full hearing.
Do I need a solicitor to complete a C2 form?
You can complete a C2 yourself, but professional help is often worthwhile, especially where the case is complex, there are safeguarding concerns, or a previous application was refused. Even if you represent yourself in court, getting the form completed correctly helps avoid costly mistakes and delays.
You Might Also Find Helpful
How to Complete a C100 Form Read the guide |
Grandparent Rights in the UK Find out more |
The Ultimate Guide to Child Arrangements Learn more |
Parental Responsibility and Your Rights View the guide |
Try Mediation Before You Go to Court
If you are weighing up a C2 application, mediation may resolve things faster and for less. Book a MIAM to get started, or arrange a free call if you would like to talk it through first.
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Mediate UK works closely with trusted legal professionals to ensure your agreements are legally robust. Our partners include
DFA Law LLP (agreements managed by SRA-regulated solicitor Rachel Adams, SRA 452750),
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and The Family Law Consultant (managed by SRA-regulated solicitor Rhiannon Compton, SRA 600560).
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