Below is some useful information on Applying to the Family Court for Child Arrangements, For other useful information see our FAQ page here https://nationalfamilymediationservice.co.uk/faqs/
If you live in or near Llanelli and need the Family Court to make decisions about a child’s living arrangements, contact, or other aspects of their upbringing, your case will be heard within the local Family Court network, typically at the Swansea Civil and Family Justice Centre.
The entire process is governed by the Children Act 1989, and the court’s overriding concern is the welfare of the child.
Before you can formally apply to the court, you must first demonstrate that you have considered all non-court options for resolving your dispute.
Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)
If the MIAM is unsuccessful (or an exemption applies), you proceed to the formal application.
The Forms and Fees
| **Item | Description | Cost (Approximate)** |
|---|---|---|
| Form C100 | This is the main application form for a Child Arrangements Order (CAO). You must detail the living and contact arrangements you are seeking. | £232 (Subject to change) |
| Form C1A | This is a supplementary form that must be completed if you or the child have experienced or are at risk of any harm (domestic abuse, violence, or other concerns). | None (Submitted with C100) |
| Fee Remission | If you are on a low income or receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for a full or partial exemption from the court fee. You apply using Form EX160. | Varies |
You can apply online or send the paper forms to the Designated Family Centre which covers the Llanelli/Swansea area.
Key Stages of the Court Process
Stage A: First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA)
The FHDRA is the most important early hearing. It is designed to encourage agreement and identify the core issues.
Who is present: You (the applicant), the other parent (the respondent), and the District Judge or Magistrates.
CAFCASS Involvement: A representative from the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS Cymru) will usually speak to both parties before the hearing. Their role is to conduct safeguarding checks (involving police and local authority records) and provide initial recommendations.
Outcome: The Judge or Magistrates will try to help you agree on an interim or final arrangement. If no agreement is reached, the court will set a timetable, decide if CAFCASS needs to conduct a deeper investigation (a Section 7 Report), and set the matter down for further hearings.
Stage B: CAFCASS Section 7 Report
If the court needs more information, especially if there are welfare concerns, they will ask CAFCASS to prepare a Section 7 Report.
What it involves: The CAFCASS officer will spend time with the child and both parents, visit homes, and speak to other relevant professionals (such as schools, doctors, or therapists).
Purpose: The report provides independent advice to the court on what arrangements are in the child’s best interests, specifically addressing the areas of dispute. This report is highly influential in the final decision.
Stage C: Final Hearing
If an agreement still cannot be reached, the case will proceed to a Final Hearing.
Format: This is a full trial where oral evidence is given under oath or affirmation by both parties, and witnesses (including the CAFCASS officer) may be questioned.
The Decision: The Judge or Magistrates will make a final decision by applying the Welfare Checklist (detailed below) and issue a legally binding Child Arrangements Order.
The court operates on the “no order principle,” meaning it will not make an order unless it is better for the child than making no order at all.4. The Welfare Checklist: The Court’s Guide
The court is required to consider the following factors when making decisions about a child:
Your case will fall under the jurisdiction of the court serving Carmarthenshire, which is usually based in Swansea.
Swansea Civil and Family Justice Centre – Quay Street, Swansea, SA1 1ED
Telephone; 01792 638 000 (Contact for general enquiries)
Always seek professional legal advice from a solicitor in the Llanelli or Swansea area specialising in family law.
National Family Mediation offers Services in the Carmarthenshire area.
Call the Team today on 03300 101 367 or fill out a contact form here.
Our Carmarthenshire Mediation Hub Strictly by Appointment Only. Location is not staffed.
Mediation and urgent MIAM appointments can be arranged online
Our Carmarthenshire Mediation Hub Address;
Furnace Rd, Carmarthen SA31 1EU
National Family Mediation Service in Brighton