TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR CHILD ARRANGEMENTS CASE FROM FIRST DECISION TO FIRST HEARING

On average 180 Child Arrangement Applications are made every day for parents to see their children....

When parents separate emotions often get in the way of
common sense and arguments about how long, when
and where you can see the children escalate....

Knowing if an agreement you manage to reach
is fair, and what you can expect the Court to give
you are essential to knowing whether to make
an application or accept what you have....

Step by step guide through the process from
understanding your offer, through to the end of
The First Children Hearing (FHDRA)....

Be Prepared. Be Ready. Be Confident

MAKING A CHILD ARRANGEMENT APPLICATION
Practical Guidance for People Representing Themselves

Are you.....

Blocked from seeing your children?
Only allowed to see them under unfair conditions?
Not allowed overnight stays or holidays?
Prevented from being the parent you want to be?
Missing your children and unsure how to fix things?

Take Control of Your Child Arrangements Case, From First Decision to First Hearing

If you are thinking about applying to the Family Court to see your children, the process can feel overwhelming, confusing, and intimidating. You may not know whether you should apply, what the court expects, what forms are needed, or what will happen at the first hearing. This uncertainty often leads to delay, mistakes, or unnecessary stress at a time when clarity matters most.

This course is designed to guide you step-by-step from the very beginning, helping you decide whether making an application is the right move, through to preparing properly for your First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA).

You will learn not just what to do, but why you are doing it, so you can approach the court process with confidence and structure.

Understand Whether You Should Apply

Many parents rush into making a court application without understanding the alternatives, how the court views these cases, or whether they have taken the right preliminary steps. This course helps you assess:

• Whether mediation or other routes should be tried first • When an application is appropriate and proportionate • How the court views child arrangement disputes • What the legal test is under the Children Act 1989

By the end of this section, you will know with confidence whether issuing an application is the right decision in your circumstances.

Complete the Application Correctly

The C100 form can be confusing and easy to complete incorrectly. Mistakes at this stage can affect how your case is treated from the outset.

You will be shown, line by line:

• How to complete the C100 application form properly • When and how to complete a C1A (allegations of harm and domestic abuse) if required • What supporting documents you should prepare before issuing • How to present your situation clearly and appropriately to the court

Prepare the Right Documents from the Start

Many people arrive at their first hearing unprepared because they did not know what the court would expect to see.

This course covers:

• The key documents you should prepare before the hearing • How to organise messages, evidence, and chronology • How to prepare a short, effective position statement • What Cafcass will be looking for when they speak to you

Know What Happens at the First Hearing (FHDRA)

The first hearing is not a trial, but it is critically important. The directions made here often shape the entire case.

You will understand:

• What the purpose of the FHDRA is • Who will be in the room and their roles (Judge, Cafcass, other party) • What the court is trying to achieve at this stage • What outcomes are possible at the first hearing • How to present yourself calmly and effectively

Avoid Common Mistakes That Harm Your Case

This course highlights the common errors parents make when representing themselves, including:

• Saying too much or the wrong things in court • Filing unnecessary or poorly prepared documents • Failing to focus on what the court actually considers important — the child’s welfare

Approach the Process with Structure and Confidence

By the end of this course, you will:

• Know whether to make an application • Know exactly how to complete and submit the required forms • Have the right documents prepared before you attend court • Understand what will happen at your first hearing and how to handle it

You do not need to feel lost or intimidated by the process. With the right preparation and understanding, you can approach your case in a clear, organised, and child-focused way from the very start.

Your Course Leader

Simon Walland has over 25 years’ experience in the Family Courts and has supported thousands of people navigating children and financial proceedings. Beginning with his own case in 2001, then working as a Professional Mckenzie Friend and being Called to the Bar as a Barrister, Simons knowledge of legal procedure is second to none and having seen people making the same mistakes time and time again he now devotes his time to helping people to Represent Themselves in the Family Courts properly.

Telephone Advice
Book a Consultation to discuss your situation
Digital Downloads
A brief overview explaining the process and what is required
Training Courses
Step by Step video instruction explaining the complete process with samples and templates to use
Coaching Courses
Step by Step video instruction explaining the complete process with regular Conference calls on Zoom to discuss progress and reolve any problems you have, the check and discuss documents and strategy, with samples and templates to use
Support in Court
Attendance in Court as a Mckenzie Friend

Who this help is for

This course is suitable if:

• You are being prevented from seeing your children fairly

• You are unecessarily restricted in seeing your children properly • Your child contact is being restricted or undermined • You are representing yourself • You want to act properly and strategically

No legal background is required.

Calm, Credible, Child-Focused

Successfully addressing False allegation will benefit you by removing an unwarranted Order, showing the truth, helping you make progress towards seeing your children and proving your honesty and character.

It is about:

• Helping the court see the full picture • Protecting your long-term relationship with your child • Avoiding mistakes that make things worse

Our help shows you how to do that.

Book a Consultation

If you are unsure about any aspect of your case and want to discuss your situation with me,

then use this service to book a 30 minute call.

Sites

Terms & Conditions

Contact

[email protected]

Location

71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ

Phone number

07900 414121