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Free Form C7 Response to Child Arrangements Application Template
Form C7 is the prescribed United Kingdom response form a respondent files after being served with a Form C100 application under section 8 of the Children Act 1989. The response must be filed within 14 days of service under Family Procedure Rules 2010 rule 18.5. The court timetable runs to the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment under the Child Arrangements Programme in Practice Direction 12B; the Cafcass safeguarding letter under FPR 2010 rule 12.5 and any Form C1A allegations of harm under Practice Direction 12J inform that hearing. Our free UK template builds a structured C7 — court and case identification, acknowledgment of service, position on the orders sought, Cafcass safeguarding consent, and four Expert clauses on the PD 12J allegation response, the seven-factor welfare checklist under section 1(3), a Section 7 / Section 37 report request, and respondent counter-proposals.
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Form C7 — Response to a Child Arrangements Application
Children Act 1989 S.8 · Family Court At East London (Bow County Court And Family Court) · 17 June 2026
TO: The Family Court at East London (Bow County Court and Family Court)
BY: Daniel Patrick Brennan, named as Respondent in the proceedings brought by Charlotte Marie Whitfield under section 8 of the Children Act 1989.
RE: Response to Form C100 application No. EL26C00482 (served on 4 June 2026).
Filed within the 14-day acknowledgment window under FPR 2010 r.18.5. The respondent is represented by a solicitor on the court record.
BY: Daniel Patrick Brennan, named as Respondent in the proceedings brought by Charlotte Marie Whitfield under section 8 of the Children Act 1989.
RE: Response to Form C100 application No. EL26C00482 (served on 4 June 2026).
Filed within the 14-day acknowledgment window under FPR 2010 r.18.5. The respondent is represented by a solicitor on the court record.
1. RESPONDENT IDENTIFICATION
| FULL NAME | Daniel Patrick Brennan |
| RELATIONSHIP TO CHILD(REN) | Father |
| DATE OF BIRTH | 26 November 1987 |
| ADDRESS | 7 Oakwood Close, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3RX |
| TELEPHONE | 07712 904338 |
| d.brennan@example.co.uk |
2. CHILD(REN) THE SUBJECT OF THIS APPLICATION
| PRIMARY CHILD — NAME | Lily Rose Whitfield-Brennan |
| PRIMARY CHILD — DATE OF BIRTH | 4 September 2017 |
| PRIMARY CHILD — CURRENT LIVING ARRANGEMENTS | Lily currently lives with the applicant on a school-week basis and spends alternate weekends with the respondent. The respondent accepts the school-week pattern but invites the court to consider an expanded weekend pattern (Friday after school to Monday morning drop-off, alternate weeks) and one mid-week dinner contact (Wednesday 16:30 to 19:30) at the respondent's home in Sevenoaks. |
| ADDITIONAL CHILD 1 — NAME | Oscar James Whitfield-Brennan |
| ADDITIONAL CHILD 1 — DATE OF BIRTH | 21 April 2019 |
3. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SERVICE AND POSITION. The respondent acknowledges service of the Form C100 application dated 4 June 2026 and PARTIALLY AGREES to the orders sought by the applicant. The respondent accepts the principle of the orders sought but invites the court to make different practical arrangements as set out in the respondent's proposals below.
3.1 Position summary. The respondent agrees in principle that the children should live with the applicant during the school week and spend time with the respondent at weekends and during school holidays. The respondent disagrees with the proposed Prohibited Steps Order in the terms sought - the respondent has at no point sought to remove the children from Brindishe Lee Primary School unilaterally, and the proposed transfer to a Sevenoaks school was raised for discussion in February 2026, not initiated. The respondent invites the court to make a Child Arrangements Order in modified terms and to dismiss the Prohibited Steps Order application.
3.2 Brief reasons. The respondent's reasons are: (i) the children benefit from a meaningful relationship with both parents under section 1(2A) of the Children Act 1989 and the expanded weekend pattern would support that; (ii) the unilateral travel allegation relates to a four-day educational visit to extended family in the Republic of Ireland (the respondent's parents) in March 2026 and the applicant was informed of the dates by text message on 12 March 2026; (iii) the respondent has at no point removed the children from school without consultation; (iv) the controlling and coercive behaviour allegations in the Form C1A are denied and the respondent reserves the right to file a counter-Form C1A.
3.1 Position summary. The respondent agrees in principle that the children should live with the applicant during the school week and spend time with the respondent at weekends and during school holidays. The respondent disagrees with the proposed Prohibited Steps Order in the terms sought - the respondent has at no point sought to remove the children from Brindishe Lee Primary School unilaterally, and the proposed transfer to a Sevenoaks school was raised for discussion in February 2026, not initiated. The respondent invites the court to make a Child Arrangements Order in modified terms and to dismiss the Prohibited Steps Order application.
3.2 Brief reasons. The respondent's reasons are: (i) the children benefit from a meaningful relationship with both parents under section 1(2A) of the Children Act 1989 and the expanded weekend pattern would support that; (ii) the unilateral travel allegation relates to a four-day educational visit to extended family in the Republic of Ireland (the respondent's parents) in March 2026 and the applicant was informed of the dates by text message on 12 March 2026; (iii) the respondent has at no point removed the children from school without consultation; (iv) the controlling and coercive behaviour allegations in the Form C1A are denied and the respondent reserves the right to file a counter-Form C1A.
4. CAFCASS SAFEGUARDING SCREEN. The respondent consents to the Cafcass safeguarding screen including the police and local authority disclosure checks routinely undertaken before the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment. The Cafcass safeguarding letter dated 14 June 2026 has been received and considered in framing this response.
4.1 Form C1A intent. The respondent is CONSIDERING whether to file a Form C1A and reserves the right to do so following receipt of the Cafcass safeguarding letter and the applicant's position statement.
4.1 Form C1A intent. The respondent is CONSIDERING whether to file a Form C1A and reserves the right to do so following receipt of the Cafcass safeguarding letter and the applicant's position statement.
5. RESPONSE TO ALLEGATIONS - PRACTICE DIRECTION 12J. Practice Direction 12J of the Family Procedure Rules 2010 requires the court to consider at every stage of the proceedings whether domestic abuse is or may be raised as an issue. The respondent DENIES the allegations made in the applicant's Form C100 and any accompanying Form C1A and asks the court to consider a fact-finding hearing under Practice Direction 12J.
5.1 Position on fact-finding. The respondent invites the COURT TO DECIDE whether a fact-finding hearing is necessary, applying the Practice Direction 12J framework and the Court of Appeal guidance in Re H-N (Children) [2021] EWCA Civ 448 on the scope and proportionality of fact-finding hearings in private-law children cases.
5.2 Allegation narrative.
The respondent denies the allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour set out in the applicant's Form C1A as a pattern of conduct. The respondent accepts that money was a recurring source of marital tension but disputes that any expenditure threshold was imposed and disputes that the applicant's communications with her family of origin were restricted by the respondent at any time. The 4 February 2026 communication described in the Form C1A was a proposal for discussion of a possible relocation to Sevenoaks following the respondent's acceptance of a new role in Tunbridge Wells; no unilateral decision was made and no removal of the children from school in fact occurred. The respondent invites the court to consider whether the matters in dispute would make a difference to the welfare outcome and to apply the proportionality framework in Re B-B [2022] EWHC 108 (Fam).
5.3 Counter-allegations. Where the respondent makes counter-allegations of harm or domestic abuse against the applicant under section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, those allegations are set out below:
Without making it a free-standing fact-finding application, the respondent indicates that during the period October 2024 to March 2026 the applicant's communications about the children were at times peremptory and the respondent was excluded from school decisions on three occasions (Lily's school photograph day in November 2024; Oscar's SENCO review in January 2026; both children's parents' evening in March 2026). The respondent reserves the position on whether to file a counter-Form C1A and invites the court to take a view on these matters within the welfare assessment if a fact-finding hearing is directed.
The respondent invites the court to apply the protocol in Re B-B (Domestic Abuse: Fact-Finding) [2022] EWHC 108 (Fam) and to follow the risk-assessment standard articulated in Re L (Children) (Contact: Domestic Violence) [2000] 2 FLR 334 if a fact-finding hearing is directed.
5.1 Position on fact-finding. The respondent invites the COURT TO DECIDE whether a fact-finding hearing is necessary, applying the Practice Direction 12J framework and the Court of Appeal guidance in Re H-N (Children) [2021] EWCA Civ 448 on the scope and proportionality of fact-finding hearings in private-law children cases.
5.2 Allegation narrative.
The respondent denies the allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour set out in the applicant's Form C1A as a pattern of conduct. The respondent accepts that money was a recurring source of marital tension but disputes that any expenditure threshold was imposed and disputes that the applicant's communications with her family of origin were restricted by the respondent at any time. The 4 February 2026 communication described in the Form C1A was a proposal for discussion of a possible relocation to Sevenoaks following the respondent's acceptance of a new role in Tunbridge Wells; no unilateral decision was made and no removal of the children from school in fact occurred. The respondent invites the court to consider whether the matters in dispute would make a difference to the welfare outcome and to apply the proportionality framework in Re B-B [2022] EWHC 108 (Fam).
5.3 Counter-allegations. Where the respondent makes counter-allegations of harm or domestic abuse against the applicant under section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, those allegations are set out below:
Without making it a free-standing fact-finding application, the respondent indicates that during the period October 2024 to March 2026 the applicant's communications about the children were at times peremptory and the respondent was excluded from school decisions on three occasions (Lily's school photograph day in November 2024; Oscar's SENCO review in January 2026; both children's parents' evening in March 2026). The respondent reserves the position on whether to file a counter-Form C1A and invites the court to take a view on these matters within the welfare assessment if a fact-finding hearing is directed.
The respondent invites the court to apply the protocol in Re B-B (Domestic Abuse: Fact-Finding) [2022] EWHC 108 (Fam) and to follow the risk-assessment standard articulated in Re L (Children) (Contact: Domestic Violence) [2000] 2 FLR 334 if a fact-finding hearing is directed.
6. RESPONDENT'S APPLICATION OF THE WELFARE CHECKLIST - CHILDREN ACT 1989 SECTION 1(3). Under section 1(1) of the Children Act 1989 the welfare of the child is the court's paramount consideration. Under section 1(3) the court is required to have regard to the seven enumerated factors in particular when determining a contested section 8 application. The respondent invites the court to give weight to the matters set out below. The Court of Appeal in Re S (Transgender Parent: Contact) [2017] EWFC 7 affirmed that the welfare checklist is the structured route through which the court applies the paramountcy principle to the disputed facts of the individual case.
(a) Ascertainable wishes and feelings of the child (considered in the light of age and understanding):
The respondent accepts that the children's wishes and feelings should be heard by a Cafcass Family Court Adviser. The respondent's perception is that Lily would welcome additional weekend and mid-week contact with him at the Sevenoaks home (which she has visited on six occasions since November 2025); Oscar follows his elder sister's lead and is settled in both households. The respondent invites the court to give weight to the children's direct expression rather than parental report.
(b) Physical, emotional and educational needs:
The children's physical needs are met in both households (each has a designated bedroom at the Sevenoaks home with their own desk and personal effects). Emotionally, the children benefit from continuity of contact with the respondent's extended family, including weekly contact with the paternal grandparents in Sevenoaks. Educationally, the children are settled at Brindishe Lee Primary; the respondent accepts the school placement and does not seek a change of school.
(c) Likely effect on the child of any change in circumstances:
The respondent accepts that a change of primary residence from Lewisham to Sevenoaks would materially disrupt the children's school routine, the SENCO arrangement for Oscar and the established friendship and pastoral networks. The respondent does not seek a change of primary residence and only seeks expanded contact time. The expanded Friday-to-Monday-morning weekend pattern requires no school change and uses an established school run.
(d) Age, sex, background and any characteristics the court considers relevant:
Lily presents as observant and articulate; Oscar is engaged and verbal but with the in-school SENCO arrangement for receptive language as referenced in the applicant's Form C100. The respondent accepts both characteristics and has supported the EHCP application with the school's SENCO from January 2026.
(e) Any harm the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering:
The respondent disputes that the children have suffered or are at risk of suffering harm in the respondent's care. The Sevenoaks home is a stable two-bedroom property within a school-run distance of Brindishe Lee Primary, and the respondent has been the children's sole carer for alternate weekend periods continuously since November 2024 without incident.
(f) Capability of each parent (and any other relevant person) of meeting the child's needs:
The respondent is in full-time employment with flexible working arrangements that accommodate school pick-up and the Wednesday mid-week dinner contact. The respondent has the practical capability of meeting the children's physical, emotional and educational needs during the proposed expanded contact periods. The respondent supports a continuing meaningful caring role for the applicant as primary carer during the school week.
(g) Range of powers available to the court under the Children Act 1989:
The respondent invites the court to make a Child Arrangements Order in the modified terms set out in section 8 below (Friday-to-Monday-morning alternate-weekend pattern; Wednesday mid-week dinner; half school holidays; one mid-week telephone contact); to refuse the Prohibited Steps Order application as unnecessary and disproportionate on the evidence; and to consider a Cafcass section 7 welfare report on a full-welfare basis ahead of the dispute resolution appointment.
(a) Ascertainable wishes and feelings of the child (considered in the light of age and understanding):
The respondent accepts that the children's wishes and feelings should be heard by a Cafcass Family Court Adviser. The respondent's perception is that Lily would welcome additional weekend and mid-week contact with him at the Sevenoaks home (which she has visited on six occasions since November 2025); Oscar follows his elder sister's lead and is settled in both households. The respondent invites the court to give weight to the children's direct expression rather than parental report.
(b) Physical, emotional and educational needs:
The children's physical needs are met in both households (each has a designated bedroom at the Sevenoaks home with their own desk and personal effects). Emotionally, the children benefit from continuity of contact with the respondent's extended family, including weekly contact with the paternal grandparents in Sevenoaks. Educationally, the children are settled at Brindishe Lee Primary; the respondent accepts the school placement and does not seek a change of school.
(c) Likely effect on the child of any change in circumstances:
The respondent accepts that a change of primary residence from Lewisham to Sevenoaks would materially disrupt the children's school routine, the SENCO arrangement for Oscar and the established friendship and pastoral networks. The respondent does not seek a change of primary residence and only seeks expanded contact time. The expanded Friday-to-Monday-morning weekend pattern requires no school change and uses an established school run.
(d) Age, sex, background and any characteristics the court considers relevant:
Lily presents as observant and articulate; Oscar is engaged and verbal but with the in-school SENCO arrangement for receptive language as referenced in the applicant's Form C100. The respondent accepts both characteristics and has supported the EHCP application with the school's SENCO from January 2026.
(e) Any harm the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering:
The respondent disputes that the children have suffered or are at risk of suffering harm in the respondent's care. The Sevenoaks home is a stable two-bedroom property within a school-run distance of Brindishe Lee Primary, and the respondent has been the children's sole carer for alternate weekend periods continuously since November 2024 without incident.
(f) Capability of each parent (and any other relevant person) of meeting the child's needs:
The respondent is in full-time employment with flexible working arrangements that accommodate school pick-up and the Wednesday mid-week dinner contact. The respondent has the practical capability of meeting the children's physical, emotional and educational needs during the proposed expanded contact periods. The respondent supports a continuing meaningful caring role for the applicant as primary carer during the school week.
(g) Range of powers available to the court under the Children Act 1989:
The respondent invites the court to make a Child Arrangements Order in the modified terms set out in section 8 below (Friday-to-Monday-morning alternate-weekend pattern; Wednesday mid-week dinner; half school holidays; one mid-week telephone contact); to refuse the Prohibited Steps Order application as unnecessary and disproportionate on the evidence; and to consider a Cafcass section 7 welfare report on a full-welfare basis ahead of the dispute resolution appointment.
7. SECTION 7 / SECTION 37 REPORT REQUEST. The respondent invites the court to direct a Cafcass section 7 welfare report - prepared by a Family Court Adviser, addressing the welfare checklist factors and the impact of any findings of fact on the welfare assessment.
7.1 Scope of report requested. FULL WELFARE ASSESSMENT - the Family Court Adviser to address each of the seven welfare checklist factors and make a recommendation on the section 8 order to be made.
7.2 Reasons for the report direction.
The respondent requests a full Cafcass section 7 welfare report covering each of the seven welfare checklist factors and making a recommendation on the proposed Child Arrangements Order pattern. The report should specifically address (i) the children's direct wishes about the proposed Friday-to-Monday-morning weekend pattern; (ii) the practical operability of the Wednesday mid-week dinner contact in light of school and after-school commitments; (iii) the welfare impact (positive or negative) of the parental disputes set out in the Form C1A. The respondent invites the court to direct the report to be filed no later than 8 weeks before the Dispute Resolution Appointment.
7.1 Scope of report requested. FULL WELFARE ASSESSMENT - the Family Court Adviser to address each of the seven welfare checklist factors and make a recommendation on the section 8 order to be made.
7.2 Reasons for the report direction.
The respondent requests a full Cafcass section 7 welfare report covering each of the seven welfare checklist factors and making a recommendation on the proposed Child Arrangements Order pattern. The report should specifically address (i) the children's direct wishes about the proposed Friday-to-Monday-morning weekend pattern; (ii) the practical operability of the Wednesday mid-week dinner contact in light of school and after-school commitments; (iii) the welfare impact (positive or negative) of the parental disputes set out in the Form C1A. The respondent invites the court to direct the report to be filed no later than 8 weeks before the Dispute Resolution Appointment.
8. RESPONDENT'S COUNTER-PROPOSALS. Without prejudice to the position on the orders sought by the applicant, the respondent invites the court to consider the following arrangements as alternatives or refinements:
(a) Proposed Child Arrangements Order pattern:
The respondent proposes a Child Arrangements Order in the following terms: (i) the children live with the applicant during term-time school weeks (Monday morning to Friday afternoon); (ii) the children spend time with the respondent on alternate weekends from Friday after school (collection from school by the respondent) to Monday morning drop-off at school by the respondent; (iii) the children spend time with the respondent every Wednesday from 16:30 collection to 19:30 drop-off at the applicant's home for a mid-week meal at the respondent's home in Sevenoaks; (iv) school holidays are divided equally on a rota agreed at least eight weeks in advance; (v) the children spend Christmas Day with the applicant in even years and the respondent in odd years, alternating; (vi) one mid-week video or telephone contact at a time convenient to all parties when the children are with the other parent.
(b) Handover venue and protocol:
Handovers should take place at school (where possible) or, in school holidays, at the agreed neutral venue (the Lewisham Library car park or, at the Sevenoaks end, the Bligh's Meadow shopping centre car park). Handovers should be brief and child-focused; the parties communicate through the OurFamilyWizard app and not in person at the handover save for routine greetings.
(c) Proposed school-holiday arrangements:
The respondent proposes equal division of school holidays on a structured rota: (i) half-term holidays alternate by week; (ii) Christmas and New Year are split into two periods (Christmas Eve to 28 December; 29 December to 2 January), alternating; (iii) Easter is split into two periods (Easter weekend to mid-holiday Wednesday; Wednesday to school resumption), alternating; (iv) the summer holiday is divided into two three-and-a-half-week periods, alternating year by year; (v) holiday plans (including any travel abroad with the children) are notified to the other parent eight weeks before the start of the holiday period.
(d) Proposed indirect contact arrangements (telephone / video / cards):
The respondent proposes that the children speak by telephone or video with the parent they are not with at the time at a regular time on Tuesdays and Saturdays (18:30 for 10-15 minutes), using the parents' personal devices on each end. The respondent also proposes a shared online photo album for school and weekend updates, accessible to both parents and accessible to the children at age-appropriate intervals.
(a) Proposed Child Arrangements Order pattern:
The respondent proposes a Child Arrangements Order in the following terms: (i) the children live with the applicant during term-time school weeks (Monday morning to Friday afternoon); (ii) the children spend time with the respondent on alternate weekends from Friday after school (collection from school by the respondent) to Monday morning drop-off at school by the respondent; (iii) the children spend time with the respondent every Wednesday from 16:30 collection to 19:30 drop-off at the applicant's home for a mid-week meal at the respondent's home in Sevenoaks; (iv) school holidays are divided equally on a rota agreed at least eight weeks in advance; (v) the children spend Christmas Day with the applicant in even years and the respondent in odd years, alternating; (vi) one mid-week video or telephone contact at a time convenient to all parties when the children are with the other parent.
(b) Handover venue and protocol:
Handovers should take place at school (where possible) or, in school holidays, at the agreed neutral venue (the Lewisham Library car park or, at the Sevenoaks end, the Bligh's Meadow shopping centre car park). Handovers should be brief and child-focused; the parties communicate through the OurFamilyWizard app and not in person at the handover save for routine greetings.
(c) Proposed school-holiday arrangements:
The respondent proposes equal division of school holidays on a structured rota: (i) half-term holidays alternate by week; (ii) Christmas and New Year are split into two periods (Christmas Eve to 28 December; 29 December to 2 January), alternating; (iii) Easter is split into two periods (Easter weekend to mid-holiday Wednesday; Wednesday to school resumption), alternating; (iv) the summer holiday is divided into two three-and-a-half-week periods, alternating year by year; (v) holiday plans (including any travel abroad with the children) are notified to the other parent eight weeks before the start of the holiday period.
(d) Proposed indirect contact arrangements (telephone / video / cards):
The respondent proposes that the children speak by telephone or video with the parent they are not with at the time at a regular time on Tuesdays and Saturdays (18:30 for 10-15 minutes), using the parents' personal devices on each end. The respondent also proposes a shared online photo album for school and weekend updates, accessible to both parents and accessible to the children at age-appropriate intervals.
9. STATEMENT OF TRUTH. I believe that the facts stated in this response are true. I understand that proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against any person who makes, or causes to be made, a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth (Family Procedure Rules 2010 rule 17.6). I have read Practice Direction 12B (the Child Arrangements Programme) and understand the timetable for the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment.
RESPONDENT
Daniel Patrick Brennan
Respondent — 17 June 2026
Date: ____________________
Available as a print-ready PDF or an editable Microsoft Word (.docx) file.
What Is Form C7?
Form C7 is the prescribed United Kingdom response form a Respondent files after being served with a Form C100 application under section 8 of the Children Act 1989. The respondent uses Form C7 to acknowledge service of the C100, confirm or contest the orders sought (Child Arrangements Order, Specific Issue Order or Prohibited Steps Order), set out their position on the proposed arrangements, and trigger any safeguarding cross-reference under Form C1A (Allegations of Harm and Domestic Violence). The form is paired with Form C8 (Confidential Contact Details) where the respondent has safety concerns about disclosing their address to the applicant.
The response is governed by Part 12 of the Family Procedure Rules 2010 and the Child Arrangements Programme set out in Practice Direction 12B. The Cafcass safeguarding letter under FPR rule 12.5 informs the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) timetable; where domestic abuse is raised, Practice Direction 12J governs the fact-finding and welfare protocol and the Court of Appeal in Re H-N (Children) (Domestic Abuse: Finding of Fact Hearings) [2021] EWCA Civ 448 set out the proportionality framework — findings of fact are directed only where they would make a material difference to the welfare decision. Form C7 must be filed within 14 days of service of the Form C100 under FPR 2010 rule 18.5; an extension may be sought under rule 4.1.
The court applies the welfare paramountcy principle under section 1(1) of the Children Act 1989, the presumption of continued parental involvement under section 1(2A), and the seven-factor welfare checklist in section 1(3) — wishes and feelings, physical / emotional / educational needs, the likely effect of change, age / sex / background, harm, capability and the range of court powers. From 24 November 2025, MyHMCTS digital filing is mandatory for legally represented respondents at participating courts under Practice Direction 36ZD; paper response remains available for litigants in person in England and Wales.
What's Covered in This Template
Our United Kingdom Form C7 template builds a structured response the Family Court can act on at the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment — court and case identification, acknowledgment of service, position on the orders sought, Cafcass safeguarding consent, and four Expert clauses on the PD 12J allegation response, the welfare checklist, a Section 7 report request, and respondent counter-proposals on the CAO pattern.
14-Day Acknowledgment Window — FPR 2010 r.18.5
Family Procedure Rules 2010 rule 18.5 sets the 14-day window for filing Form C7 from the date the Form C100 was served on the respondent. The template highlights the deadline and structures the acknowledgment for the United Kingdom Family Court.
Four Position Options on the Orders Sought
Pre-frames four respondent positions — agree (consent order under section 8), disagree (court to determine on welfare evidence), partial agreement (alternative practical arrangements), and no position (court to decide). The position is the respondent's headline stance at the FHDRA.
Cafcass Safeguarding Consent — FPR 2010 r.12.5
Captures consent to the Cafcass safeguarding screen (routine police and local authority disclosure checks under FPR 2010 rule 12.5) and records the date of the Cafcass safeguarding letter if already received. Withholding consent is flagged to the court for FHDRA consideration.
Form C1A Intent — PD 12J Cross-Reference
Records the respondent's intent on Form C1A (Allegations of Harm and Domestic Violence) under Practice Direction 12J — filing alongside the C7, not filing, or reserving the right to file later. Form C1A triggers PD 12J safeguarding directions in England and Wales.
PD 12J Allegation Response (Expert)
Expert clause structures the respondent's allegation-by-allegation response — admit in full, partial admit, deny, or no recollection — and position on whether a fact-finding hearing is necessary. Cites Re B-B (Domestic Abuse: Fact-Finding) [2022] EWHC 108 (Fam) and Re L (Children) (Contact: Domestic Violence) [2000] 2 FLR 334.
Welfare Checklist Section 1(3) Seven Factors (Expert)
Expert clause maps the respondent's position to each of the seven welfare factors under section 1(3) of the Children Act 1989 — wishes and feelings, physical / emotional / educational needs, effect of change, age / sex / background, harm risk, capability of parents and range of court powers. Cites Re S (Transgender Parent: Contact) [2017] EWFC 7 on welfare-checklist application.
Section 7 / Section 37 Report Request (Expert)
Expert clause structures the request for a Cafcass section 7 welfare report (Family Court Adviser), a local authority section 7 report, a section 37 report (public-law trigger under Part IV) or an addendum. The scope is wishes-only, full welfare, safeguarding focus or risk assessment.
Respondent Counter-Proposals on the CAO Pattern (Expert)
Expert clause sets out respondent counter-proposals — proposed Child Arrangements Order pattern (alternate weekends, mid-week dinner, holiday rota), handover venue, school-holiday division and indirect contact arrangements (telephone / video / cards). Drafted as alternatives or refinements to the orders sought.
Re H-N [2021] EWCA Civ 448 Fact-Finding Proportionality
The PD 12J expert clause incorporates the Court of Appeal proportionality framework in Re H-N (Children) [2021] EWCA Civ 448 — findings of fact are directed only where they would make a material difference to the welfare decision under section 1 of the Children Act 1989.
Multiple Children Repeatable Row
Captures the primary child and up to six additional children (name, date of birth) using a repeatable row. The C7 covers every child named in the original C100 — the welfare checklist applies to each child individually.
Statement of Truth — FPR 2010 r.17.6
Pre-drafts the statement of truth required by Family Procedure Rules 2010 rule 17.6 — the respondent believes the facts are true and understands that proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against any person who makes a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth.
MyHMCTS Digital Filing — PD 36ZD
Pre-frames the filing route — MyHMCTS Private Family Law digital service (mandatory for legally represented respondents at participating United Kingdom courts under PD 36ZD pilot scheme from 20 April 2022 to 31 March 2027) or paper filing for litigants in person.
How to Complete Form C7
Follow these steps to produce a well-structured United Kingdom Form C7 response within the 14-day acknowledgment window after being served with a Form C100.
- 1
Capture the Court and Case Reference
Use the court name and case number printed on the Form C100 you received. The Family Court at the Designated Family Centre nearest the child's home retains conduct unless transferred. Note the date the C100 was served on you — the 14-day response window runs from service, not from the court's date stamp on the form.
- 2
Confirm Your Identity, Relationship and Representation
Record your full name, date of birth, correspondence address (or use Form C8 Confidential Contact Details if you have safety concerns), relationship to the child (mother, father, grandparent, parental responsibility holder, other) and legal representation status (litigant in person, solicitor on record, direct-access counsel).
- 3
Pick Your Headline Position on the Orders Sought
Choose one of four positions — agree, disagree, partial agreement or no position. The acknowledgment is your starting point at the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment in the United Kingdom Family Court; you can refine it as the Cafcass safeguarding letter and any Section 7 report become available.
- 4
Record the Child(ren) and Brief Reasons
Name the primary child and any additional children, set out the current living arrangements as you see them (the Cafcass safeguarding letter and Section 7 report will test both parents' accounts) and write a one-to-two-paragraph agreement / disagreement summary with headline reasons.
- 5
Decide on Cafcass Safeguarding Consent and Form C1A Intent
Confirm consent to the Cafcass safeguarding screen (routinely given) and record your intent on Form C1A — filing alongside the C7, not filing, or considering. Form C1A is the prescribed allegations vehicle under Practice Direction 12J and triggers the safeguarding protocol.
- 6
Frame the PD 12J Allegation Response (Expert)
Expert clause structures the allegation-by-allegation response — admit, partial admit, deny or no recollection — and your position on a fact-finding hearing. Cite Re B-B [2022] EWHC 108 (Fam) for the structured-findings protocol and apply Re H-N [2021] EWCA Civ 448 proportionality.
- 7
Map Your Position to the Section 1(3) Welfare Checklist (Expert)
Expert clause maps your position to each of the seven welfare factors — wishes and feelings, needs, effect of change, age / sex / background, harm, capability and range of court powers. Section 1(1) of the Children Act 1989 makes welfare paramount; section 1(3) is the structured route through which the court applies it.
- 8
Request a Section 7 or Section 37 Report (Expert)
Expert clause invites the court to direct a Cafcass section 7 welfare report, a local authority section 7 report, a section 37 report (public-law threshold) or an addendum. Set the scope — wishes-only, full welfare assessment, safeguarding focus or PD 12J risk assessment.
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Put Forward Counter-Proposals on the CAO Pattern (Expert)
Expert clause records your alternative arrangements — proposed Child Arrangements Order pattern (alternate weekends, mid-week dinner, school-holiday rota), handover venue, indirect contact arrangements (telephone / video / shared photo album). Counter-proposals are offered without prejudice to your position.
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Sign the Statement of Truth and File via MyHMCTS or Paper
Read and sign the statement of truth under FPR 2010 rule 17.6 confirming you believe the facts to be true. File via MyHMCTS Private Family Law (mandatory for represented respondents under PD 36ZD) or by post to the United Kingdom Designated Family Centre — within the 14-day window from service of the Form C100.
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Legal Considerations — Form C7 Response
Private-law children proceedings in the United Kingdom (England and Wales) are governed by the Children Act 1989, the Family Procedure Rules 2010 and the Practice Directions made under them. Form C7 is filed within 14 days of service of the Form C100 under FPR rule 18.5; the Cafcass safeguarding letter, any Form C1A allegations and any directed Section 7 welfare report inform the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment under Practice Direction 12B.
This template is for general information and does not constitute legal advice. Section 8 children proceedings are fact-sensitive and the welfare assessment turns on the particular circumstances of the child. Where allegations of domestic abuse or harm to a child are raised, the procedure under Practice Direction 12J is technical and the consequences (for contact and for the welfare assessment) are significant — a family solicitor or family barrister is recommended. The Law Society Children Panel maintains a directory of specialist family solicitors in England and Wales; the Resolution organisation provides additional referral routes.
Reviewed for the United Kingdom (England and Wales)
Welfare Paramountcy and the Section 1(3) Checklist
Section 1(1) of the Children Act 1989 makes the welfare of the child the court's paramount consideration in any contested section 8 application. Section 1(2A) provides a presumption that the involvement of each parent in the child's life will further the child's welfare (unless the contrary is shown). Section 1(3) sets out the seven welfare factors the court is required to have regard to in particular — wishes and feelings; physical, emotional and educational needs; the likely effect of any change; age, sex, background and relevant characteristics; harm suffered or risk of harm; capability of each parent; range of court powers. The Court of Appeal in Re S (Transgender Parent: Contact) [2017] EWFC 7 confirmed that the welfare checklist is the structured route through which the court applies the paramountcy principle to the disputed facts.
Practice Direction 12J — Domestic Abuse and Harm
Where allegations of domestic abuse or harm to a child are raised, Practice Direction 12J of the Family Procedure Rules 2010 requires the court to consider at every stage of the proceedings whether the issue is engaged. The Court of Appeal in Re H-N (Children) (Domestic Abuse: Finding of Fact Hearings) [2021] EWCA Civ 448 set out the proportionality framework — findings of fact are directed only where they would make a material difference to the welfare decision under section 1. Re B-B (Domestic Abuse: Fact-Finding) [2022] EWHC 108 (Fam) governs the structured-findings protocol where fact-finding is directed. Re L (Children) (Contact: Domestic Violence) [2000] 2 FLR 334 remains the leading risk-assessment authority in contact cases involving proven domestic violence.
Cafcass Safeguarding and Section 7 Reports
The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass in England, Cafcass Cymru in Wales) is the court welfare service for private-law section 8 proceedings. FPR 2010 rule 12.5 requires Cafcass to undertake a safeguarding screen of police and local authority records on both parties and the children before the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment. The safeguarding letter is filed at the FHDRA. Section 7 of the Children Act 1989 empowers the court to direct a welfare report by a Family Court Adviser or a local authority social worker. Section 37 of the Act empowers the court to direct a local authority report where public-law thresholds (significant harm under section 31) may be crossed.
Filing Window and Statement of Truth
Form C7 must be filed within 14 days of service of the Form C100 under FPR 2010 rule 18.5. An extension may be sought from the court under FPR 2010 rule 4.1; the application is normally granted where the respondent shows good reason. The respondent signs the Form C7 statement of truth under FPR 2010 rule 17.6 confirming belief in the truth of the facts stated. Knowingly false statements are punishable as contempt of court — proceedings may be brought against any person who makes (or causes to be made) a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Build Your Form C7 Response
Produce a structured United Kingdom Form C7 response the Family Court can act on at the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment — court and case identification, acknowledgment of service within the 14-day window under FPR 2010 rule 18.5, position on the orders sought, Cafcass safeguarding consent under rule 12.5, and four Expert clauses on the Practice Direction 12J allegation response (with Re H-N proportionality and Re B-B structured findings), the seven-factor welfare checklist under section 1(3) of the Children Act 1989, a Section 7 or Section 37 welfare report request, and respondent counter-proposals on the Child Arrangements Order pattern. Filed via MyHMCTS Private Family Law digital service or by post at the Designated Family Centre in England and Wales.
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