When child arrangements are already in place but problems arise, it can feel confusing to know what the court will consider and how best to show what has been happening. This is especially true where communication has broken down and one parent feels contact is being restricted or controlled.
Understanding how evidence can be used in a C100 application can help you feel clearer about your position and what steps may assist the court in reviewing the arrangements.
Understanding the issue or context
A C100 application is commonly used when parents need the family court to decide or change arrangements for a child. Sometimes an interim child arrangements order is already in force, but difficulties continue in practice.
Parents often ask whether messages they have sent — for example, suggesting ways to maintain contact, offering supervised arrangements, or involving trusted family members — can be shown to the court. Where communication takes place through a parenting app such as OurFamilyWizard, there may be a clear written record of what has been proposed and how the other parent has responded.
The core concern is whether this material is relevant and admissible when asking the court to vary an existing order.
The legal rules or framework
Under UK family law, the court’s primary focus is always the welfare of the child. When considering a C100 application, the court can take into account evidence that helps it understand:
- How contact arrangements are working in practice
- Whether either parent is promoting or frustrating contact
- The reasonableness of proposals made by each parent
There is no rule limiting evidence only to formal documents. Messages, emails, and app-based communications may all be considered if they are relevant and proportionate.
Where an application seeks to vary an interim child arrangements order, the court will usually expect evidence explaining why the existing arrangements are not working and why a change is being requested.
Practical steps to take
If you are considering relying on messages or app communications, the following steps may help:
- Select relevant messages carefully
Focus on messages that clearly show reasonable attempts to maintain or facilitate contact, such as proposals for supervision or flexibility. - Present the evidence clearly
Screenshots or exported message logs should be organised and easy to follow, with dates visible. - Explain the context
In your C100 application or supporting statement, briefly explain what the messages show and why they matter. - Keep the child’s welfare central
Frame the evidence around how the communication issues affect your child, rather than focusing on blame. - Check proportionality
Avoid submitting excessive material. Courts prefer concise, focused evidence.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Submitting too much information
Overloading the court with every message can weaken, rather than strengthen, your case. - Using emotional or inflammatory language
Messages that escalate conflict may undermine the impression of reasonableness. - Assuming all evidence will carry equal weight
The court will focus on relevance and the child’s best interests, not volume. - Failing to explain why variation is needed
Evidence should link directly to why the interim order is not working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attach messages to a C100 application?
Yes, relevant messages can usually be attached if they support the issues you are raising.
Does the court accept evidence from parenting apps?
Often yes, provided the material is clear, relevant, and properly presented.
Do I need permission to submit additional evidence?
In many cases, evidence can be attached directly, but the court controls what it ultimately considers.
Should messages show attempts to compromise?
Yes. Evidence of reasonable proposals and cooperation is generally helpful.
Can messages show refusal of contact?
They can, if they clearly demonstrate repeated or unreasonable refusals.
Is legal advice necessary before submitting evidence?
Not always, but guidance can help ensure your evidence is effective and proportionate.
Conclusion
If you’d like to understand your rights and options in plain English, visit LegalGuidance.org — a free resource powered by Martin Taggart Legal Consulting.
For professional, fixed-fee advice from a UK solicitor, visit MartinTaggart.com.
This information is general guidance only and not legal advice. For personalised support, please contact Martin Taggart Legal Consulting.