What Is a Consent Order – Child Arrangements and How Do I Apply for One?
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
A consent order – child arrangements is a legally binding court order that confirms the arrangements you and your ex-partner have agreed for your child(ren). Parents often use a consent order after reaching agreement through discussion or family mediation. Once approved by a judge, the order becomes enforceable by law as a court order.
At Family Mediation Services, our accredited mediator regularly helps parents reach child-focused agreements.
This guide explains how to apply step by step, what is a consent order and how it works for child arrangements.
What Is a Consent Order for Child Arrangements?
A consent order records agreed child arrangements in a formal court document. It can cover:
- Where the children live
- When they spend time with each parent
- School holidays and special occasions
- Communication between parents
A consent order – child arrangements avoids a contested court hearing because both parents already agree. The court’s job is to make sure the agreement is good for the children. Then, it will stamp the document with the court seal.
Parents often ask what is a consent order and whether it is necessary. A parenting plan by itself is not legally binding. However, a consent order provides certainty and protection if problems come up later. The order can be in a basic template or in the parenting plan template. Both will be accepted by the court.
Step-by-Step: How Do I Apply for a Consent Order – Child Arrangements?
Step 1: Reach an Agreement and Draft the Order
Before you apply, you and your ex-partner must agree on the child arrangements.
Agree on the details
Work out specific arrangements for your children, including contact schedules, holidays, and how you will communicate.
Create a parenting plan
Write the agreement down clearly. You may use a consent order template or a more detailed parenting plan from Cafcass or a solicitor. Make sure both parents sign and date the document. Get your free template for a Consent order for child arrangements here!
Step 2: Complete the Application Form (C100)
To apply for a consent order – child arrangements, you must complete the correct court form.
Download Form C100
Get Form C100 from the GOV.UK website.
Tick “Yes” for a consent order
On page 1, under Additional Information Required, tick the box that asks:
“Are you applying for an order to formalise an agreement (consent order)?”
This step clearly tells the court that you already have an agreement and are not asking the judge to decide the arrangements.
Step 3: Submit the Application to the Court
Attach the documents
Include your completed C100 form and your signed draft consent order or parenting plan.
Pay the court fee
The court fee is currently around £232. If you are on a low income, you may apply for help with fees using Form EX160.
Send everything to court
Submit the paperwork to your local family court. You do not need to attend court in person at this stage.
What Happens After You Apply?
Judge review
A judge will review the paperwork. You do not have to go to a hearing. You also do not need a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) for consent orders.
Approval
If the judge agrees that the arrangements meet the children’s needs, they will approve the order. Once approved, the consent order – child arrangements becomes legally binding.
If the judge has questions, they can ask for clarification or small changes. However, this is rare when the agreement is clear and focused on the child.
Do I Need a Consent Order Template or Legal Help?
Many parents successfully use a consent order template when drafting their agreement. Others prefer guidance from a solicitor or an accredited mediator. At Family Mediation Services, we help parents prepare clear parenting plans that the court can easily approve.
Using mediation can reduce stress, save legal costs, and help parents stay in control of decisions affecting their children.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what is a consent order and how to apply for one can help you avoid unnecessary court proceedings. A consent order – child arrangements provides clarity, security, and legal certainty for both parents and children.
If you need support reaching an agreement or preparing documents, Family Mediation Services offers confidential, child-focused help from an accredited mediator. Please remember that we offer mediation services, not legal advice. We suggest you get legal advice if needed.
Consent Order – Child Arrangements: Frequently Asked Questions
A consent order – child arrangements is a court order that makes agreed child arrangements legally binding. Parents apply together after reaching agreement. Your mediator will help you agree the terms and provisions you want written in your consent order.
A consent order gives legal certainty and allows the court to enforce child arrangements if problems arise later. You can also use the consent order to prevent removal of a child from you during your agreed care time.
No, you just need to post it to the court rather than attend in person. The court usually approves a consent order without a hearing. This happens when both parents agree and the plans meet the children’s needs.
No MIAM is required when applying for a consent order. Family mediation can help parents reach that agreement.
Yes. A consent order template or written parenting plan can be used, as long as it clearly sets out the agreed child arrangements.
Yes, it is important that you submit the consent order in a specific template. We have provided you a free template here.
Yes. Once approved by a judge, a consent order becomes legally binding and enforceable by the family court.
No, they cannot draft it for you. They can help you to write down the parenting proposals, such as care times, that you would then insert into your consent order.