Urgent Court Applications in Children Proceedings
Children Proceedings Emergency Application To Court
We provide calm, expert guidance when urgent court action is needed to protect your children and secure their safe return. Ideal for parents who need fast, protective action for their child without unnecessary conflict.
Urgent Children Matters
We are experts in urgent court applications when a child has been taken or not returned after contact. We act quickly, explain each step in plain English and keep the focus on your child’s safety.
Fixed Fees Options
Fixed fee for preparation of application and consultations relating to the application from - £1,500 (court fee payable separately to the court).
Urgent Child Return & Contact Issues
You may need an emergency application if, for example:
• Your child has not been returned after an agreed contact visit
• Your child has been taken or kept without your consent
• There is a real risk of abduction
• There are serious concerns about abuse or neglect
If any of these apply, call us immediately for advice on the best urgent steps to take.
Family Law Emergency Orders are designed to protect children from immediate risk of harm. If you are concerned for your child’s safety, contact us as soon as possible so we can advise whether an urgent application should be made and which orders may be available to you.
An emergency application can be made and, if the Court agrees there are safeguarding risks, it can make urgent interim Orders before the usual Court process takes place. Orders can be made without notice (when the other side are not told about the first hearing). The Court will then list a review hearing where the other side can respond and challenge the application.
An emergency application can mean you need to attend Court on the same day you issue the application, and the Court may make an Order that day.
It is important to understand that the Court may have a different view from you about what is “urgent”. These applications should involve safeguarding concerns about a child such as, but not limited to:
• the child having suffered or being at risk of abuse (including physical or sexual abuse)
• neglect
• risk of abduction
• a child not being returned after contact.
If the other parent has simply stopped contact, the Court may not treat this as an emergency. In those cases, the usual process should be followed, including a referral to mediation.
The Process for Urgent Child Applications
Immediate Consultation
Acting without delay is critical. We provide an initial consultation to understand your situation, assess whether an emergency application is appropriate and explain your options in clear, simple terms.
Application Drafting
We prepare the necessary court forms (such as C100 and, where needed, C1A) and set out your safeguarding concerns so the Court understands why urgent action is needed.
Court Submission
We submit your application to the Court, advise you about fees and any ‘Help with Fees’ options, and guide you through what to expect at the hearing and afterwards.
Making an Application
You or your legal representative will usually need to complete a C100 and, in some cases, a C1A form. These forms allow you to give short details of your concerns and explain to the Court why you believe the matter is urgent. You will normally have an opportunity later to provide a full statement.
You or your legal representative should also consider the Court fee (currently £255) and whether you may be entitled to fee remission (a reduction or exemption). The ‘Help with Fees’ form and guidance notes explain this.
The application may need to be issued at Court in person or filed by email. If you are not represented, it is best to contact the Court to check the correct process.
If an Order is made, you or your legal representative will need to arrange for the Court documents and Order to be served on the Respondent. If the Order is made without notice, it is not in force until the Respondent knows about it.
You will need to attend any future Court hearings and comply with any directions the Court makes. An emergency Order is an interim Order only and is not final. The Court will continue to deal with the case under the usual procedure.
Contact us today to discuss your situation and to find out whether an emergency application is appropriate in your case.