In Scotland, the equivalent of the C100 form used in England and Wales is known as the “Form F9 – Application for an order relating to parental responsibilities and rights.” This form is used to initiate court proceedings concerning parental responsibilities and rights (PRRs) in Scotland, often involving a family court decision.

Purpose of Form F9

Parental Responsibilities and Rights (PRRs): The primary purpose of Form F9 is to address matters related to parental responsibilities and rights, which encompass various aspects of a child’s upbringing, including their care, welfare, and decision-making.

Child Arrangements – c100 Form

Similar to the C100 form, Form F9 may be used to apply for orders regarding child arrangements, such as residence (where the child lives) and contact (time spent with non-resident parents or other parties).

Specific Issues

The form can also be used to seek specific orders on issues such as schooling, healthcare, or religious upbringing if parents cannot agree on these matters and require a court to make a decision.

Parental Rights and Responsibilities: In cases where a parent seeks to establish or dispute parental responsibilities and rights, Form F9 provides a framework for making such applications in a family court setting.

Key Components of Form F9

Parties Involved: Similar to the C100 form, Form F9 requires information about the applicant(s) and any other parties involved in the proceedings, including the child(ren) concerned, for family court considerations.

Nature of Application: The form includes sections specifying the type of order being sought, whether it relates to child arrangements, specific issues, or parental responsibilities and rights.

Details of the Child(ren): Applicants must provide comprehensive information about the child(ren) who is the subject of the application, including their names, dates of birth, and current living arrangements.

Grounds for Application: Applicants are typically required to outline the grounds for their application, including any concerns or issues that have prompted them to seek court intervention.

Proposed Orders: The form includes sections where applicants can outline the specific orders they are seeking from the court, along with any supporting arguments or evidence.

What is the difference between a C1 and C100 form for child arrangement? Act 1989

A C1 form is not acceptable for Child Arrangements Order, Specific Issue Order, or Prohibited Steps Order applications. This is exclusively achievable via a C100 form. The C1 form is utilised for various Children Act 1989 applications, including those requesting a Parental Responsibility Order.

Who is required to complete a C100 form? Applying to Court

You have the option of completing the C100 form on your own or having your solicitor, if available, do so on your behalf. Although a solicitor is not required to complete the form, their assistance may be of assistance to you in completing the form. It is advisable to consult with independent legal counsel before completing the form, given the frequently complex nature of these matters.

Submitting Form F9 and Court Process 

Once Form F9 is completed, it must be lodged with the relevant court along with any supporting documents or evidence for court order considerations. The court will then consider the application and may schedule a hearing to hear from both parties and make a decision based on the best interests of the child.

During the court process, parties will have the opportunity to present their case, provide evidence, and respond to the arguments made by the other party. The court will ultimately make a decision based on what it deems to be in the best interests of the child.

Conclusion

In Scotland, Form F9 serves a similar function to the C100 form used in England and Wales, providing a structured framework for making applications concerning parental responsibilities and rights. Understanding the purpose and process of Form F9 is essential for anyone navigating family law matters in Scotland and seeking to ensure the welfare and best interests of children are prioritised within legal proceedings.