Form C2 — Children Act Within-Proceedings Application 2026 Guide

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The main proceedings are under way — or an order already exists. Something has changed, or someone needs to be heard who is not yet a party. C2 is the within-proceedings application.

Common C2 uses

  • Variation of an existing Child Arrangements Order
  • Application by a grandparent for leave to apply for contact
  • Step-parent seeking permission to apply for Parental Responsibility
  • Application for leave following a s.91(14) barring order
  • Joining a third party as a respondent (new partner, grandparent, Local Authority)
  • Application for enforcement or variation of interim orders

Grandparents — the leave threshold

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Grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact. They must apply for leave under s.10(9) CA 1989. The court considers:

  • Nature of the application
  • Applicant’s connection to the child
  • Any risk of the application disrupting the child’s life
  • Wishes of those with Parental Responsibility

Well-framed applications usually succeed. Badly framed ones do not.

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Section 91(14) — the barring order

Where the court bars further applications without leave (often where repeat applications are disruptive or harassing). C2 is the route back in — must show:

  • Change of circumstances since the barring order
  • Genuine merit in the proposed application
  • Proportionality — the child’s welfare justifies re-opening

Structure — the Litigant Standard

  1. The order or direction sought — precise wording
  2. The grounds — short, child-focused, anchored to facts
  3. Supporting witness statement (usually required)
  4. Any evidence — letters, school reports, medical records

Variation applications

Where an existing CAO is to be varied, show:

  • What has changed since the order was made
  • How the current order is no longer serving the child’s welfare
  • What alternative arrangement is proposed
  • Why it is in the child’s interests

Can Chris draft C2?

Yes. Tell Chris the proceedings, the order sought, and the change of circumstances. Chris drafts C2, a supporting witness statement with statement of truth, and a position statement for the directions hearing. £30 per application. Pro £88 where multiple C2s are anticipated.

Prepare to win. Plan not to fail.

Within-proceedings applications are where cases are quietly won or lost. Draft carefully.

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★★★★★

"Chris helped me draft the perfected grounds for appeal and the skeleton argument. All were submitted."

— Regine from Wembley

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