How Long Does a C79 Take? A Guide by Your McKenzie Friend

If you have a child arrangements order (for example, to ensure contact with your child) and the other parent is not complying, you may need to enforce it using Form C79. Many parents facing this situation ask, “how long does a C79 take?” This article will guide you through the process and explain how a McKenzie Friend can support you every step of the way.

First things first – Take Action Today

If the other parent is not respecting your court order, don’t delay taking action. Now that you know how long does a C79 take, you can make an informed decision about your next steps.

Do you need help preparing your Form C79 application? As a McKenzie Friend, I can assist you in getting everything ready quickly—within 48 hours if necessary.

Get in touch today to protect your rights as a parent!

When Should You Use Form C79?

You should consider applying for enforcement through Form C79 when:

• The other parent denies you court-ordered contact with your child.
• Your child’s pick-up or drop-off times and locations are frequently changed without your agreement.
• The other parent repeatedly breaches the court order, making it impossible for you to maintain your agreed child arrangements.

A McKenzie Friend can help you determine whether Form C79 is the right approach in your situation and ensure your application is as strong as possible.

How Long Does a C79 Take?

The processing time for Form C79 can vary depending on the court’s workload and the complexity of your case. However, in general:

1. Submission & Acknowledgment: Once you submit Form C79, the court typically acknowledges it within 7 to 14 days.
2. Court Review & Hearing Date: If the court decides to proceed, a hearing date is usually set within 6 to 8 weeks.
3. Final Decision: The outcome depends on whether the breach is proven. In straightforward cases, the court may issue an order for compliance within a few weeks.

If you’re wondering, “how long does a C79 take?”—expect the entire process to take around 2 to 3 months in most cases. However, delays can occur, especially if additional evidence is needed.

What Happens After Submitting Form C79?

After filing Form C79, the court will:

1. Assess Your Case – The court will examine whether the other parent has breached the child arrangements order.
2. Issue Directions – If the court finds a breach, they may issue recommendations or warnings.
3. Enforce the Order – In serious cases, courts can impose sanctions, such as community service, fines, or even imprisonment for repeated violations.

A McKenzie Friend can help you present a clear and compelling case, ensuring your evidence is well-organized and effectively presented to the court.

Can You Avoid Court Fees?

Applying for Form C79 costs £232, but you may be eligible for a fee waiver if you receive certain benefits. To apply for a waiver, you must submit Form EX160 alongside your C79 application.

A McKenzie Friend can assist you in completing Form EX160 correctly to increase your chances of securing a fee exemption.

Learn more about fee waivers on the official UK Government Court Fee Waiver Guide.

How a McKenzie Friend Can Help You

As a McKenzie Friend, I can support you throughout the Form C79 process by:

• Helping you prepare Form C79 with all necessary details.
• Assisting with Form EX160 if you need a fee waiver.
• Ensuring your supporting evidence is strong and well-structured.
• Guiding you on what to expect at the hearing and how to present your case effectively.
• Offering emotional and procedural support so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

For additional guidance on enforcing child arrangement orders, visit CAFCASS: Child Arrangement Order Enforcement.