What Is Form C8? When and How to Use It to Keep Your Address Private

If you are going through family court proceedings and you are worried about your ex finding out where you live, Form C8 exists to protect you. This guide explains what it is, who should use it, how to fill it in, and where to send it — all in plain English.

What is Form C8?

Form C8 is an official court form called a "Confidential contact details" form. It lets you give your address and contact details to the court without them being shared with anyone else in the case — including your ex.

When you file Form C8, the court keeps your details in a sealed section of your file. Your address will not appear on any documents that your ex or their solicitor can see.

You will sometimes hear this called a "confidentiality form" or "address protection form." It is all the same thing.

Why it matters

In family court proceedings, your address would normally appear on court documents. If you have left an abusive relationship, are in hiding, or are worried about harassment, having your address on court paperwork could put you or your children in danger.

Form C8 stops that from happening. It creates a wall between your contact details and the rest of the court file.

This is not just for people who have experienced physical violence. You should consider Form C8 if:

• You have experienced any form of domestic abuse (emotional, financial, coercive control, physical)
• Your ex has harassed or stalked you
• You are afraid of what your ex might do if they find out where you live
• You have moved to a refuge or safe accommodation
• You have a non-molestation order or restraining order in place
• You simply feel unsafe

You do not need to justify yourself extensively. If you are worried, file it.

What happens

When you file Form C8, this is the process:

1. You fill in the form

The form asks for your full name, your address, phone number, and email. It also asks you to explain why you want your details kept confidential. You do not need to write an essay — a few clear sentences about why you feel at risk are enough.

2. You send it to the court

You send Form C8 to the court separately from your other documents. It should be clearly marked as confidential. The court will store it separately from the main case file.

3. The court protects your details

From that point on, any court documents that go to the other party will show "address withheld" or similar wording instead of your actual address. The court and Cafcass can still see your details (they need them to contact you), but nobody else in the case can.

4. It stays in place

The confidentiality protection stays in place for the duration of the proceedings. You do not need to renew it.

What you need to do

Here is your practical checklist:

• Download Form C8 from GOV.UK or ask the court office for a copy
• Fill it in clearly — use block capitals if handwriting, or type it
• Explain your reasons — be honest and specific. For example: "I left the family home due to domestic abuse and I am now in a refuge. I believe disclosing my address would put me and my children at risk."
• File it before or at the same time as your first court application — if you file other forms first, your address might end up on those documents
• Send it to the right court — this is important. If your case involves children proceedings, Form C8 goes to the Central Family Court (if in London) or your regional Family Court. It does NOT go to the Harlow admin centre that handles divorce applications
• Keep a copy for your own records
• Tell the court if you move address during proceedings — file an updated Form C8

If you are also filing other forms (like Form A for financial remedy or Form C100 for children), check each form carefully. Some forms have a tick box asking if you are filing a Form C8. Make sure you tick it so the court knows not to put your address on other documents.

What could go wrong

These are the most common mistakes people make with Form C8:

• Filing it too late. If you file your divorce application or children application first without Form C8, your address may already be on those documents. File Form C8 at the same time or before other forms.
• Sending it to the wrong court. Divorce applications go to the central processing centre, but Form C8 for children proceedings goes to the court handling your case. Double-check where your case is being heard.
• Not telling everyone involved. If you have a solicitor, McKenzie friend, or support worker, make sure they know about the Form C8 so they do not accidentally include your address on any documents they prepare.
• Forgetting to update it. If you move, file a new Form C8 with your updated address. The court needs to be able to contact you.
• Putting your address on other forms. When you file Form C8, you should write "address withheld — Form C8 filed" on all other court documents where it asks for your address.

If your address is accidentally disclosed — for example, it appears on a document sent to your ex — contact the court immediately. Ask to speak to a manager or duty clerk. Put your concerns in writing the same day and send it to the court by email or fax (courts still use fax). If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

Where to get help

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline — 0808 2000 247 (free, 24 hours, run by Refuge)
• Women's Aid live chat — available at womensaid.org.uk
• Men's Advice Line — 0808 8010 327 (for male victims of domestic abuse)
• Citizens Advice — citizensadvice.org.uk or call 0800 144 8848
• Your local court — call and ask to speak to the family court clerk
• An IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Adviser) — ask your GP, the police, or call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline for a referral

Official sources

• Form C8 — GOV.UK
• Get help with child arrangements — GOV.UK
• Family Procedure Rules 2010, Rule 29.1 — Legislation.gov.uk
• Find your local family court — GOV.UK
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline