Child Arrangements Solicitors
“Amazing service from start to finish. Jennifer was brilliant, always kept me up to date with things I needed to know. Went above and beyond to help.”
Family Solicitors for Child Arrangements
Our Child Arrangements Solicitors understand that after making the difficult decision to separate or divorce, resolving issues surrounding child arrangements are at the forefront of any parent’s mind. You may have come by information about a Child Arrangements Order, which can certainly work, however, we recommend that you first seek some expert advice.
We will work with you to ensure that the interests of any child are placed first, and to help minimise the effects that separation can have on your children. Your dedicated Family Lawyer will explore Alternative Dispute Resolution (negotiations) on child arrangements to achieve an agreement.
As part of these negotiations, our Child Arrangements Solicitors will aim to achieve:
- Where your children will live
- Who your children have contact with
- Where the contact should take place
- How often and how long for
- Whether there is to be any supervision during contact
- Agreements on child maintenance and other costs
- Whether either parent can relocate, including overseas
- Changes to names, schools, and influence on religious views
We will always try to settle your dispute through mediation or alternative dispute resolution where appropriate, as this saves time and money, and promotes a healthier relationship with your ex-partner for the future. However, we understand from experience that an agreement cannot always be made through these methods, therefore you may want to consider Court proceedings.
Child Arrangements Order
If you decide that Court Proceedings is the next step, our Child Arrangements Solicitors can apply under the Children Act 1989, for a Judge to make one or more of the following:
- Child Arrangements Order
- Prohibited Steps Order
- Specific Issue Order
The specific details within a child arrangements order will always depend on your individual circumstances. With 30 years of experience and knowledge, you can count on us to work towards the best possible outcome for you and your children. Additionally, we are accredited under the Law Society’s Children Law scheme, which means we know perfectly well how to support you and your children throughout any issues.
As well as the advice from our Child Arrangements Solicitors, you may also find the following websites useful:
FAQ’s
What is a Child Arrangement Order?
A child arrangements order is a Court Order which sets out who your children will live with, spend time with or have any contact with. These often include supervised contact, overnight stays, and indirect contact.
They are most commonly issued to the biological parents of a child when those parents separate or divorce and cannot come to an agreement on child arrangements themselves.
How long does a Child Arrangement Order last?
Unless the Court orders otherwise, a child arrangement order can last until the child comes to the age of 16 or 18 in some circumstances.
What is a Prohibited Steps Order?
A Prohibited Steps Order is primarily applied to prevent either of the parents from relocating with the child to another location or country.
They can also prevent:
- Doing certain activities
- Changing the child’s name
- Making decisions on risky medical treatments
- Contact with another person (your ex-partners new partner)
What is a Specific Issue Order?
A Specific Issue Order looks into how any children are to be brought up, for example, if they are educated in a religious school.
They can also include:
- Whether the child should change their name
- Whether a child should receive certain medical treatments such as vaccines
- Whether a child should have any religious education
- Decisions on where the child should attend school
- Permission to take the child abroad
- Preventing contact with another person
What is the difference between a Prohibited Steps Order and a Specific Issue Order?
A specific issue order determines what a parent can do, and a prohibited steps order prevents a parent from taking steps in relation to the child.
FAQ’s
What is a Child Arrangement Order?
A child arrangements order is a Court Order which sets out who your children will live with, spend time with or have any contact with. These often include supervised contact, overnight stays, and indirect contact.
They are most commonly issued to the biological parents of a child when those parents separate or divorce and cannot come to an agreement on child arrangements themselves.
How long does a Child Arrangement Order last?
Unless the Court orders otherwise, a child arrangement order can last until the child comes to the age of 16 or 18 in some circumstances.
What is a Prohibited Steps Order?
A Prohibited Steps Order is primarily applied to prevent either of the parents from relocating with the child to another location or country.
They can also prevent:
- Doing certain activities
- Changing the child’s name
- Making decisions on risky medical treatments
- Contact with another person (your ex-partners new partner)
What is a Specific Issue Order?
A Specific Issue Order looks into how any children are to be brought up, for example, if they are educated in a religious school.
They can also include:
- Whether the child should change their name
- Whether a child should receive certain medical treatments such as vaccines
- Whether a child should have any religious education
- Decisions on where the child should attend school
- Permission to take the child abroad
- Preventing contact with another person
What is the difference between a Prohibited Steps Order and a Specific Issue Order?
A specific issue order determines what a parent can do, and a prohibited steps order prevents a parent from taking steps in relation to the child.
