Child Arrangement Order Solicitors

Whether you are married or not, our specialist child arrangement order solicitors can offer professional advice if you have concerns about the arrangements for your children following separation or divorce and are not able to reach decisions yourselves.

Our specialist child arrangement order solicitors can advise on how often you or your former partner see your children, with whom your children will live, preventing one parent from making decisions alone and without the other parent’s consent, and making decisions for your child if you as parents are unable to reach a satisfactory agreement between yourselves.

Whatever your concerns regarding your children, our specialist team of child arrangement order solicitors will guide you through the process so you can resolve matters by agreement in a proactive and constructive manner. Our compassionate children law solicitors will always try to help you settle your dispute through mediation or negotiation if appropriate – as this is often quicker and less stressful for you and can promote a good working relationship with your ex-partner for the future. However, if such approaches prove unproductive, we will guide you through the court processes to achieve the best possible outcome for your children. We know they are your focus.

What orders can be made?

The court can make three orders in proceedings which concern children. These are:

• Child arrangements orders
• Prohibited steps orders
• Specific issue orders

What is a child arrangements order?

Child arrangements orders were previously referred to as ‘child custody’ or ‘child access’ orders. They have also been referred to as ‘residence’ and ‘contact’ orders in the past.

The terminology that the court now uses is Child Arrangements Orders, which can set out:

• where the child lives, which are called ‘live with orders’, and
• the time they spend with the other parent, which are called ‘spend time with’ orders.

The court can make orders which set out that the child lives with one parent and spends time with the other or can make orders which set out that the child lives with both parents to put the parents on an equal footing.

What is a prohibited steps order?

A prohibited steps order is a preventative order which prohibits a parent from exercising their parental responsibility without the other parent’s consent.

They can be used to prevent a parent from moving a child’s residence, taking a child on holiday or changing their schools without the other parent’s consent.

What is a specific issue order?

A specific issue determines matters that the parents cannot agree themselves.

They can be used to determine which school a child should attend, whether they are able to move the child’s address within England and Wales or overseas, whether the child can be taken on holiday, whether a child should receive medical treatment, and which surname a child should have.

Our child arrangements experience

We understand that navigating issues concerning your children can be confusing following a relationship breakdown. Our team of specialist child lawyers will guide you through the process as swiftly and cost effectively as possible.

We can help at any stage, whether that be in reaching an agreement, or in court proceedings and will help you to find the right solution in your case by offering specialised, empathetic, and professional advice which is tailored to you.

Our specialist team of child arrangements orders solicitors have extensive experience in children law. Several of our team are accredited Resolution Specialists in matters which relate to children and are members of the Law Society’s Children’s Panel. Our team has been ranked consistently for many years as the best solicitors in the region for children and family law, in both The Legal 500 and Chambers.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a solicitor for child arrangements order?

Not necessarily, no. You can make an application to the court yourself and represent yourself in the proceedings. However, due to the complex nature of family law orders and the associated forms and procedures, using a solicitor is advised. Stephens Scown’s children solicitors can support you throughout the process or just when you need us.

Is a child arrangements order legally binding?

Yes, any child arrangement order which is made by the court is legally binding and enforceable if it is not complied with.

How long does a child arrangements order last?

A child arrangements order will last until a child reaches 16. There are some exceptional cases where this time can be extended until the child is 18.

How much does a child arrangements order cost?

An application to the court for a child arrangements order would cost £255.00. If a solicitor was also used, their time would be calculated depending on the work that they carry out for you and would depend on their hourly rate.