Child Arrangement Orders
Legally binding arrangements that set where a child lives, how they spend time, and how contact happens — always with welfare first.
What is a Child Arrangement Order?
A Child Arrangement Order is an order that regulates with whom a child is to live, spend time or otherwise have contact, and when a child is to live, spend time or otherwise have contact with any person. This replaces the previous Residence and Contact Orders which in turn replaced the terms custody and access. All Child Arrangement Orders prioritise the child's welfare above all else and are legally binding. Understandably, this is often a very emotionally strenuous process for everyone involved.
Other orders include Specific Issues and Prohibited Steps Orders. A Specific Issues Order determines certain matters regarding how a parent wishes for their children to be raised. For example, it can allow a parent to change their child's name, religion, or choose where they can go to school. Alternatively, a Prohibited Steps Order disallows parents to do certain things, such as move abroad with the child or remove the child from their nursery or school.
Mediation in Child Arrangement Orders
Child Arrangement Orders are legally binding and will usually involve going to court, which can be expensive and stressful. If possible, family mediation can help you reach an agreement by providing a mutual space to meet with a legal expert who can help you conduct a civil negotiation and provide information on the law. It is also faster, less expensive and can allow for the family to decide for themselves how the children will spend time with their parents – however, for mediation to work you and your ex-partner must both be prepared to listen and seek an arrangement that is fair.
There are certain situations in which mediation is not suitable, for example if there was domestic abuse or if the situation is urgent.
Need help with a Child Arrangement Order?
We prioritise your child's welfare while securing practical, enforceable arrangements that work for your family.