Child Arrangements Solicitors
Where your children live and who they spend time with — decisions that affect everything.
Whether you are separating, responding to an application, or dealing with an existing arrangement that is breaking down — a specialist family solicitor will tell you exactly where you stand and what the court is likely to order. Children Act proceedings put the child's welfare first. Knowing how that applies to your case is essential.
Understanding the Process
Child arrangements — the legal framework and your options.
Courts always consider the child's welfare as the paramount concern. Understanding how that principle is applied — and how to present your case — makes a significant difference to the outcome.
Child Arrangements Orders
A Child Arrangements Order (CAO) sets out where a child lives ("lives with") and the time they spend with the other parent ("spends time with"). Courts prefer arrangements that maintain both parental relationships — but where there are welfare concerns, safety will take priority over contact. A solicitor can advise on what a realistic order looks like for your situation.
MIAM — mediation first
Before applying to court, you are required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to explore whether the matter can be resolved without proceedings. Exemptions exist for domestic abuse, urgency, and other specified circumstances. A solicitor will advise on whether you qualify for an exemption and what to expect at the MIAM if you attend.
CAFCASS involvement
The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) safeguards the interests of children in family court proceedings. A CAFCASS officer will speak to the child (where age-appropriate), speak to both parents, and make recommendations to the court. Preparation for the CAFCASS call — and understanding how to respond to their report — is one of the most important parts of Children Act proceedings.
Parental responsibility
Parental responsibility (PR) gives a parent the right to be involved in major decisions about a child's life — education, medical treatment, religion, and international travel. Mothers automatically have PR; married fathers have it from birth; unmarried fathers acquire it by being on the birth certificate (post-2003) or by agreement or court order. Where PR is in dispute, a solicitor can advise on the options.
Prohibited steps and specific issue orders
A Prohibited Steps Order prevents a parent from taking a specific action — such as removing the child from the country, changing their school, or stopping contact. A Specific Issue Order resolves a dispute about a particular decision. Both can be applied for urgently where there is an immediate risk. In genuinely urgent cases, the court can make an order without notice to the other party.
Enforcement and variation
Where an existing Child Arrangements Order is being breached — contact withheld, child not returned — enforcement proceedings are available. Where circumstances have changed significantly — a parent relocating, a child's wishes changing with age — a variation application can update the order. A solicitor can advise on which application is appropriate and what evidence is needed.