A big ‘thank you’ Richard from Steve and myself. Your time and attention you gave to both of us was remarkable. I’ve had dealings with many solicitors over the years, but have never received this level of service as you gave.
Child arrangements following separation, previously referred to as child custody, can be a lengthy, complex and often contentious process between divorcing spouses. Our family law solicitors can provide expert legal advice to ensure you get the right arrangements for your children while keeping conflict to a minimum.
At Laker Legal Solicitors, our team always aim to guide clients towards informal out-of-court approaches, such as mediation and arbitration. Child arrangements orders are often the last resort, but are sometimes the most appropriate route. Whichever path is required, our solicitors have the expertise, skill and knowledge to secure the outcome you need.
Our solicitors for child living agreements after divorce can provide a wealth of expertise in matters including:
- Voluntary child arrangement agreement
- Applying to court for a child arrangements order
- Prohibited steps orders
- Specific issue orders
In addition to assisting with child arrangements orders, we also have vast experience in enforcing child arrangements orders that have been breached. Our solicitors can also help you apply to the court to vary a child arrangements order should it be outdated to your current circumstances.
At Laker Legal Solicitors, our team of specialists have dealt with a wide range of child arrangement cases from the County Court through to the High Court. Our expert solicitors can guide you in whatever situation you are facing.
Our family team includes members of the Family Accreditation scheme and Resolution. All team members undertake robust professional development on a continuing basis.
Contact our Specialist Child Arrangements Order Solicitors
If you require child arrangements order legal advice, please get in touch with our team. Our head office is located in Lancaster, but we also have offices in Bath, Kings Hill, Maidstone Preston and York for your convenience.
Simply complete our online contact form to request a call back. Our child arrangements order solicitors can offer advice online via video conferencing, by phone or at one of our offices.
Our Child Arrangements Order Expertise
Voluntary Child Arrangement Agreement
It is possible to find an amicable agreement without the assistance of the court through methods of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), such as mediation and arbitration.
Our team are acknowledged experts and will provide clear, realistic advice about what can be achieved. With our assistance, we will navigate you through the process of negotiation with your ex-partner.
Applying to Court for a Child Arrangements Order
Should you be unable to make an amicable arrangement with your ex-partner, it may be necessary to apply to the court for a legally binding child arrangements order. You might be familiar with this under the name ‘child custody arrangements’, although this term is not used officially.
Our specialist solicitors for child arrangements orders have handled a wide range of matters for clients from all circumstances. We can provide tailored legal advice, no matter whether you have a complicated case or whether you just want to spend more time with your child or children.
Prohibited Steps Orders
A prohibited steps order (PSO) is an order made by the court to restrict or limit the scope of the parental responsibility a parent has over their child.
A PSO can prevent actions including:
- Taking a child abroad
- Relocating a child
- Moving the child from their school or nursery
- Changing a child’s name
- Having contact with specific individuals
Specific Issue Orders
There may be some instances where parents are unable to agree on certain issues. To overcome such problems, a specific issue order application can be made to the Family Court for a solution to be determined.
A specific issue order can be used to resolve matters including but not limited to:
- Where a child will go to nursery or school
- Whether a child’s name can be changed
- Whether a child can relocate abroad
- Whether a child can receive specific medical treatment
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Arrangements Orders
A child arrangements order is a legally binding order set by the court that dictates where a child will primarily reside, who they will spend time with and the type of contact they will have. The order itself is governed by section 8 of the Children Act 1989.
There may also be other issues, such as indirect contact, supervised or non-supervised contact, holiday time and contact on special occasions, which should also be considered upon making an application for a child arrangements order. These issues were sometimes previously referred to as ‘custody arrangements for children’.
In most instances, the court will require the involved parties to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before applying to the court.
If you have attempted to acquire a voluntary child arrangement agreement through methods of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) but have been unsuccessful in reaching mutual grounds with your child’s other parent, it may be necessary to seek the guidance of the court.
Once a child arrangements order application has been submitted to the court, a ‘directions hearing’ will be arranged. During the hearing, the judge will listen to the facts of the case and encourage the parties to find an amicable solution. Should one be found, the judge will issue a consent order, which makes the arrangements legally binding.
Should no outcome be found, the court will again encourage mediation. If a voluntary arrangement still cannot be found, the court will determine the final outcome, and the decision is then out of the hands of the parties. In some cases, they may request a report from the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass).
How long it will take to file a child arrangements order completely depends on the circumstances of your particular case. However, a typical child arrangements order can take between six to 12 months to finalise.
A child arrangement court order will be legally binding until the child reaches 16 years of age. However, the court order may specify a different end date.
Contact our Specialist Child Arrangements Order Solicitors
If you require a child arrangements order or specialist child arrangements legal advise, please get in touch with our team. Our head office is located in Lancaster, but we also have offices in Bath, Kings Hill, Maidstone, Preston and York for your convenience.
Simply complete our online contact form to request a call back. Our child arrangements order solicitors can offer advice online via video conferencing, by phone or face to face at one of our offices.
