Child Arrangement Orders.
If you need to establish, vary, or enforce a Child Arrangement Order regarding where your child lives or spends time, we provide clear legal advice to help you secure a legally binding resolution.
Our specialist Child Arrangement Order Solicitors understand that when plans for your children become uncertain, it can affect almost every part of family life.
Questions about where your child will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and how important routines will be protected can feel deeply unsettling, particularly when communication has become difficult or trust has broken down.
At Lanyon Bowdler, our specialist Child Arrangement Order Solicitors understand how sensitive these issues are. We know that parents come to us wanting clear legal advice, but also reassurance that their child’s welfare, stability and relationships will remain at the centre of every decision. We take the time to listen carefully, explain your options in plain English, and help you move forward in a way that is practical, constructive and focused on your child’s best interests.
A Child Arrangement Order (CAO) can provide clarity by setting out where a child will live, when they will spend time with each parent or other important family members, and how those arrangements should work day to day. Our experienced child law solicitors can advise you on whether an application is appropriate, what the court will consider, and how to approach the process with care and confidence.
Lanyon Bowdler’s family law team is recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers UK directories, and includes solicitors accredited by the Law Society for Family Law and members of Resolution, reflecting our commitment to specialist advice and a constructive approach to family disputes. Led by experienced family law specialists, including Head of Family Law Sue Hodgson, clients across Shropshire, Herefordshire, North Wales and the West Midlands trust the team for its calm, supportive and practical guidance.
Speak to Lanyon Bowdler’s family law team today for clear, confidential advice on the best way forward for you and your child.
Sue Hodgson is a specialist Family Law Solicitor, Partner and Head of Family Law at Lanyon Bowdler. She leads the firm’s highly regarded family law team, which is ranked by Chambers UK.
Sue is an accredited member of Resolution, reflecting her commitment to helping families resolve disputes in a constructive and child-focused way wherever possible. She has extensive experience advising parents and family members on complex children matters, including Child Arrangement Orders.
Her work often involves sensitive private Children Act proceedings, including high conflict arrangements, special guardianship orders and cases with an international element, such as proposed relocation with a child.
Our family law specialists help families resolve questions surrounding their children’s contact and living arrangements. We have years of experience in collaborative law and frequently help parents come to amicable agreements without the need for court action.
In practice, some of the most difficult disputes arise not from where a child should live, but from how arrangements will work from week to week. School collections, handovers, holidays, birthdays, communication and changes to a child’s routine can all become sources of disagreement. Clear arrangements which reflect the individual child’s age, needs and circumstances can therefore be just as important as deciding how their time is divided.
Children’s needs will also change as they grow older. Arrangements that work well for a young child may need to adapt as school commitments, friendships, activities and independence become more important. Keeping arrangements focused on your child’s changing needs can help avoid unnecessary conflict.
Recognised as one of the region’s leading family law firms by the 2026 edition of the Legal 500, a national guide that recommends legal practices. The guide states:
“From negotiating pre-nuptial agreements to navigating complex and sensitive child cases, the team at Lanyon Bowdler helps clients before the courts and via ADR under the direction of ‘exceptional’ Sue Hodgson, an expert in complex child-related disputes, including cases with cross-border, safeguarding, and criminal aspects.”
Testimonials
‘The family department at Lanyon Bowdler is ‘big enough to have a range of experience, but local enough to give a personal service’.
The 2026 edition of Chambers UK ranks the department in Band 2 for West Midlands and states: “It represents clients in financial matters involving trusts, pensions and overseas assets, such as divorce proceedings and prenuptial agreements, with notable expertise in cases concerning farming families. The team also supports clients in complex Children Act matters involving allegations of criminal behaviour and domestic abuse. The practice offers a range of dispute resolution options, including collaborative law services.”
Strengths
“They are well informed, objective and very supportive. There is a wider understanding of the case within the department, and the decision-making process is based on facts and objectivity.”
“I found everyone who I came into contact with excellent and very professional.”
“The lawyers are meticulous, well prepared and give robust advice. They have a wealth of experience in this area of law, and clients can be confident that they are being advised by experts.”
As a parent, you naturally want what is best for your children. At Lanyon Bowdler we understand how emotive significant decisions about them can be. Many of us are parents or grandparents ourselves and understand the feelings involved. We are here to use our skills and experience to help you through the difficulties you are facing, with a focus on achieving the best possible outcome for you and your children as swiftly and sensitively as possible.
When child arrangements are disputed, the court’s focus is not on parental preference, but on the child’s welfare. This means considering what will support the child’s safety, stability, emotional wellbeing and day-to-day routine, including school, holidays and family time.
Where court proceedings prove to be the best way of reaching a resolution, we will advise you on the court procedure, prepare the necessary paperwork, arrange witness statements and represent you effectively at hearings, supporting you throughout the process from start to finish.
We will ensure you understand how the court is likely to approach its decision, and how any safeguarding issues may be investigated, evidenced and considered. Evidence is especially important where there are concerns about risk, as the court will need clear information before deciding what arrangements are safe and appropriate.
Our solicitors can also help reduce conflict by keeping communication focused on the child and by helping you work towards practical arrangements that are clear, realistic and stable. The family law specialists at Lanyon Bowdler are recognised as industry leaders, and our team includes accredited specialists of Resolution, and members of the Law Society Family Panel.
A Child Arrangement Order (CAO) is a legally binding court order that sets out where a child will live, when they will spend time with each parent or other important family members, and how those arrangements will work in practice.
Parents often apply for a Child Arrangement Order when they separate, divorce or dissolve a civil partnership and cannot agree on arrangements for their child. The order can provide clarity on issues such as where the child will mainly live, how often they will see the other parent, how handovers will take place, and how holidays, school routines and special occasions will be managed.
The court’s main concern will always be the child’s welfare. This means the decision will be based on what is in the child’s best interests, rather than what either parent would prefer. In some cases, the court may also consider related issues through a Specific Issue Order or Prohibited Steps Order, particularly where there are concerns about schooling, relocation, medical treatment or a parent taking a particular step without agreement.
A Child Arrangement Order will usually remain in place until the child is 16, unless there are exceptional circumstances which mean it should continue until they are 18. Our child arrangement order solicitors can advise you on whether an order is needed and help you prepare your application clearly and constructively.
Parental responsibility means the legal rights, duties and responsibilities a person has in relation to a child. It allows a parent or other person with parental responsibility to be involved in important decisions about the child’s upbringing, including education, medical treatment, religion and where the child should live.
These are Court Orders to deal with specific issues including:
Common concerns include one parent missing agreed contact, uncertainty around school routines, difficult handovers, worries about a child’s safety, disputes about holidays, relocation concerns and disagreements involving grandparents or other wider family members.
In some cases, parents are broadly agreed on the importance of the child maintaining relationships, but need help turning that into a clear, practical arrangement. In others, there may be safeguarding issues, allegations of controlling behaviour, domestic abuse, substance misuse or concerns about a child being exposed to conflict. Where these issues arise, it is important that they are explained carefully and supported by appropriate evidence.
Sue Hodgson, Head of Family Law at Lanyon Bowdler, works with families on the principle that the most workable arrangements are those that focus on the child’s routine, safety and emotional security. Parents often need clear advice at an early stage, not only on what the court can order, but on what will genuinely work for their family in practice.
The welfare principle is the central consideration in any court decision about a child. This means the court’s priority is the child’s welfare, rather than what either parent wants or feels is fair.
In practice, the court will look at the child’s needs, their wishes and feelings depending on their age and understanding, the likely effect of any change, and any risk of harm. The court will also consider how capable each parent is of meeting the child’s needs and whether the proposed arrangements will provide stability.
These considerations form part of the welfare checklist under the Children Act 1989. A child’s wishes and feelings are important, but this does not mean that a child simply decides where they will live. The weight placed on their views will depend on their age and level of understanding and will be considered alongside all of the other factors affecting their welfare.
This is why a Child Arrangement Order is not simply about dividing time between parents. The court will want to understand how arrangements will work around school, childcare, holidays, transport, handovers and family routines, so that the child has as much consistency and security as possible.
Before making most applications for a Child Arrangement Order, the applicant will usually need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). A MIAM allows you to find out whether mediation or another form of non-court dispute resolution could help. You do not have to undertake mediation itself before applying to court, and exemptions from the MIAM requirement are available in certain circumstances, including some urgent cases and cases involving domestic abuse or other safeguarding concerns.
If court proceedings are necessary, an application can usually be made using Form C100. Our Child Arrangement Order Solicitors can advise you on the application, any exemptions which may apply and the information the court will need to consider.
CAFCASS stands for the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. CAFCASS officers are independent professionals who assist the court in understanding what may be in a child’s best interests.
In many Child Arrangement Order cases, CAFCASS will carry out initial safeguarding checks and may speak to the parents before the first hearing. They may highlight any concerns about risk, welfare or safeguarding, and can make recommendations to the court.
Where further assessment is required, the court may ask CAFCASS to prepare a more detailed Section 7 report about the child’s welfare and the issues in dispute. A Section 7 report is an independent welfare report prepared by CAFCASS (or sometimes the local authority) which helps the court understand the child’s wishes and feelings, their living arrangements and what outcome is considered to be in their best interests. What happens will depend on the circumstances of the individual case, and we will explain what CAFCASS involvement means for you and how to prepare for it. The court is not automatically bound by CAFCASS recommendations, but they can carry significant weight.
We believe that everyone should have access to top-class legal advice which is why we offer a number of different pricing options, including fixed-fee and staged payment arrangements so that cost is no barrier to the help you need.
The overall cost will depend on the circumstances of your case and, in particular, whether arrangements can be agreed at an early stage or whether further hearings, evidence or reports are required. There may also be a court application fee in addition to your legal costs.
We will always be transparent and upfront about our pricing structure, so contact us today for more detailed information.
Pet ownership dispute – very professional, factual and honest. Swift responses & really supportive but also keep you informed of all possibilities.
At what was a challenging time for me, I was guided calmly through a process I knew nothing of.
Staci has been fantastic in dealing with my divorce and financial matter. She was approachable and supportive throughout a personally challenging time, and her communication and clarity was always excellent. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Staci, or Lanyon Bowdler.
I found the service and advice given regarding my matter to be professional and appropriate and my matter was brought to a very swift and satisfactory conclusion. I always felt my Solicitor really had my best interests at heart, I had every confidence.
From the first contact, the team at Lanyon Bowdler gave a fast & efficient service. They were very friendly & gave me the confidence that I had found the right solicitors. The advice given & the fast responses were beyond my expectations. The matter was resolved in no time at all.
After the solicitor firm I was using for my divorce couldn’t get it settled in two years, I transferred to Lanyon Bowdler. Within seven months they got it completely finished and over with. They proactively pushed to get my case closed and were supportive throughout. Absolutely worthy to be called the best.
Lanyon Bowdler managed my case very professionally and were very helpful during a difficult and challenging case both in a professional and personal capacity. I would highly recommend Lanyon Bowdler for all legal matters and would definitely engage in the future if the need arises.
I would not hesitate to recommend LB Solicitors to anyone needing guidance and representation for family law or divorce proceedings. My solicitor was thorough and diligent, balancing professional rigour with fairness, reasonableness and sensitivity. I feel this approach helped me to obtain a satisfactory settlement avoiding costly and unnecessary conflict.
Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.
I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.
All work carried out effectively and efficiently.
An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.
From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.
Used Lanyon Bowdler for conveyancing and for legal advice – both solicitors I worked with were effective and professional. Law firm was fast and responsive to queries and clear pricing.
Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.
Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.
I was impressed with the forensic approach to identifying, securing, assessing and presenting evidence over the two years that it took to finally resolve the issue.
I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.
Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.
Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.
Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.
Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.
Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.
We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.
Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice
Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.
Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.
Everything has been dealt with very efficiently in a very kind and professional manner.
Once an application has been made, the court will usually arrange a first hearing, often called a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA). Before this hearing, CAFCASS will usually undertake initial safeguarding enquiries. At the hearing, the court will consider the issues in dispute, any safeguarding information available and whether agreement can be reached safely.
If it is again not possible to reach an agreement at this stage then further hearings will be scheduled and we will help you with the following to be considered by the court:
• Preparing evidence
• Calling witnesses
• Gathering witness statements
The court may also involve an independent advisor from the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) to consider the best interests of your child and make recommendations to the court, to aid their decision.
In the final hearing, the court will examine all of the evidence presented to them and will come to a final decision, which will then be clearly stated in the legally binding Child Arrangement Order.
Factors that they will consider include:
• The child’s wishes and feelings.
• The emotional, educational and physical wellbeing of the child.
• The child’s safety and welfare.
• How able each parent or guardian is to meet the child’s needs.
• The impact of the Child Arrangement Order on the child, particularly if it will bring around a significant change from their current arrangements.
By choosing Lanyon Bowdler, you can rest assured that you have the best legal expertise no matter what the situation. Our family law solicitors and child custody lawyers are experienced in all areas of family law and we are committed to providing exceptional levels of client care. We always act with the utmost discretion and you will be treated with sensitivity and understanding, as we work closely with you to find the best outcome for everyone involved.
We have offices in Shrewsbury, Bromyard, Conwy, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry, and Telford, regularly acting on behalf of clients across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales and throughout the Midlands. As a dedicated law firm in Wales, we are the ideal choice for Child Arrangement Order Solicitors in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Worcester.
As a leading full-service law firm however, we can represent you wherever you live in England or Wales, so don’t hesitate to contact us.
Blog
Blog
Blog
Blog
Podcast
Parental Responsibility in Family Law – Staci Robinson
Blog
"*" indicates required fields
Back
