Child Law Solicitors.

Our friendly and approachable team offers specialist advice on all areas of child and family law, providing a first-class and professional service. You will have the full focus of a highly accomplished lawyer who will be on hand throughout to offer reassurance and support during what can be a stressful time.

Lanyon Bowdler’s expertise is recognised throughout the industry and is recommended in the 2025 edition of the Legal 500, an independent, national guide to recommended law firms. The directory states: ‘Lanyon Bowdler has a strong reputation for dealing with numerous complex matters involving financial remedies, children and divorce. The financial cases often involve business structures, trusts and other multi-jurisdictional assets. Children work includes advising on relocation, domestic violence and significant welfare cases.’

The 2024 edition of Chambers UK states; ‘Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors is a well-regarded firm. Its group 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 

“All of the lawyers were exceptionally professional and friendly. They demonstrated a wealth of knowledge in their fields through sound guidance which was also mixed with real-world experience.”

“They work collaboratively with counsel to move things forward in the most productive way.”

Lanyon Bowdler is proud to be part of the Armed Forces Covenant, recognising the incredible work of current and ex-military personnel by ensuring that they have access to the very best specialist, legal advice and justice.

We understand the unique issues that many members and veterans of the armed forces face, which is why we have signed up to the Operations Group in Shropshire and Herefordshire to provide any legal support and practical advice that they and their families may need.

Working in partnership with Shropshire Council and many other agencies including Help for Heroes, Royal British Legion, Veterans UK, local military regiments and West Mercia Police, we attend the hub set up in Shrewsbury town centre every month, so that veterans are able to access first-rate legal advice whenever they need it.

The prospect of having to fight for the right to be with your child or children can be somewhat overwhelming, but ensuring you have a skilled Child Custody lawyer on your side can make all the difference. Child Custody Solicitors are family lawyers who have gained extensive experience in child arrangement and child custody cases.

In many situations, by working together with a child’s best interests in mind, parents can successfully negotiate an agreeable custody agreement without needing to go to court. Unfortunately, there are instances where one parent’s idea of what’s best for the children differs significantly from the other’s and no form of agreement can be reached.

If you can sit down with your child’s other parent and agree on the details of physical and legal custody, visitation, and child support, then it’s unlikely that you’ll require the services of a lawyer. If you can’t, you might need a family lawyer, a mediator, or even both.

If you and the other parent are unable to reach an agreement, we will help you explore your next steps calmly and constructively. Mediation is often the first recommended option—a neutral setting where both parties can work towards a solution with the support of a trained mediator.

If mediation isn’t suitable or does not lead to resolution, we’ll advise you on the process of making a court application. Our goal is always to help you make informed choices that prioritise your child’s wellbeing, and to guide you through whichever legal route is right for your circumstances.

The court process begins by submitting an application outlining the type of order you’re seeking, along with a court fee. Once accepted, the application is sent to the other parent, and a hearing date is set.

Before the first hearing, Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) will conduct safeguarding checks. This initial hearing, called a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA), is designed to explore early agreement with the help of a judge and Cafcass officer.

If no agreement is reached, the court may request further information—such as written statements, home visits, or expert assessments—to better understand what arrangement is in the child’s best interests. In urgent cases, emergency applications can be made, and the court will respond accordingly.

Should the matter remain unresolved, the court will hold a final hearing where both parties can present evidence. A judge will then make a binding decision. Throughout, our solicitors will guide and support you every step of the way, ensuring your voice is heard and your child’s welfare is central to the process.

At Lanyon Bowdler, we have a transparent approach to costs so there are never any surprises. We offer fixed fees and staged payment options in addition to the traditional hourly charging rate. You can tailor your payment plan to suit your personal circumstances.

Children’s views can be taken into account by the court, particularly as they get older and more mature. However, there is no set age at which a child can choose where they want to live. The court will consider their wishes and feelings alongside a number of other factors, including their welfare, safety, and emotional needs. In many cases, a CAFCASS officer (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) will speak with the child and report their views to the court.

Yes. If both parents share parental responsibility, or if there is a Child Arrangements Order in place, you will usually need the other parent’s written consent to take a child abroad—even for a short holiday. Travelling without consent may be considered child abduction. We can help you obtain the appropriate permissions, or apply to the court if agreement cannot be reached.

Changing a child’s surname is not something that can be done unilaterally if both parents have parental responsibility. You must either gain the written consent of everyone with parental responsibility or apply to the court for permission. The court will consider whether the change is in the child’s best interests, taking into account factors such as emotional connection to the name, family relationships, and potential confusion.

Yes. If you and your ex-partner have agreed how you will care for your children, it is possible to formalise this agreement through a Consent Order. This is a legal document approved by the court, which gives your agreed arrangements the same legal standing as if a judge had decided them. This can provide reassurance and prevent future disputes. Our solicitors can draft and submit a Consent Order on your behalf to ensure everything is handled correctly.

Fathers who were not married to the mother and are not named on the birth certificate do not automatically have parental responsibility. However, they can still apply for it, and in most cases, the court will grant it if they demonstrate a genuine commitment to their child. We regularly help fathers secure parental responsibility and establish appropriate contact arrangements.

This is a common concern, especially shortly after separation. Unless there is a safeguarding issue, there is usually no legal restriction preventing a parent from introducing a new partner to the children. However, if you feel the introduction is not in the child’s best interests or is being done too quickly or disruptively, we can help mediate discussions or, in more serious cases, apply for a Prohibited Steps Order if appropriate.

Family courts in England and Wales can issue a range of orders depending on what’s needed for your child’s welfare. The most common are Child Arrangements Orders, which decide where a child will live (‘lives with’ orders) and how they spend time with the other parent (‘time spent with’ orders). These typically remain in place until the child turns 16.

The court can also make Prohibited Steps Orders to prevent specific actions—such as taking a child abroad without consent—or Specific Issue Orders to resolve disagreements over matters like schooling or medical care.

In more complex cases, the court may consider orders relating to relocation, parental responsibility, Special Guardianship, child abduction, or financial provision to support a child’s needs. Whatever your situation, we can help you understand your options and represent your interests effectively.

The court’s primary concern is always the child’s welfare. Every decision is guided by what is in the child’s best interests, not the preferences of either parent. To reach a fair outcome, the court applies a specific checklist of factors set out in the Children Act 1989.

This includes the child’s wishes and feelings (depending on age and understanding), their emotional, physical and educational needs, any risk of harm, and how any changes might affect them. The court will also consider the child’s age, background, and the ability of each parent to meet their needs.

For this reason, it’s essential that your case is presented thoroughly and thoughtfully. We will ensure the court has a clear and compelling picture of your child’s needs and your ability to support them.