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With the summer fast approaching if you are a separated parent, you might often wonder what rights you have to make...
Child Arrangement Orders.
Child Arrangement Orders.
When arrangements for your child become uncertain, it can affect almost every part of family life.
At Lanyon Bowdler, our specialist family law solicitors understand how upsetting and unsettling it can be when childcare arrangements cannot be agreed amicably. The uncertainty can place real pressure on the whole family, particularly where communication has broken down or you are worried about protecting your child’s welfare, routine and relationship with both parents.
A Child Arrangement Order can help 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 in practice. Our experienced child law solicitors can advise you on whether an application is appropriate, guide you through the process, and help you work towards a resolution that keeps your child’s best interests at the centre of every decision.
Our family law team is recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers UK, and includes solicitors accredited by the Law Society for Family Law and members of Resolution. With a calm, supportive and practical approach, we will help you understand your options and take the right steps to protect your child’s future.
Speak to Lanyon Bowdler’s family law team today for clear, confidential guidance on the best way forward for you and your child.
Our Child Arrangement Orders Expertise
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.
Why we care
As a parent you naturally want what’s best for your children and at Lanyon Bowdler we understand just how emotive significant decisions relating to them can be. Many of us are parents or grandparents ourselves and fully understand the feelings involved, which is why we are here to utilise our skills and help you navigate the difficulties you are currently facing. We are dedicated to getting the best results for you and your children and to conclude the matter as swiftly as we can.
What do our child arrangement order solicitors do?
Where court proceedings prove to be the best way of reaching a resolution, we will advise you on the court procedure, will prepare all the necessary paperwork, arrange witness statements and represent you effectively at all hearings, supporting you throughout the process from start to finish.
We will ensure you are fully informed on how the court will make their decision, will advise on how any safeguarding issues can be investigated or evidenced, and will be clear about their likely impact on the final order.
The family law specialists at Lanyon Bowdler are recognised as industry leaders and our team includes accredited specialists of Resolution, a national organisation of family lawyers, as well as members of the Law Society Family Panel.
Your Child Arrangement Orders questions answered
What is a child arrangement order?
When a couple decides to separate, divorce or dissolve a civil partnership, it can often be difficult for them to agree on what should happen to their children and where they should live. If the separated parents are unable to reach a decision together, then the court can be asked to make a Child Arrangement Order making the final decision on the living and access arrangements.
This will include details such as Residence Orders, ruling where the child will primarily spend time, a Child Contact Order regulating how much contact the other parent should have, and any other matters regulated by the welfare of the child. This may include a Prohibited Steps Order if one parent has a valid concern about what the other is doing in regards to the child.
A team of child arrangement order solicitors can help you draft a Family Arrangement Order, is a legally binding document between the court and the parents, step parents or legal guardians involved It will be in place until the child is 16 (unless exceptional circumstances arise in which case it will be in place until the age of 18).
Specific issue orders
These are Court Orders to deal with specific issues including:
- Educational matters, such as where a child should go to school.
- Relocation, including whether the child can be relocated within England and Wales or removed from the English and Welsh jurisdiction.
- Routine and nonlife threatening medical treatment for the child.
- Securing the return of a child.
How to apply for a child arrangement order?
Before you are able to apply for a Child Arrangement Order you must first make an effort to resolve the situation through a formal mediation process.
Both of the parents or legal guardians will be required to discuss the matter with a trained mediator. Please note that this requirement does not apply to emergency applications.
If formal mediation does not bring about a solution to satisfy both parents or it is not deemed appropriate, our child arrangement order solicitors can help you through the application to the court.
How much do child arrangement orders cost?
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.
We will always be transparent and upfront about our pricing structure, so contact us today for more detailed information.
Testimonials
What our clients say.
Pet ownership dispute – very professional, factual and honest. Swift responses & really supportive but also keep you informed of all possibilities.
Shane
via ReviewSolicitors
At what was a challenging time for me, I was guided calmly through a process I knew nothing of.
Mark
via ReviewSolicitors
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.
Steph
via ReviewSolicitors
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.
Emma
via ReviewSolicitors
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.
Martyn
via ReviewSolicitors
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.
Simon
via ReviewSolicitors
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.
Timothy
via ReviewSolicitors
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.
Jon
via ReviewSolicitors
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.
Michael
via ReviewSolicitors
I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.
Peter Weston
Shrewsbury
All work carried out effectively and efficiently.
Hubert Jones
via ReviewSolicitors
An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.
Eric
via ReviewSolicitors
From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.
Carl Gittins
via ReviewSolicitors
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.
Samantha
via ReviewSolicitors
Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.
Ian Jamieson
Telford
Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.
Lee
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.
Timothy
via ReviewSolicitors
I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.
Heather
via ReviewSolicitors
Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.
Lisa Thacker
Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.
Lisa Thacker
Jennifer M Whittall Ltd
Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.
Lee Mortimer
UK Case Management
Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.
Mark Bowkett
via ReviewSolicitors
Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.
Tim
via ReviewSolicitors
We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.
Allenby Douglas Ltd
Oswestry
Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice
Ivor Brown
via ReviewSolicitors
Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.
Paul Rowe
via ReviewSolicitors
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.
Mr N J & Dr S J Browne
Llanfyllin
Everything has been dealt with very efficiently in a very kind and professional manner.
Kathryn
via ReviewSolicitors
The Court Process
Initial hearing
Once the application has been made an initial hearing will be held by the court, where the child’s parents or legal guardians must be in attendance. The court will consider the information presented and will try to come to a decision at this point.
Further hearings
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.
Final hearing
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.
Contact us
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 fim in Wales, we are the ideal choice for Child Arrangement Order Solcitors 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.
Our people
Meet the team.
Knowledge
Child Arrangement Orders Articles & Podcasts.
Blog
Blog
News sources have reported on the conclusions of a Ministry of Justice review into the presumption of parental invo...
Blog
The way the court determine child arrangements for children with separated parents is about to change. The process ...
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Breakups are hard enough, but when a beloved pet is involved, emotions can run even deeper. For many families, pets...
Blog
February holds special significance for the LGBT+ community as the UK celebrates LGBT+ History Month. This annual e...
Podcast
Parental Responsibility in Family Law – Staci Robinson
We discuss parental responsibility, a law surrounding the raising of children. ...
Blog
The release of the BBC’s most recent drama ‘Best Interests’ takes an emotive look at the heart breaking and impossi...
Blog
The question of which parent is more likely to get a Live With Child Arrangements Order (custody in old money) is a...
Accreditations
Our awards and accolades.
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