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DIY Divorce and Pensions
Frequently, we are approached by a spouse who has already started a divorce application themselves and/or reached a...
Child Arrangement Orders.
Our child arrangement order solicitors are aware of how upsetting it can be when childcare issues don’t reach an amicable resolution.
The uncertainty that this creates is deeply upsetting for everyone involved and needs to be settled as quickly and efficiently as possible; a Child Arrangement Order may be the option for you.
Our team of child arrangement order solicitors provides leading specialist advice across all areas of child law and if you find that you are in a situation where living and access arrangements cannot be agreed upon then we can help.
We are able to advise on and manage your application for a Child Arrangement Order to help bring the matter to a swift close.
For supportive and professional legal help, contact our friendly team by phone or by completing the online enquiry form.
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.
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
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 arrangement order solicitors 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, including Birmingham and Wolverhampton.
As a leading full-service law firm however, we can represent you wherever you live in England or Wales, so don’t hesitate to take advice from the family law and child arrangement solicitors.
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