Child Arrangement Order Solicitors based in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire
Child arrangement orders, formerly known as child custody or child access orders, are rarely straightforward. Decisions about where your children live and when they see each parent carry real emotional weight, and getting them right matters. Our family solicitors across Southampton, Salisbury, Bournemouth, Winchester, Poole and London help families reach arrangements that put children first.
Speak to our child arrangement order solicitors on 0800 2800 421 or via our online enquiry form.
What is a child arrangement order?
A child arrangement order is a court order that sets out where a child lives and when they spend time with each parent. It replaces old terms such as “residence order,” “contact order,” “custody,” and “access”.
An order can cover living arrangements, contact, or both in a single document, specifying whether a child lives primarily with one parent, splits their time between both, and how and when contact takes place. Once made by a court, a child arrangement order is legally binding on both parents.
Courts only make these orders when parents cannot agree. The starting point is always that families reach their own arrangements through direct discussion, a parenting plan, or with help from a mediator or solicitor. This is called the “No Order” principle. If agreement isn’t possible, an application to court is the next step.
In every case, the court’s overriding consideration is the welfare of the child. Arrangements must serve their best interests, not simply reflect what either parent would prefer.
Child arrangement services we offer
Parenting plans and negotiated agreements
A parenting plan is a written agreement that sets out the practical arrangements for your children after separation, covering where they live, how contact works, holidays, and schooling. Most families reach agreement without going to court, and we help you get there through negotiation and solicitor correspondence. Once agreed, if necessary, arrangements can be made legally binding through a consent order.
Mediation and collaborative approaches
Mediation is a structured process in which an independent, accredited mediator helps parents reach agreement without going to court. Where direct negotiation is difficult, we can refer you to a mediator and support you throughout. We also offer collaborative law and round-table meetings, with family counsellors available where both parties are open to it.
Child arrangement order applications
A child arrangement order application is made to the Family Court when parents cannot reach agreement on where children will live or how contact will work. We prepare and manage the application on your behalf, keeping the process as efficient and cost-effective as possible.
Specific issue and prohibited steps orders
A specific issue order resolves a particular dispute about a child’s upbringing, such as which school they attend, whether they can travel abroad, or a change of name. A prohibited steps order prevents a parent from taking a specific action without the court’s permission. We advise on both types of application.
Relocation
Relocation cases arise when one parent wants to move with the children, either within the UK or abroad, in a way that affects the other parent’s contact arrangements. We advise on the legal requirements, negotiate where possible, and make or respond to court applications where needed.
Grandparent and third-party contact
Grandparents and other family members have no automatic right to contact with a child. Where arrangements cannot be agreed, they must apply to court for permission before making a formal application. We advise grandparents and wider family members on their options.
How the child arrangement order process works
- Initial consultation
We start by understanding your situation, including your children’s current arrangements, what you want to achieve, and any welfare concerns. From there, we’ll advise on the right approach for your circumstances.
- Reaching agreement
Where possible, we help you negotiate arrangements with the other parent through solicitor correspondence, round-table meetings, or mediation. Agreements can be set out in a parenting plan or made legally binding through a consent order.
- Mediation
Before applying to court, most people are legally required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), an initial meeting with an accredited mediator to explore whether court can be avoided. We can refer you and advise throughout.
- Court proceedings
If mediation isn’t suitable or doesn’t resolve the dispute, we apply to court on your behalf. CAFCASS will become involved, producing a welfare report for the court. Most cases involve two to three hearings and take six to twelve months to conclude.
Why choose Trethowans for child arrangement orders
Our family law team takes a no-nonsense approach, focused on what’s right for your children and practical for your family.
Recognised expertise
Our family law team have been recognised by several independent organisations. We are acknowledged in both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Our lawyers are also listed by ThreeBestRated and Wiselaw.
Our commitment to Resolution
As members of Resolution, a national community of over 6,500 family law professionals, we follow a strict code of practice ensuring all matters are dealt with in a dignified and constructive way. Grant Cameron, Partner, previously served as National Chair of Resolution.
Supporting our clients beyond the law
Our team are Dragonfly Champions with specialist domestic abuse awareness training, and are affiliated with Family Separation Support Hub. We know child arrangement cases involve more than legal decisions.
Speak to our child arrangement order solicitors today
We offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation to help you understand your legal options. Our expert child solicitors will listen to your concerns, answer your questions and help you consider the best way forward, with no pressure to proceed.
Meet us in person
We have offices across the south of England and a base in London, making it straightforward to meet a family law solicitor face to face. You can find us in Bournemouth, Poole, Salisbury, Southampton and Winchester, with London appointments available on request.
Get in touch
Call us today on 0800 2800 421 or make an enquiry online to arrange your free initial consultation.
Listen to our podcast
Related Services
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Frequently asked questions about child arrangement orders
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UK courts no longer award “custody” to one parent. Instead, the focus is on child arrangement orders, which set out where children live and when they spend time with each parent. The Court will want to ensure that children benefit from a meaningful relationship with both parents, provided it is safe to do so.
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Common child contact arrangements include children living primarily with one parent and spending alternate weekends and some weekday time with the other, or dividing time more equally between both homes. Arrangements vary depending on the children’s ages, both parents’ circumstances, and what works practically.
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Yes, a child arrangement order is legally binding on both parents once made by a court. If either parent fails to comply, the other can return to court to enforce it.
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Breaching a child arrangement order is a serious matter. The other parent can apply to court to enforce it, and the court has a range of powers including imposing unpaid work requirements, varying the order, or in persistent cases, committing the defaulting parent to prison.
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A child arrangement order typically takes between six and twelve months if a court application is needed, depending on the complexity of the case. If parents reach agreement without going to court, arrangements can be formalised within a few weeks through a consent order or parenting plan.
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You can refuse contact, but doing so without good reason carries risk. If there is no court order in place, the other parent can apply for one. If an order already exists and you breach it, the court can take enforcement action against you.
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Taking a child abroad without the other parent’s permission can amount to child abduction, which is a criminal offence. If a child arrangement order is in place, usually you can take your child abroad for up to 28 days without the other parent’s permission. For more information, listen to our podcast episode ‘Do I need consent to take my child on holiday?‘.
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Relocating within England and Wales does not necessarily require permission, but if it affects an existing contact arrangement you will need the other parent’s agreement or a court order to vary it. Moving abroad requires consent from everyone with parental responsibility or leave from the court.
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Grandparents do not have automatic rights to contact with their grandchildren. If contact cannot be agreed with the parents, grandparents must first apply to the court for permission to make an application, and then apply for a child arrangement order.
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