Putting Your Child’s Best Interests First
When parents separate, securing the best outcome for your children becomes the top priority. Child Arrangement Orders are legal documents that determine where your child will live and how they will maintain meaningful relationships with both parents. At A L Law Associates, our experienced family solicitors provide expert guidance through this emotionally challenging process, helping you reach arrangements that truly serve your child’s best interests.
We can help with:
- Applying for child arrangement orders
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Our solicitors will guide you through every step of the application process, from the required Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to completing and submitting the C100 form to the Family Court. We ensure all documentation is properly prepared to avoid unnecessary delays.
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- Negotiating custody and visitation agreements
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We help you develop practical, workable arrangements that consider your child’s needs, your work commitments, and living situations. Our goal is to achieve agreements that maintain stability for your child while ensuring meaningful relationships with both parents.
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- Representing you in court proceedings
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Should your case proceed to court, our experienced advocates will represent your interests professionally and persuasively. We prepare thoroughly for each hearing, from the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) through to the Final Hearing if necessary.
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- Enforcing or varying existing orders
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As children grow and circumstances change, existing arrangements may need adjustment. We can help you apply to vary Child Arrangement Orders to reflect new realities while continuing to prioritise your child’s welfare.
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Take the First Step Towards Positive Arrangements for Your Child
Contact our family law team today on 020 3794 8280 for a confidential consultation about your Child Arrangement Order. We’re here to help you secure the best possible future for your children during this challenging time.
Understanding Child Arrangement Orders
Child Arrangement Orders replaced the previous system of Residence and Contact Orders under the Children Act 1989. These court orders legally determine:
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Who your child will live with (formerly known as custody or residence)
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When and how your child will spend time with each parent (formerly known as access or contact)
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Specific communication arrangements such as phone calls, video chats or other contact
The court’s paramount consideration is always your child’s welfare, taking into account factors such as their wishes and feelings (appropriate to their age), their physical and emotional needs, and the capability of each parent to meet those needs.
FAQs
Child Arrangement Orders determine where a child will live, who they will spend time with, and how they will communicate with others. There are two primary types:
- Live with Order: Specifies who the child will live with.
- Spend time with Order: Specifies who the child will spend time with and the arrangements for contact, which can include face-to-face visits, phone calls, or virtual meetings.
The court can combine these orders to suit the child’s best interests.
The process involves several steps:
- Attempt Mediation: Before applying, you must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), unless an exemption applies.
- Apply to Court: Submit a C100 form to the Family Court along with the required fee (currently £232).
- First Hearing (FHDRA): The court reviews the case, identifies key issues, and may direct additional reports or assessments.
- Further Hearings (DRA) if necessary: Additional hearings may occur to resolve disputes or gather evidence.
- Final Hearing: The judge makes a decision based on the child’s best interests and issues a legally binding order.
The judge considers the child’s welfare as the top priority, following the principles of the Children Act 1989. Key factors include:
- The child’s wishes and feelings (depending on their age and maturity).
- The child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs.
- The potential impact of changes to their circumstances.
- Any risk of harm to the child.
- The capability of each parent or carer to meet the child’s needs.
The goal is to create arrangements that serve the child’s best interests.
The best custody arrangement depends on the child’s specific needs and circumstances. Generally, courts aim to promote a stable and loving environment that allows the child to maintain meaningful relationships with both parents where appropriate. Common arrangements include:
- Shared custody: The child spends significant time with both parents, fostering equal involvement.
- Primary custody with visitation: The child lives primarily with one parent but has regular contact with the other.
The most suitable arrangement varies and should prioritize the child’s welfare, stability, and preferences.
Typically, each party is responsible for their own legal fees and court costs when applying for a Child Arrangement Order. However, in rare cases, the court may order one party to cover the other’s costs, especially if unreasonable behaviour or misconduct is involved during the proceedings.
Why Choose A L Law for Your Child Arrangement Order
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Child-Centred Approach: We always prioritise what’s best for your children
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Extensive Experience: Our family solicitors have helped numerous Harrow families navigate complex child arrangement disputes
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Compassionate Support: We understand the emotional challenges of family separation
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Clear Communication: We explain legal processes in straightforward language
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Practical Solutions: We focus on achieving workable arrangements that serve real-world family needs