Child Arrangement Orders

Child Arrangement Orders After Divorce or Separation

Disagreements about children are one of the most stressful aspects of separation or divorce. While many parents can reach agreement through discussion or mediation, court involvement may be necessary where arrangements break down, communication becomes difficult, or concerns about a child’s welfare arise.

A child arrangement order provides clarity and certainty, setting out formal arrangements that both parents are expected to follow. Our solicitors guide you through every stage, from early advice and negotiation through to representation at Family Court if required.

What is a Child Arrangement Order?

The term “child custody” is no longer used by the courts in England and Wales. Instead, the court makes a Child Arrangement Order.

A Child Arrangement Order sets out:

• Who a child lives with
• How much time a child spends with the other parent
• When and how contact takes place, including holidays and special occasions

The court’s primary consideration is always the welfare and best interests of the child, and wherever possible, it encourages arrangements that allow both parents to remain involved in their child’s life.

You may need to consider a Child Arrangements Order when it has become difficult to agree what is best for your child. This can often happen during periods of change or uncertainty, such as:

• When arrangements cannot be agreed following separation or divorce
• Where communication between parents has broken down
• If there are concerns about a child’s stability, routine or safety
• When contact with one parent is being restricted or refused
• Where an arrangement that once worked is no longer meeting a child’s needs

In most cases, the court encourages parents to explore mediation first, as a way of resolving matters calmly and constructively. Our solicitors can advise you on whether mediation is suitable in your circumstances and support you through mediation. We also provide clear, supportive guidance if court proceedings become necessary, always with your child’s welfare as the central focus.

What Does a Child Arrangement Order Cover?

A Child Arrangements Order can help bring structure, reassurance and consistency for a child during a difficult time. It may set out:

• Where your child lives and the routine that supports them
• How and when your child spends time with the other parent
• Arrangements for overnight stays, weekends, holidays and special occasions
• Practical details such as handovers, to reduce uncertainty and potential conflict

In some situations, the court may consider shared care arrangements, where a child spends similar amounts of time with each parent. This will only be considered where it is workable and, most importantly, where it supports the child’s well-being, stability and best interests.

Applying for a Child Arrangement Order

Our child arrangement order solicitors will:

• Advise you on your legal position from the outset
• Help you prepare for mediation or negotiations
• Draft and submit court applications
• Represent you at Family Court hearings
• Ensure your voice, and your child’s welfare, are properly considered

We aim to resolve matters as efficiently and amicably as possible, but we are experienced in handling complex and contested cases where court involvement is unavoidable.

Contact us or call us on 0114 2235 807 to speak to a family law expert or book an appointment today.

Enforcing or Varying a Child Arrangement Order

Enforcing a Child Arrangement Order

When a Child Arrangements Order is not being followed, it can be incredibly upsetting and frustrating — especially when the situation affects your time with your child or disrupts their routine.

If your former partner is breaching an existing order, enforcement action may be appropriate. The court has powers to address breaches and, where necessary, to amend arrangements to better meet a child’s needs. Our solicitors can advise you sensitively on your options, guide you through the enforcement process, and represent you with care and clarity at every stage.

Varying a Child Arrangement Order

Family life can change, and arrangements that once worked well may no longer be right for your child. Changes such as relocation, new working patterns, or emerging concerns about a child’s wellbeing can place additional pressure on parents and children alike.

If circumstances have changed, it may be appropriate to apply to vary an existing Child Arrangements Order. We take the time to understand your situation and your child’s needs, advising you whether a variation is likely to be supported by the court. Where appropriate, we will prepare and manage the application on your behalf, with the aim of restoring clarity, reassurance and stability for your child.

Specific Issue Orders

A Specific Issue Order is a court order designed to settle specific disputes such as deciding the place of a child’s education, medical treatment, relocation, or religious upbringing.

Find out more on Specific Issue Orders

Prohibited Steps Orders

A Prohibited Steps Order is designed to protect a child by preventing a parent or carer from taking certain actions that could be harmful or disruptive to the child’s welfare.

Find out more on Prohibited Steps Orders

Why Instruct a Child Arrangement Order Solicitor?

Child arrangement disputes are emotionally charged and can escalate quickly without clear legal guidance. Instructing an experienced solicitor can:

• Reduce conflict and protect your child from ongoing disputes
• Ensure applications and evidence are prepared correctly
• Strengthen your position in negotiations or court
• Provide reassurance and clarity at a difficult time

We regularly act in complex cases involving safeguarding concerns, high‑conflict separations, relocation disputes, and breakdowns in communication between parents.

Contact us or call us on 0114 2235 807 to speak to a family law expert or book an appointment today.

Our Child Arrangement Order Solicitors

Our family law team is one of the largest and most experienced in South Yorkshire, consistently ranked by Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. We are accredited by the Law Society and highly rated by former clients for our professionalism, empathy, and clear advice.

We act for clients in:

• Sheffield, Barnsley & Rotherham
• Doncaster and the wider South Yorkshire area
• Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire
• London and nationwide across England and Wales

Your first appointment includes a free 30‑minute consultation, available in person, by telephone, or remotely.

Contact us or call us on 0114 2235 807 to speak to a family law expert or book an appointment today.

Fees for Child Arrangement Orders

We offer transparent and affordable fees, with fixed‑fee options available for many stages of the process. You will always be kept fully informed of costs, giving you certainty and control during what can be a stressful period.

A full breakdown of our family law fees is available here.

Flexible Child Arrangement Appointments

We understand that dealing with family law matters can be stressful, and finding time to attend in-person appointments isn’t always easy. That’s why we offer our full range of family law services remotely, offering a more efficient and convenient service.

We can offer advice nationwide on that basis, which can often work out to be cheaper and more convenient, frequently providing representation to family law clients around the whole country.

We can offer our family law legal support via telephone or secure online meetings. This approach allows you to access expert legal advice from the comfort of your home, without the need to travel or rearrange your schedule.

If your case requires a court hearing, many such procedural matters are now handled remotely too, or if in person we can arrange representation by a suitable local barrister, ensuring your legal journey is as smooth and accessible as possible.

Our remote services are designed to be just as personal and confidential as in-person consultations, with clear communication and full transparency every step of the way.

If you do wish to meet us face to face, you can book an appointment at one of our offices in Sheffield, Barnsley or Rotherham. While remote services offer convenience, they may not be suitable for those with limited digital literacy or access or where safeguarding is critical.

Contact us or call us on 0114 2235 807 to speak to a family law expert or book an appointment today.