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Making arrangements for children is often one of the most stressful parts of a separation or divorce. A child arrangements order made by the court will set out the details of your new agreement and give everyone involved certainty for the future.
At SMR Solicitors we can work with you to negotiate with your children’s other parent and find an acceptable solution for your child arrangements and, should this not be possible, we will ensure you have robust representation at court, to obtain an order that is in your children’s best interests.
Our child law expertise includes the following:
- Representing you in child arrangements disputes and negotiating child arrangements on your behalf
- Drafting a child arrangements agreement to put before the court for approval
- Obtaining a child arrangements order on your behalf
- Guiding you through the mediation process where necessary
- Providing advice and representation in the event of a court hearing
- Dealing with amendments to child arrangements orders
- Representation in the event that a child arrangements order is breached
- Obtaining other child-related orders on your behalf, including specific issue orders and prohibited steps orders
Our child law solicitors will provide a modern, accessible and highly personal service, giving you clear advice and answering any questions you may have throughout your time with us. We are always happy to discuss matters over the phone, via email or through videoconferencing, as well as in person at our offices.
We represent clients across West Sussex, advising on all aspects of child law, with particular expertise in dealing sensitively and efficiently with difficult and contentious cases.
At SMR Solicitors, we offer a free 20-minute consultation with one of our family law experts to discuss your situation.
We want our pricing to be fair and transparent, so we will give a realistic estimate of costs at the outset, including both our fees and all third-party costs, such as court fees.
Speak to our child arrangements solicitors in West Sussex
To discuss your requirements and find out how we can help, please get in touch to speak to one of our expert child arrangements lawyers.
BOGNOR REGIS CHICHESTER EAST WITTERING SELSEY
Our child arrangements fees
At SMR Solicitors, we offer a free 20-minute consultation with one of our family law experts to discuss your situation.
We want our pricing to be fair and transparent, so we will give a realistic estimate of costs at the outset, including both our fees and all third-party costs, such as court fees.
We are always happy to discuss our fees with you, so please feel free to contact us.
Child arrangements orders FAQs
What is a Child Arrangements Order?
A child arrangements order is a legal decision made by the court setting out the way a child’s everyday life is to be dealt with, following the parents’ divorce.
What does a Child Arrangements Order cover?
A child arrangements order can deal with a range of issues and contain varying amounts of detail but will generally cover the following:
- Who the child will live with – formerly referred to as child custody, but now referred to as residence
- What time the child will spend with the other parent, which could include a schedule for visits
- How the child will stay in contact with each parent while they are with the other parent
- Details of other people the child can spend time with
What will the court consider when making a child arrangements order?
The court will always prioritise the wellbeing of any child involved, taking into account the following:
- The wishes and feelings of the child in light of their age and understanding
- Their physical, emotional and educational needs
- The ability of each parent to meet the child’s needs
- The effect on the child of a change in circumstances
- The child’s age and sex and any other relevant characteristics
- Whether a risk of harm to the child exists.
How long does it take to get a Child Arrangements Order?
This varies widely, but it can often take 6-12 months to secure a child arrangements order. At SMR Solicitors, we always work proactively to move matters forward and obtain a final order as soon as possible and without any avoidable delays. If you ask us to act for you, we will get to know your circumstances and where possible give you an estimate of the time it might take to obtain an order on your behalf.
How long does a Child Arrangements Order last?
The part of the order that deals with the time a child will spend with each parent will generally be legally binding until the child reaches 16, unless otherwise specified. The provisions dealing with whom a child will live with is binding until the age of 18, although the court does not often intervene to enforce an order once a child reaches 16.
Who can apply for a Child Arrangements Order?
As well as a child’s parents, step-parents or guardian, there are a number of circumstances in which other people could apply for a child arrangements order, as follows:
- Where they have parental responsibility for the children
- Where they have a residence order in respect of the children
- Where they have lived with the children for three years or more out of the previous five years
- Where a child arrangements order is already in existence and the person with residence of the children consents to the application
- Where the local authority is caring for the children and has consented to the application being made
- Where those with parental responsibility for the children have consented to the application
It is also possible for someone to ask the court to grant them permission to apply for a child arrangements order. Grandparents do not have an automatic right to ask the court for a child arrangements order, but they can request permission to do this from the court.
What alternatives are there to seeking a child arrangements order through the courts?
Alternatives include negotiating an agreement with your children’s other parent and putting the details of this into a parenting plan. This means that the details are set out in writing, which can help avoid misunderstandings and disagreements and ensure both parties know what is expected of them.
Mediation can also help parents reach an amicable agreement by helping them work out a schedule that is in their children’s best interests.
Speak to our child arrangements solicitors in West Sussex
To discuss your requirements and find out how we can help, please get in touch to speak to one of our expert child arrangements order solicitors in Chichester, East Wittering, Selsey or Bognor Regis.
