Family law / Child arrangements
Child Arrangements Built around Real Life
When a family changes, the most important thing is ensuring your children are looked after. Our team helps you build workable arrangements for the future, while providing the personal care your family deserves.
Child Arrangements and Parental Responsibility
Introduction
When families face separation, the wellbeing and stability of children is always at the heart of every decision. Our experienced family law solicitors provide sensitive, clear advice on child arrangements, including contact, residence, custody, and parental responsibility matters. We help parents reach amicable agreements whenever possible, promoting cooperation and positive co-parenting. Where agreements cannot be reached, we offer effective representation in court proceedings, always prioritising the best interests of your children. Serving families across England and Wales, we provide personalised support, fixed-fee consultations, and detailed guidance to help you navigate child arrangement disputes with care and confidence.
LYONS BOWE ENQUIRY STRUCTURE
Your Family Law Journey
Submit Application 3 Days – 3 Weeks
The relevant paperwork is submitted to the court. The court will then issue the application and sends it to the CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service). We will then serve a copy of the court papers to the other parent.
Coparent Acknowledgement
3 Days – 3 Weeks
Once you have submitted your application, the other parent then has 14 days from the date of receipt to acknowledge the papers and submit their responses.
Safeguarding Checks
3 Days – 3 Weeks
Once the other partner has acknowledged receipt of the papers and submitted their responses, CAFCASS will conduct checks on both you and the other parent with the police and social services.
Initial Hearing
20 Weeks
LYONS BOWE ENQUIRY STRUCTURE
Your Family Law Journey
Submit Application 3 Days – 3 Weeks
The relevant paperwork is submitted to the court. The court will then issue the application and sends it to the CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service). We will then serve a copy of the court papers to the other parent.
Coparent Acknowledgement
3 Days – 3 Weeks
Once you have submitted your application, the other parent then has 14 days from the date of receipt to acknowledge the papers and submit their responses.
Safeguarding Checks
3 Days – 3 Weeks
Once the other partner has acknowledged receipt of the papers and submitted their responses, CAFCASS will conduct checks on both you and the other parent with the police and social services.
Initial Hearing
20 Weeks
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How Lyons Bowe can help with Divorce and Seperation
We understand that every divorce is unique, and we take the time to understand
your individual needs and concerns, with children being our number one focus
always.
Collaborative Law
Financial Arrangements
Child Arrangements
What are child arrangements and how are they decided?
Child arrangements outline where children will live, how much time they spend with each parent, and how key decisions are made.Â
Our Family Law solicitors help parents reach agreements that prioritise the child’s wellbeing and provide legal clarity for everyone involved.Â
How long does a child arrangement order last?
Child arrangement orders usually last until the child reaches 16 years old. However, sometimes orders about financial support for a child can continue until they are 18, or even longer in some cases, for example if they are still in full-time education.Â
The exact length can depend on the specific order, so it’s best to get advice on your individual situation from one of our Family Law solicitors.
How long does a child arrangement take?
There is no fixed time frame for how long it will take to achieve a final order, however on average it can take between 6 – 12 months.
Who can apply for a child arrangement order?
Either parent can apply for a Child Arrangement Order. Applications can also be made by a step-parent, by anyone who already has an order stating that the child must live with them, or by a person the child has lived with for at least 3 years.Â
Others, including grandparents, must first obtain the court’s permission and show that they have played a significant role in the child’s life before they can apply.
Will we have to go to court for a child arrangement?
A court order is not a legal requirement. However, we recommend getting your agreement written up by one of our Family Law solicitors in case things change in the family structure at a later date.Â
You can also choose to have your agreement approved by the court to make it legally binding and choose to have your agreement mediated by a Family Law Solicitor to help you reach an amicable agreement between the two of you. This does not require going to court.
Can we have a child arrangement if we were never married or in a civil partnership?
In opposite-sex couples, if you are unmarried and have legal parental responsibility (biological parent or adoptive parent) then you have the same rights to your child as any married parent.Â
Your legal rights to a child will depend on how the child was conceived or came into the family. In any case, it’s best to get in touch with one of our Family Law solicitors before taking any action.
