A child arrangements order deals with who the child is to live, spend time with or otherwise have contact with, and when this is to occur.

When deciding whether to make a child arrangements order the Court will still consider the welfare checklist. 

Determining arrangements for your children following a separation is naturally an emotionally challenging time. Our team will help you endeavour to resolve any disputes as amicably and quickly as possible, and to provide clarity on the child arrangements.

There are many groups of people who are automatically entitled to apply for a child arrangements order including:

• Parents
• Stepparents
• A relative with whom the child has lived for one year
• Someone with whom the child has lived for 3 years
• Guardians / Special Guardians

Others, including other relatives such as grandparents will first need to obtain the permission of the Court before making the application. The application for permission should be straightforward if the application has bona fide merits.

Once an application for a child arrangements order has been issued at the Court a hearing is generally listed to consider timetabling and what further information would be helpful to assist the Court’s decision making. An organisation named CAFCASS is often brought in at this stage and will provide an expert case worker to prepare a report on what they consider is in the best interests of the child.

Please contact us today for a free no obligation telephone discussion by calling our Aylesbury, High Wycombe, London or Marlow offices, or by email: family@curzongreen.co.uk