Child Arrangements Order

You can apply for Child Arrangements Order if you are separating or entering a divorce where the Court will make an order about the child arrangements.

If you both cannot agree on everything, you can apply for a court order after the mediation process.

Start your application for a child arrangements order with Wembley Solicitors today by calling us on 0203 417 3700 or filling out our online enquiry form for legal advice.

1. What is a child arrangement order?
2. How to avoid going to Court?
3. How to apply for a child arrangements order?
4. What information do you need to apply for a child arrangement order?
5. Who can apply for a child arrangements order?
6. Vary child arrangements order
7. How long does it take to get a child arrangement order?
8. How much does it cost to get a child arrangements order?

What is a child arrangement order?

A "Child Arrangements Order" (formerly known as “residence orders” and “contact orders”) is a type of court order which states how to look after children after your divorce or separation.

Any person who has parental responsibility can apply for a Child Arrangements Order and ask the Court to decide where the children will live and how they will spend time with each parent.

The Court will make an order by considering the circumstances of the family and what is in the best interests of that child.

How to avoid going to Court?

You can avoid going to court hearings if you and your ex-partner agree on:

• where the children will live
• how much time they will spend with each parent
• how you will financially support your children

If both parties agree on everything, you do not have to do any official paperwork about child arrangements. You can write down a Parenting Plan for your records explaining what you have agreed.

Our family law solicitors can help with the paperwork if you want to make your agreement legally binding.

How to apply for a child arrangements order?

The following steps are involved in the process of getting a child arrangements order:

• Before applying for a court order, all the applicants must attend a mediation information and assessment meeting (MIAM) unless they are exempt;
• You can apply for a court order online or by post using a paper form C100;
• You must serve the paperwork on the other party at least 14 days before the first court hearing;
• The “Respondent” should acknowledge receipt of the application;
• CAFCASS (Children and Families Court Advisory and Support Service) will make enquiries and contact both parties for an initial discussion;
• The First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) is where the court encourages both parties to resolve the matter by agreement. If both parties agreed then the Court will issue a final order and close the case;
• If both parties still cannot agree on everything then the case will be listed for a final hearing.

Wembley Solicitors are specialists in all types of family law and children’s matters. Call us on 0203 417 3700 to get legal assistance with a court order application.

What information do you need to apply for a child arrangement order?

You will need to provide the following information:

• Details of the respondent including name, date of birth and current address;
• Legal representative or solicitor details (if you have asked one to represent you);
• Details of previous family court cases (if any);
• You need to prove that you have attended a mediation meeting (MIAM) (if applicable).

Who can apply for a child arrangements order?

Anyone with parental responsibility such as a mother or father can apply for a child arrangements order.

Other people like grandparents can also apply for a child arrangement order with the Court’s prior permission.

Vary child arrangements order

If both parties agree to do something different from the court order, then you can make an application to vary a child arrangements order. For example, you may wish to vary a Child Arrangements Order so that contact is supervised instead of unsupervised or to change who is to be the resident parent.

How long does it take to get a child arrangement order?

The applications for child arrangement orders usually take around 6 to 8 weeks from the date of the application. However, it may take longer depending on the complexity of the matter.

How much does it cost to get a child arrangements order?

The court fee for the child arrangements order application is £232. However, you may be able to get some discount if you are on benefits or have a low income.

Call on 020 3417 3700 to speak to our family law solicitors in Wembley, London or fill in the enquiry form for immediate advice & assistance with your child arrangements applications.