Child Arrangement Solicitors
When parents separate, deciding where a child will live and how much time they spend with each parent can be one of the most difficult and emotional parts of the process. Our child arrangement solicitors help families reach fair, child-focused agreements that support stability and wellbeing.
At National Legal Service, we combine legal expertise with empathy. Whether you’re seeking to formalise an agreement or resolve a dispute, our team will guide you through every step with care and clarity.
Child Custody and Contact
Although “custody” is no longer a legal term, many parents still use it when discussing who their child lives with. The correct term in family law is now “child arrangements,” which cover living arrangements, contact, and shared care. Today, the law focuses on shared parental responsibility. This means both parents remain involved in major decisions about their child’s life, even if the child lives primarily with one of them.
We can help you navigate issues around residence, contact, and shared care. Our solicitors also support parents seeking to vary or enforce existing orders, or those facing allegations of domestic abuse or safeguarding concerns.
Reaching an Agreement Amicably
Whenever possible, it’s best for parents to agree arrangements without going to court. Our solicitors can help you understand your rights, explore mediation, and record your agreement in a Consent Order so it becomes legally binding.
Mediation can be a constructive way to resolve differences. It allows both parents to discuss their concerns in a safe, neutral environment with the support of a trained mediator. Our solicitors can guide you through this process, ensuring that any agreement reached reflects your child’s best interests and is fair to both parents.
If mediation isn’t suitable or breaks down, we’ll help you prepare for the next steps, including court proceedings if necessary.
Child Arrangement Orders
If parents cannot agree, the court can issue a Child Arrangements Order. This order decides who the child lives with, when and how they spend time with the other parent, and any specific conditions such as holidays or communication.
The court’s primary concern is always the child’s welfare. Judges consider a range of factors known as the welfare checklist, including the child’s wishes and feelings (depending on age and understanding), their emotional and educational needs, any risk of harm, and the ability of each parent to meet those needs.
The process usually begins with a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). If mediation isn’t appropriate, an application is made to the Family Court. The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) may speak to both parents and the child to provide a report for the judge. Hearings then take place, and the court decides what arrangement best supports the child’s welfare.
When Disputes Arise
Disagreements can happen for many reasons. Parents may have different views about where a child should live, schooling, or religious upbringing. Sometimes there are concerns about safety, emotional harm, or domestic abuse. In other cases, one parent may wish to relocate, either within the UK or abroad, which can make maintaining contact more difficult.
Our solicitors are experienced in resolving complex and high-conflict cases. We approach each situation with sensitivity, focusing on practical solutions that protect the child’s wellbeing and maintain important family relationships wherever possible.
Fathers’ Rights and Parental Responsibility
Fathers who are named on their child’s birth certificate automatically have parental responsibility, giving them legal rights and duties in relation to their child’s upbringing. If you are not named, or if you are a step-parent or grandparent seeking involvement, our solicitors can advise on how to apply for parental responsibility or contact through the courts.
We understand that fathers sometimes feel their role is overlooked, that’s why our team works to ensure that every parent’s voice is heard and that arrangements reflect what is genuinely best for the child.
Relocation and International Issues
If one parent wishes to move to another part of the UK or abroad with their child, they must have the other parent’s consent or permission from the court. The court will consider the reasons for the move, the impact on the child’s education and emotional wellbeing, and whether ongoing contact with the other parent can realistically continue.
Our solicitors can help whether you are seeking permission to relocate or opposing a proposed move. We also advise on Prohibited Steps Orders to prevent a child being taken abroad without consent.
Legal Aid and Costs
You may be eligible for legal aid if you have evidence of domestic abuse or if your child is at risk of harm. We can assess your eligibility and help you apply.
For private clients, we offer clear, competitive rates and fixed-fee options where possible. Our priority is to make expert legal advice accessible and transparent.
Why Choose National Legal Service?
• One of the UK’s largest providers of family legal aid
• Offices across England for local support
• Experienced in complex and sensitive child law cases
• Trauma-informed, empathetic approach
• Clear communication and practical guidance throughout
Our solicitors are committed to helping families find stability and resolution during challenging times.
Speak to Our Child Arrangement Solicitors
If you’re facing difficulties agreeing on child arrangements, early legal advice can make a real difference.
Call 020 3601 5051 or request a confidential consultation with one of our child arrangement solicitors today.