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When a relationship breaks down, decisions about your children are often the hardest you will face. You may feel anxious about where they will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and whether you can reach an agreement without going to court.
At CWJ, our children law solicitors are here to guide you through every step, placing your child’s welfare at the centre of everything we do.
Whether you are looking to negotiate arrangements collaboratively or need someone to represent you at a hearing, our experienced team will provide clear, practical advice tailored to your situation. We work with separating and divorced parents across Kent and South East London, and we can also advise on related matters such as divorce and separation and child and spousal maintenance.
Our solicitors can assist with…
Our children law team has extensive experience helping clients with:
- Child Arrangements Orders (living with and spending time with provisions)
- Specific Issue Orders
- Prohibited Steps Orders
- Parental responsibility matters
- Negotiating and formalising child contact arrangements
- Preparing and responding to court applications
- Representation at family court hearings
- Advice on grandparents’ and fathers’ rights
- Defending against applications made by the other parent
Speak to our children law solicitors in Orpington, Kent
Decisions about your children are too important to navigate alone. To discuss your situation with an experienced children law solicitor, call our team today on 01689 887887 or fill in our simple enquiry form.
Child Arrangement Orders
A Child Arrangements Order (CAO) is a court order made under the Children Act 1989 that sets out where a child lives and how much time they spend with each parent.
CAOs replaced the former residence and contact orders, and can cover everything from day-to-day living arrangements to holiday schedules and special occasions. The welfare of the child is always the court’s paramount consideration, and where possible, arrangements are agreed without the need for court intervention.
Specific Issue Orders
A Specific Issue Order is made when parents disagree on an important decision affecting their child’s upbringing, such as which school they should attend or the religion in which they should be raised. This type of order resolves one specific dispute, rather than covering general arrangements, so the family can move forward with clarity.
Prohibited Steps Orders
A Prohibited Steps Order prevents a parent from taking a specific action without the court’s permission, such as changing a child’s surname or taking them out of the United Kingdom without consent.
If you are concerned that the other parent may act against your child’s best interests, our solicitors can advise you on applying for this type of order, including on an urgent basis where necessary.
Parental responsibility
Parental responsibility refers to the legal rights, duties, and responsibilities a parent holds in relation to their child. Mothers automatically hold parental responsibility, as do fathers who are married to the mother or named on the birth certificate.
Unmarried fathers not named on the birth certificate can acquire it through a formal agreement or a court order, giving them the right to be involved in key decisions about their child’s education, medical treatment, and travel.
How our children law solicitors can help
Negotiating arrangements
We will work with you to reach a fair, workable agreement with the other parent and can help draft a parenting plan that reflects your child’s needs while remaining practical for both families.
Preparing court applications
If you need to apply for a CAO or another order, we will prepare a thorough application on your behalf and guide you through each stage of the process.
Representing clients at hearings
Our solicitors will represent you at every stage of family court proceedings, ensuring your position is put forward clearly and effectively.
Advising on mediation
Before making a court application, you will generally be required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). We can advise on the mediation process and whether it is the right route for your situation.
Defending against applications
If the other parent has made an application you wish to contest, we will help you understand your options and put together a strong response to protect your position.
The role of Cafcass
The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) is an independent organisation that works in the interests of children involved in family court proceedings.
When a court application is made, Cafcass carries out initial safeguarding checks and, in more complex cases, may prepare a Section 7 report: a detailed assessment of a child’s wishes and feelings and the risks or benefits of different arrangements.
Cafcass makes recommendations to the court which, while not binding on the judge, carry significant weight in proceedings.
When court intervention becomes necessary
Many families resolve arrangements through negotiation or mediation without the need for a court order. However, court applications become necessary when:
- Parents are unable to reach an agreement despite attempts at mediation
- There are concerns about a child’s safety or welfare
- Domestic abuse is a factor and safeguarding is a priority
- One parent wishes to relocate with the child, within the UK or abroad
- A previous order has been breached and enforcement is required
Our solicitors’ fees
At CWJ, we are committed to full transparency on fees, so you will always have a clear picture of likely costs before your case begins, with no unwelcome surprises.
The court application fee for a Child Arrangements Order is currently £263. Solicitor costs vary depending on the complexity of your case and whether court proceedings are required.
Get in touch using our enquiry form to start the conversation.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Child Arrangements Order?
A Child Arrangements Order (CAO) is a court order made under the Children Act 1989 that sets out where a child lives and how much time they spend with each parent.
CAOs replaced the former residence orders and contact orders, and can cover day-to-day living arrangements, visiting and overnight contact, holiday time, and special occasions.
Is a Child Arrangements Order legally binding?
Yes. A CAO is a court order and is therefore legally binding on both parents. Breaching an order is a serious matter that can result in enforcement proceedings, financial penalties, or in the most serious cases, a custodial sentence.
How long does a Child Arrangements Order last?
Provisions relating to where a child lives will usually last until the child turns 18. Contact provisions typically end when the child turns 16, though they can continue in some circumstances. Orders can be varied at any time if there is a significant change in circumstances.
Do I need a solicitor for a Child Arrangements Order?
While self-representation is possible, a solicitor significantly improves your ability to navigate court procedures, present your case effectively, and achieve an outcome that reflects your child’s best interests. Our solicitors will guide you through every stage and help you understand what to expect.
What happens if a Child Arrangements Order is breached?
The affected parent can apply to court for an enforcement order. The court has a range of powers, including imposing unpaid work requirements, awarding financial compensation for missed contact, varying the existing order, or finding the other parent in contempt of court.
Can grandparents apply for a Child Arrangements Order?
Grandparents do not have an automatic right to apply for a CAO. They must first seek the court’s permission (known as “leave”) to make an application. The court will consider factors such as the nature of the grandparent’s relationship with the child and whether the application is in the child’s best interests.
How much does a Child Arrangements Order cost?
The court application fee is currently £263. Solicitor costs vary depending on whether your case is resolved through negotiation or requires court proceedings, and how complex matters are.
Speak to our children law solicitors in Orpington, Kent
Decisions about your children are too important to navigate alone. To discuss your situation with an experienced children law solicitor, call our team today on 01689 887887 or fill in our simple enquiry form.