Child Arrangement Orders Solicitors in Plymouth

When families separate, making arrangements for your children’s care can be one of the most emotional and important challenges you face. At Nash & Co Solicitors, our experienced family law solicitors in Plymouth are here to guide you through every step with clear advice and sensitive support. Whether you need help applying for a Child Arrangement Order in Plymouth, understanding your rights as a parent, or resolving concerns about where your child will live after divorce, we’ll work with you to find a solution that puts your child’s wellbeing first. We know how stressful these decisions can feel, and we’re here to make the process simpler, more manageable, and focused entirely on achieving the best outcome for your family.

If you're struggling to agree child living arrangements after divorce, or if you’re unsure whether you need a court order for child arrangements, we can help. Our specialist team can assist whether you are making an application yourself, responding to a former partner’s application, or simply exploring your options. As trusted and highly experienced child law solicitors in Plymouth, we are committed to helping parents resolve issues as amicably as possible, while providing strong, clear representation if court involvement becomes necessary. With our experience in helping families apply for Child Arrangement Orders, you can be confident you’re taking the right steps to protect your child’s future.

What is a Child Arrangement Order?

A Child Arrangement Order is a legal order made by the Court to decide where a child will live, who they will spend time with, and how they will maintain relationships with important people in their lives. These orders are often needed when separated parents cannot agree on child living arrangements after divorce or separation, or when there are concerns about a child's welfare or safety. If you need advice about applying for a Child Arrangement Order in Plymouth, our experienced family solicitors are here to guide you with clear, supportive advice every step of the way.

The Court’s main priority when deciding whether to make a Child Arrangement Order is the welfare of the child. Judges follow a ‘welfare checklist’ set out in the Children Act 1989, which includes factors such as:

  • The wishes and feelings of the child, depending on their age and understanding

  • The child's physical, emotional, and educational needs

  • The likely impact of any changes to their living arrangements

  • The child's age, background, and any relevant characteristics

  • Any harm the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering

  • How capable each parent or carer is of meeting the child's needs

At Nash & Co Solicitors, we’ll help you prepare thoroughly for each stage of the process, making sure your case is clearly presented and fully focused on your child’s best interests. Wherever possible, we aim to resolve disputes amicably through negotiation or mediation, helping you avoid the stress and cost of going to court whenever possible.

When might you need a Child Arrangement Order?

You might need to apply for a Child Arrangement Order if you and your former partner cannot agree on key issues regarding your child's care. These orders are often used to formalise child living arrangements after divorce or separation, providing clarity and security for both parents and children. A Child Arrangement Order can also be important where there are concerns about a child’s safety, welfare, or contact with one parent, ensuring that arrangements are made in the best interests of the child.

Common situations where a Child Arrangement Order may be needed include:

  • Deciding where your child will live after a separation or divorce

  • Agreeing how much time your child will spend with each parent

  • Setting out holiday arrangements or special occasions like birthdays

  • Resolving disagreements about schooling or healthcare decisions

  • Protecting a child’s welfare where there are safeguarding concerns

  • Helping grandparents or other family members maintain relationships with a child

At Nash & Co Solicitors, our family solicitors in Plymouth can help you understand whether applying for a Child Arrangement Order is the right step for you. We’ll provide clear, supportive advice tailored to your circumstances, aiming to reach a solution that protects your child’s wellbeing and helps reduce conflict wherever possible.

The process for getting a Child Arrangement Order in place

Applying for a Child Arrangement Order in Plymouth usually begins when parents cannot agree on important decisions about their child's living arrangements, care, or contact with family members. Wherever possible, we always recommend trying to resolve matters through negotiation or family mediation first. Courts expect parents to make a genuine effort to reach agreement before taking formal action, and mediation can often help reduce conflict and achieve a more positive outcome for everyone involved.

If an agreement isn’t possible, the next steps typically include:

  • Initial Advice: Speak to our family solicitors in Plymouth to understand your options and rights.

  • Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM): Before applying to court, you’ll usually need to attend a MIAM, where a mediator assesses whether mediation could help resolve the dispute.

  • Applying to Court: If mediation is not appropriate or successful, we can help you prepare and submit your application for a Child Arrangement Order.

  • Court Hearings: You may be required to attend one or more hearings, where the court will consider evidence from both sides and, if needed, reports from organisations like CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service).

  • The Court’s Decision: The court will make a decision based on the child’s best interests, using the welfare checklist to guide them. A legally binding Child Arrangement Order will then be issued.

At Nash & Co Solicitors, we’ll guide you through each stage of the process with clear advice, expert representation, and a focus on minimising stress wherever possible. Our goal is to make sure that your child's needs are properly protected and that you feel fully supported throughout.

How we can help you

We understand that making decisions about your children after separation or divorce can be one of the most emotional and difficult experiences you face. Our family solicitors in Plymouth are here to guide you through the process of applying for a Child Arrangement Order with clear, practical advice and sensitive support tailored to your situation. Whether you need help negotiating arrangements outside of court or require strong representation during court proceedings, we’re by your side every step of the way.

We’ll work closely with you to understand your concerns, explore your options, and build a clear plan focused on protecting your child's welfare. Wherever possible, we’ll support you in reaching an amicable agreement without the need for court, through negotiation or mediation. If court involvement is necessary, we’ll prepare your case thoroughly, ensuring that the court understands your child's needs and the arrangements you are proposing. With a strong track record of helping parents secure fair, child-focused outcomes, you can trust our child arrangement solicitors in Plymouth to help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

Contact our specialist Child Law solicitors in Plymouth

If you need advice about Child Arrangement Orders, our experienced family solicitors in Plymouth are here to help. We understand how important it is to protect your child's wellbeing and secure clear, lasting arrangements that work for your family. Whether you’re thinking about applying for a Child Arrangement Order, responding to an application, or simply exploring your options, we’ll guide you with clear, practical advice at every stage.

To arrange a confidential consultation with one of our friendly family law solicitors in Plymouth, call us today on 01752 827030, email us at family@nash.co.uk, or use one of our contact forms here. We’ll listen carefully to your concerns, explain your options clearly, and help you take the right steps towards securing the best outcome for you and your child.

Get in touch today and take the first step towards securing the right arrangements for you and your children.

Frequently asked questions

  • A Child Arrangement Order is a legal term used in the UK that details the arrangements concerning who a child is to live with and when a child is to have contact with the other parent or significant people in their life.

  • The court decides on a Child Arrangement Order by considering several factors, all focused on the child's best interests. These factors include the child's physical, emotional, and educational needs, the likely impact of changes in the child's circumstances, and the capabilities of each parent to meet the child's needs.

  • Yes, a Child Arrangement Order can be changed if both parents agree to the changes, or if one parent petitions the court to make changes. The court will again focus on what is in the best interest of the child when considering any proposed changes.

  • Parents, guardians, and anyone with parental responsibility can apply for a Child Arrangement Order. In some cases, others like grandparents, step-parents, or close relatives can also apply, although they may need to get permission from the court first.

  • If a Child Arrangement Order is breached without a reasonable excuse, it could lead to serious consequences, including fines, community service, or even imprisonment for the offending party. The court can also alter the order or impose additional conditions.

  • A Child Arrangement Order usually lasts until the child turns 16, although in certain circumstances it can be extended until the child turns 18.

  • The court takes the child's wishes and feelings into account depending on their age, maturity, and understanding. The court may ask a Child and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) officer to talk to the child and report back to the court.

  • While it's not mandatory to have a solicitor to apply for a Child Arrangement Order, having one can be beneficial due to the complexity of child law. A solicitor can guide you through the process, help with paperwork, and represent you in court to ensure your case is presented effectively.

  • Parental Responsibility means the rights and responsibilities you have for your child and the things they own. This allows you to make decisions for them and be kept up to date with important information.

    People who hold Parental Responsibility for a child can include the following:-

    • A Mother, who has given birth to a child;

    • A biological Father, who is married to the Mother or has been named on the child’s birth certificate;

    • A same-sex parents who are married or in a civil partnership at the time of undergoing fertility treatment;

    • Someone who has a Child Arrangements Order to confirm a child lives with them;

    • Someone with a Parental Responsibility Order or Agreement;

  • If you share PR with your ex-partner or another person, then you must be considerate of their rights. You should make sure they are informed about any routine matters, such as dentist or doctor’s appointments. They have a right to be informed, attend or get medical information should they wish. You can use your PR to make day to day decisions for your child but on important issues, such as choice of school, you should talk to your ex-partner and try and reach agreement.

  • Yes, there are situations where an individual could lose Parental Responsibility (PR) for a child. This could occur under voluntary or involuntary circumstances. Here are some instances:

    • Adoption Order: If an Adoption Order is granted, the natural parents' PR is typically terminated, and the adoptive parents gain full PR.

    • Placement Order: A Placement Order, which allows a child to be placed with prospective adopters, can also remove PR from the biological parents.

    • Court Order: In exceptional situations, a court might decide to remove PR from an individual if it's deemed to be in the child's best interest. However, this is quite rare and happens only under very specific circumstances.

    • Special Guardianship Order: Under a Special Guardianship Order, a special guardian will have more authority to make decisions about the child's upbringing. While the biological parents retain their PR, their ability to exercise it is limited.

    Please note that the loss of PR doesn't relieve the individual of their duty to financially support the child. Also, it's always important to seek legal advice in any situation involving potential changes in PR.

  • Parental Responsibility (PR) is fundamental because it defines the legal duties, powers, responsibilities, and rights that a parent has in regard to their child's life. Here's why it's so important:

    • Decision-Making Authority: PR empowers parents to make vital decisions about their child's life, such as their education, health care, and religion.

    • Child's Wellbeing: It supports parents in taking responsibility for the physical and emotional wellbeing of the child, ensuring they grow up in a safe, loving, and nurturing environment.

    • Legal Recognition: PR provides legal recognition of the parent-child relationship, establishing clear rights and responsibilities.

    • Representation: In case of legal proceedings, parents with PR can represent the child's interests.

    • Everyday Life: PR includes making decisions about everyday aspects of a child's life, such as what they eat, how they spend their free time, and when they go to bed.

    • Long-term Planning: It allows parents to make long-term decisions about how the child is brought up and what values they are instilled with.

    Understanding and carrying out parental responsibility is crucial for the child's development, providing them with stability, and ensuring their best interests are always prioritised.

  • If you are planning a holiday outside of England and Wales, then you will need the permission of all people who hold Parental Responsibility for your child to travel. You should not take steps to leave the UK with your child, without gaining consent. If your ex-partner will not provide consent for the holiday, you can apply to the Court for a Specific Issue Order to ask the Court’s permission for you to travel. The same rules apply each time you want to travel unless you have a ‘Live With’ order that allows you to take a child out of England and Wales for up to a month at a time for the purposes of a holiday.

  • If you and your ex-partner disagree on something important concerning your child, such as which school they should attend or what medical treatment they should have, you may need to apply to Court for an Order which would allow you to take your chosen steps. If you want to take action, such as changing your child’s school, then you should consider a Specific Issue Order which is an Order allowing a specific action. If you wish to prevent your ex-partner taking action, such as leaving the UK with your child, then you may consider applying for a Prohibited Steps Order. If granted, this would stop your ex-partner for taking the disputed steps. Agreement is always encouraged by the Court, and it is important to try and agree matters if you can.

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