Children and Family Law Solicitors in Plymouth

When families go through separation or divorce, the wellbeing of the children involved is always the most important priority. At Nash & Co Solicitors, our experienced children and family law solicitors in Plymouth are here to help you navigate the challenges with clarity, sensitivity, and expert guidance. Whether you're making arrangements for where your child will live, how much time they’ll spend with each parent, or resolving issues like parental responsibility, our team will be by your side at every stage. We’re here to help reduce stress, avoid unnecessary conflict, and find practical, child-focused solutions that work for your family.

If you're struggling to agree arrangements for your children after a separation, our experienced family law solicitors are ready to support you. We regularly advise parents on Child Arrangement Orders in Plymouth, providing clear, practical guidance at every step. Whether you're applying for an order, responding to an application, or simply need advice about your options, we’ll work with you to find a solution that protects your child’s wellbeing and gives you peace of mind.

Making decisions about your children after separation can feel overwhelming, emotional, and incredibly personal. Our approach is always to put your child's best interests first, while ensuring you feel heard, informed, and supported throughout the process. Wherever possible, we’ll help you reach an agreement without the need for court. If court proceedings are necessary, you can trust our family solicitors to stand by you with clear advice, strong representation, and a calm focus on securing the best outcome for your family’s future.

How we can help your family

children and family solicitors in Plymouth

Every family is different, and so are the challenges that come with any change in family life. Our experienced family law solicitors are here to support you with clear, practical advice tailored to your situation — always with a strong focus on protecting your child’s wellbeing.

We can help you with:

  • Child arrangements after separation — agreeing where your child will live, who they will spend time with, and how key decisions about their upbringing will be made.

  • Formalising arrangements through a Child Arrangement Order — supporting you through court proceedings when necessary to secure legal clarity and stability.

  • Understanding and exercising Parental Responsibility — helping you navigate your rights and responsibilities as a parent or carer, and ensuring you have a recognised role in your child’s life.

  • Resolving disputes amicably wherever possible — encouraging negotiation, mediation, and collaboration to find child-focused solutions without unnecessary conflict.

Whatever stage you're at — whether you're trying to reach an agreement, facing a dispute, or needing advice about your legal position — our team will work closely with you. We’ll provide clear explanations, strong support, and practical guidance at every step, helping you make the right decisions for your family’s future.

Child Arrangements explained

When parents separate, one of the most important priorities is making arrangements that support your child’s wellbeing and give them stability for the future. This usually involves agreeing where your child will live, who they will spend time with, and how key decisions about their care and upbringing will be made.

Every family is different, and there’s no single right answer when it comes to child arrangements. Some families are able to reach an agreement informally through discussion and cooperation. Others may need more structured support through negotiation or mediation. In every case, the focus should always be on what is best for your child — protecting their emotional wellbeing, ensuring their needs are met, and giving them the security they need to thrive.

At Nash & Co Solicitors, our family law solicitors in Plymouth are here to guide you through the process with clear advice and practical support. Wherever possible, we’ll help you reach an agreement without the need for court proceedings, keeping conflict to a minimum and making the process as straightforward and positive as possible for everyone involved.

If you are unable to agree arrangements informally, you may need to apply for a formal Child Arrangement Order through the court. We can guide you through every step of this process, ensuring your case is clearly presented and your child’s best interests are protected. Find out more about Child Arrangement Orders.

Child Arrangement Orders

If you’re unable to reach an agreement about where your child will live or who they will spend time with, you may need to apply for a Child Arrangement Order through the court. A Child Arrangement Order is a legally binding decision that sets out the practical details of your child’s living and contact arrangements, providing clarity and security for everyone involved.

At Nash & Co Solicitors, we have extensive experience supporting parents through the process of applying for and responding to Child Arrangement Orders. Whether you’re making an application yourself or responding to one, we’ll guide you with clear advice, strong representation, and a steady focus on protecting your child’s best interests. Find out more about Child Arrangement Orders.

children and family solicitors in Plymouth
children and family solicitors in Plymouth

What the court considers when deciding child arrangements

When the court is asked to make decisions about child arrangements, the welfare of the child is always the most important consideration. Judges are guided by a set of factors known as the ‘welfare checklist’, set out in the Children Act 1989, to help ensure that every decision is made in the child’s best interests.

The court will carefully consider:

  • The child’s wishes and feelings, taking into account their age and level of understanding

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

  • The likely effect of any change in the child’s circumstances

  • The child’s age, sex, background, and any relevant characteristics

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

  • Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs and provide a stable, supportive environment

The court’s aim is always to create arrangements that give the child security, stability, and the best possible opportunities for the future. At Nash & Co Solicitors, we’ll work with you to present your case thoughtfully and sensitively, ensuring the court understands your child’s needs and the arrangements you believe are in their best interests.

Parental Responsibility, and why it matters so much

Parental Responsibility (often called PR) means having the legal rights, duties, powers and responsibilities to make important decisions about a child's upbringing. This includes things like where a child lives, where they go to school, what medical treatment they receive, and decisions about their religion and general welfare. Having Parental Responsibility gives you a legal say in the major aspects of your child's life and ensures you are recognised as someone with a vital role in their care and future.

In most cases, birth mothers automatically have Parental Responsibility. Fathers will also have Parental Responsibility if they were married to the mother at the time of the child’s birth or if they are named on the birth certificate (after a certain date depending on the law in force at the time). It’s also possible for step-parents, guardians, or others to obtain Parental Responsibility through a legal agreement or court order. If you need advice about obtaining or exercising Parental Responsibility, our experienced family solicitors in Plymouth are here to help. We can explain your rights clearly, help you understand your options, and support you through any necessary applications to make sure your role in your child's life is protected.

Need help agreeing where your child will live or who they'll spend time with?

Find out more about Child Arrangement Orders

Resolving Disputes About Children Amicably

children and family solicitors in Plymouth

At Nash & Co Solicitors, we believe that resolving disputes about children in a calm and positive way is nearly always the best approach, for you, and most importantly, for your child. Wherever possible, we encourage parents to work together through negotiation, mediation, or other constructive discussions, helping you find practical solutions that meet your child’s needs and minimise conflict.

These approaches are often quicker, less stressful, and far more positive for everyone involved than going through the court system. However, if agreement can’t be reached, we are fully prepared to support you through court proceedings when necessary, always with clear advice and strong representation. Court should always be seen as a last resort, not the first step.

Our focus is on helping families build arrangements that work long-term, reducing emotional strain, and protecting the important relationships children need to thrive. With sensitive advice and a strong, child-centred approach, we’ll stand by you every step of the way.

Contact our specialist Family Solicitors in Plymouth

If you need advice and support with child arrangements, parental responsibility, or any other aspect of family law, our experienced solicitors at Nash & Co are here to help. We understand how important these decisions are for you and your children, and we’ll provide clear, practical guidance to help you find the best way forward. Whether you are at the start of discussions or need urgent advice about court proceedings, we’re ready to support you every step of the way.

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 work with you to find a solution that protects your family’s future.

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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