Child Inclusive Mediation offers you, as a child or young person, the chance to meet and converse with a trained mediator who is assisting your parents in navigating family matters due to separation or divorce. This process can benefit you as well, whether your...
OTHER INSIGHTS
How long will the scheme last?
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is a temporary initiative, and its continuation depends on government funding and the ongoing assessment of its effectiveness. The scheme was initially introduced in response to the increased strain on the family court system due to...
Choosing a secondary school
Legal ConsiderationsSometimes, despite best efforts in mediation, parents may still find themselves at animpasse. In such cases, it might be necessary to seek legal advice. Family law professionalscan offer guidance on how to proceed, potentially involving the court...
What is a Child Arrangements Order and how can we help?
A child arrangements order is a court order that sets out who has responsibility for the care of a child, including who they live with and how often they will see/ have contact with both parents.
Most commonly used in cases where the parents cannot reach an agreement on how to share the care of their children, the purpose of the order is to ensure that the child’s welfare is the first and foremost consideration.
What is a child arrangements order? What does it mean?
A child arrangements order is a court order that sets out who is responsible for the care of a child.
It is usually used in cases when the parents cannot agree on how to split care of their children.
What does a child arrangements order specify?
A child arrangements order can state:
- Who the children live with
- Where they live
- When and how the children will see both parents
For example, they may spend weeknights in the family home and weekends with their mother/father.
It can also set out other types of contact such as through phone calls, video calls, cards and letters etc.
Who can apply for a child arrangements order?
The following people can apply for an order without prior permission from the court.
- A parent, guardian or special guardian of the child
- A spouse or civil partner if the child is part of that family
- Someone with parental responsibility
- Someone who already has a residence order for that child
- Someone who the child has lived with for more than three years
Grandparents, who do not meet any of the criteria above, have to apply to the court for permission before applying for the order.
How can we help?
Mediation is by far the cheapest option when resolving any dispute and our team of highly experience mediators can help families through the process of making the appropriate child arrangement order. Please contact our administration team to discuss this further.