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Children’s law services
What is a child arrangements order?
A child arrangements order is a court order that sets out who is responsible for the care of a child. It is usually used when the parents cannot agree on how to split care of their children.
A child arrangements order can state: Who the children live with, where they live and when and how the children will see both parents.
For example, they may spend weeknights in the family home and weekends with the other parent. It can also set out other types of contact such as phone calls, video calls, cards and letters etc.
You need to apply to the family court for a child arrangement order, and the process can include several hearings. Once in place, the order is legally binding and usually lasts until the child is 18 years old.
Trying to agree with an ex-partner what the arrangements for children should be can often be difficult, it is a topic which is understandably emotionally charged. Speaking with a solicitor early on in will help to guide you through the process, and hopefully, resolve any issues quickly and amicably without the need for a court application.
Show Transcript
A child arrangements order is an order that specifies how a child will share their time between their parents. So, there are two types of child arrangements. The first, is a spend time with, which took over from the previous contact orders. And the second is a lives with order, which took over from the previous residence order.
A child arrangements order can be applied for by parents, it can be applied for by anybody with parental responsibility, anybody that has one of the old residence orders or anybody with whom the child has been living with for the last 3 years.
To make an application for a child arrangements order, you need to submit a c100 application to the court. A child arrangements order will last until the child is aged 16 if you have a spend time with child arrangements order and 18 if you have a lives with child arrangements order.
To make an application for a child arrangements order there is a court fee of £230. Whether or not you have additional costs will depend on whether or not you choose to instruct a solicitor. A family lawyer can help you through the process by drafting all of the application forms, advising you throughout as to all of the different options that are available to you and also representing you at the court hearings.
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Charlotte Brown and the team at Stowe Family Law have been brilliant since day 1. When I came to them I had been contemplating self representation due to costs, but allowing them to help has been worth every penny.
When I instructed Charlotte I was depleted and terrified, dealing with a very difficult ex partner and on my own in the UK with no family support. Charlotte was calm and patient throughout every hurdle and was a listening ear many times. I felt very much shielded from conflict as well as far as possible which I am extremely grateful for.
Stowe also have an excellent range of barristers and the ones we used were extremely professional, excellent negotiators and worked to help find logical solutions that would get us closer to the last step. Charlotte alongside the barristers were especially good at also helping me see the bigger picture rather than just telling me what I wanted to hear which in turn has led to a very positive outcome. I still have the last order to get to but we're pretty much there and the solution is the best one for my daughter which was the main focus every step of the way.
I had to change my solicitors, that's why I met Kate Bouwmeester at Stowe Family Law. I wish I had her as my solicitor from the very beginning. My financial matter was handled by Kate. Also, she gave me advice on children matters. Kate understood what my expectations were and honestly handled the matter cost-effectively. Kate had been brilliant when it came to clarity and details. She was quick with responses. I would highly recommend Kate Bouwmeester if you are looking for a solicitor for your marital conflict. Unlike some other solicitors, Kate Bouwmeester is able to advise on all matters - divorce, finances and children. I believe that these three matters are linked to one another and having one solicitor, rather than two, for all these matters is more efficient and cheaper. Thank you Kate for helping me
The team you manage have been fantastic with my cases. I moved solicitors and I was very nervous at whether I had done the right thing as it was a big decision. But after meeting Jake and how he listened to me and his no nonsenses attitude which I needed, I felt a lot more at ease. And his quick turnaround to take my cases on to putting a CAO in place last Friday that Ella sorted out for me and kept me in the loop all the way until it was filled with the court. And today Michelle for jumping straight on things while Jake was on leave and getting Ella to deal with the issue where I found my wife was trying to sell sentimental items on Facebook marketplace. Ella quickly responded and dealt with the situation in my opinion perfectly, and the items have been taken down by her now, again she kept me in the loop every step of the way which I really need at the minute. You have an amazing team and I feel very well looked after and I now believe I will get what I and my girls need through all this I know it will take some time, but I have faith in your team you have and trust them.
Congratulations to Helen Miller who maintains Band 3 ranking. Helen Miller is the managing partner at Stowe Family Law for Altrincham, Liverpool and Crewe. She assists clients with financial remedy cases and private law children matters, including abduction cases.
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