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Family solicitors, specialising in child custody agreements

Our child custody lawyers help separated parents, and other family members, reach agreement on where a child lives, how much time they spend with each parent, and who holds responsibility for the important decisions in their life. In England and Wales, child custody matters are dealt with under the Children Act 1989 – covering residence and contact, parental responsibility, and issues such as schooling, relocation, and a child’s surname. The courts may refer to these as child arrangements, but whatever language you use, the principle is the same: Your child’s welfare always comes first.

As the UK’s largest specialist family law firm dedicated to child custody matters, Stowe Family Law has over 90 offices across England and Wales. Our child custody team spans locations including London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Sheffield, Bristol, and Cardiff. Wherever you are in the country, local specialist advice is within reach.

Ranked as a Leading Firm by both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners 2026, and named in The Times Best Law Firms in 2026, Stowe’s child custody solicitors are trusted by families across the country. We’re also rated Excellent on Trustpilot, reflecting the care and commitment we bring to every case.

We’re members of Resolution and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which means you can expect honest, measured advice focused firmly on your child’s best interests. Wherever possible, we help parents reach a child custody agreement through direct negotiation, mediation or collaborative law, resolving most cases without the need for court and helping to reduce conflict, stress, and cost along the way.

Key Child Custody Information

What is child custody?

The current legal terminology in England and Wales is child arrangements. These arrangements cover who a child lives with and who they spend time with or otherwise have contact with. “Child custody” and “access” are common search terms, while Residence Orders and Contact Orders are historic orders that were replaced by Child Arrangements Orders.

What are the types of child custody?

A Child Arrangements Order can specify who a child lives with and when they spend time with or otherwise have contact with another person. It can provide for a child to live with one person or more than one. There is no automatically preferred arrangement or requirement for the child’s time to be divided equally.

What is parental responsibility?

Parental responsibility is separate from child arrangements. It refers to the legal rights, duties and responsibilities involved in making important decisions about a child’s upbringing, including education and medical treatment. Having parental responsibility does not, by itself, determine where a child lives or how much time they spend with each parent.

How do I resolve a child custody dispute?

Parents may be able to agree child arrangements directly or with support from solicitors, mediation or another form of non-court dispute resolution. If an agreement cannot be reached, an application can be made for a Child Arrangements Order. When deciding the application, the court’s paramount consideration is the child’s welfare.

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Child arrangements

A child arrangements order, made under the Children Act 1989, sets out who a child lives with and how their time is divided between parents following separation. The order provides a clear framework that both parents can rely on. For many families, that clarity is what matters most. Our lawyers will work with you and your former partner to reach an agreement directly where possible, always keeping your child’s welfare at the centre. Where that proves difficult, we’ll guide you through the court process with care and experience.

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Rights for grandparents

Under the Children Act 1989, grandparents have no automatic right to contact with a grandchild. In most cases, you will need the court’s permission before applying for a child arrangements order – and once granted, the court will decide what arrangement best serves the child’s welfare. Losing contact with a grandchild is something many families experience, and it can be hard to know where to start. Our solicitors can help you explore mediation or a family agreement first, and support a court application if that becomes the right path forward.

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Mediation

In England and Wales, most people are required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (known as a MIAM) before applying to the family court. Mediation is a voluntary process in which a trained, impartial mediator helps both parties reach their own agreements, whether on arrangements for children, finances, or both. It can feel unfamiliar at first, but for many families it offers a clearer and less adversarial route than going to court. Our lawyers can advise you before and after, so you go in prepared.

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International child law

International child law covers cross-border disputes involving children, including abduction, relocation abroad, and the recognition of foreign court orders. In England and Wales, these cases are dealt with primarily under the 1980 and 1996 Hague Conventions, which set out the framework for securing a child’s return or establishing jurisdiction. These situations often require urgent action, and the legal landscape can be complex. Our lawyers are experienced in acting quickly, working alongside the relevant authorities here and overseas to make sure you have clear, practical guidance when you need it most.

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Divorce

Divorce is the legal process that formally ends a marriage in England and Wales. Since 2022, the no-fault system means neither party needs to assign blame – you apply simply on the basis that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. The process is simpler than it once was, but it can still feel a great deal to manage when you’re going through it. Our solicitors will take you through each stage clearly, from the initial application to resolving finances and arrangements for any children, at a pace that suits your situation.

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Special guardianship

A special guardianship order, granted under the Children Act 1989, gives a named individual parental responsibility for a child until the age of 18. It sits above the birth parents’ rights without permanently removing them, and is most often used when a child cannot live with their parents, but adoption is not the right outcome. Taking on this responsibility is a significant step. Our lawyers will explain what the order means in practice, guide you through the local authority assessment, and support you at every stage of the process.

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Child maintenance

Child maintenance is the regular financial contribution made by the non-resident parent toward a child’s day-to-day living costs following separation. In most cases, the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) will calculate the amount, though parents can also reach a private arrangement between themselves. Sorting out finances after separation can take time, and it’s not always straightforward. Our solicitors can explain how the calculations work, when the court may need to become involved, for example, in relation to school fees or additional expenses, and what your options are if arrangements need to be revisited.

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What does child custody involve?

When a relationship ends, one of the hardest things to work out is what happens next for your children. Where will they live? How often will they see each parent? Who decides on the big things, like schooling or medical care? These questions sit at the heart of child custody – and in England and Wales, they’re formally dealt with through what the courts call child arrangements orders.

No matter what term you use, the welfare of your child comes first. Everything else flows from that. Rather than deciding who ‘wins’, the aim is to reach an arrangement that gives your child stability, security, and a meaningful relationship with the people who matter to them.

In practice, child custody usually covers:

  • Living arrangements: Where your child’s main home is, and whether they split their time between both parents
  • Time and contact: When your child spends time with each parent, including overnight stays, holidays, and special occasions
  • Day-to-day decisions: Who is responsible for the important choices in your child’s life, from education to healthcare
  • Practical matters: Things like a change of school, travelling abroad, or a change to your child’s surname

You don’t need to know the exact legal wording to get help. Our role is to explain what applies to your situation and guide you towards an outcome that works for your family.

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What are the different types of child custody?

Current child-arrangements law focuses on who a child lives with and who they spend time with or otherwise have contact with. Older custody terminology is explained below.

What are the different types of child custody?

Current child-arrangements law focuses on who a child lives with and who they spend time with or otherwise have contact with. Older custody terminology is explained below.

  • Who a child lives with

    A Child Arrangements Order can specify who a child lives with and when. It may provide for the child to live with one person or more than one, but this does not necessarily mean their time will be divided equally. “Custody” is a common search term, while “residence” is associated with the historic Residence Order.

  • Who a child spends time with or otherwise has contact with

    A Child Arrangements Order can specify when and how a child spends time with or otherwise has contact with another person. This may include visits, overnight stays or indirect contact. “Access” is an older, informal search term. “Contact” remains part of current legal terminology, although the Contact Order itself is historic.

How are child custody disputes resolved?

If you and your ex-partner can agree between yourselves, that’s almost always the best outcome for everyone – especially your child. An agreement you’ve reached together tends to be more flexible, less stressful, and easier to adjust as your child grows.

But agreeing isn’t always easy, and there’s no shame in needing support to get there. Emotions can run high, and it’s common to reach a point where progress feels stuck. When that happens, there are several routes forward, and going to court is very much the last of them.

How are child custody disputes resolved?

If you and your ex-partner can agree between yourselves, that’s almost always the best outcome for everyone – especially your child. An agreement you’ve reached together tends to be more flexible, less stressful, and easier to adjust as your child grows.

But agreeing isn’t always easy, and there’s no shame in needing support to get there. Emotions can run high, and it’s common to reach a point where progress feels stuck. When that happens, there are several routes forward, and going to court is very much the last of them.

  • Talking it through

    Sometimes a conversation, with the right guidance, is enough. A solicitor can help you understand what a fair and workable arrangement might look like, and negotiate on your behalf if speaking directly with your ex-partner feels too difficult.

  • Mediation

    If direct discussion hasn’t worked, mediation is often the next step. A trained, neutral mediator helps you and your ex-partner focus on the practical questions and keep the conversation constructive.

    • Mediation is usually less stressful (and less costly) than going to court
    • If being in the same room feels too much, shuttle mediation allows you to sit separately while the mediator moves between you
    • In some cases, and only where both parents agree it’s suitable, the child’s own views can be included in the process

    Before you can apply to court, you’ll normally need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). A mediator signs this off as evidence you’ve explored resolving things out of court. There are exemptions, for instance in cases involving domestic abuse.

  • Collaborative law

    Collaborative law offers another out-of-court option. You and your ex-partner each have your own solicitor, but everyone commits to resolving matters through a series of round-table meetings rather than litigation.

  • When court becomes necessary

    If every other option has been exhausted, you can apply to the family court for a child arrangements order. Courts prefer parents to reach their own agreements wherever possible, and will generally only step in when there’s no other way forward. Even then, the focus remains firmly on what’s best for your child.

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What child custody laws might you and your partner need to resolve?

In the UK, parents may need to resolve issues related to child custody, which is now known as child arrangements. This includes a variety of different topics, such as:

  • Where your children should live
  • When your children should see you and your ex-partner, and when they should stay with each of you overnight
  • Financial arrangements – contributions to the cost of bringing up your children in a fair way
  • A potential change of the children’s names
  • What school your children should attend

Coming to an agreement on child custody after a separation requires a sensitive and informed approach. We expertly navigate the legal complexities, advocating for arrangements that serve the child’s best interests and support family stability.

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How does the court decide what’s best for a child?

If a decision does reach the family court, it isn’t made on the basis of who asks most persuasively or who earns the most. The court applies what’s known as the welfare principle, meaning your child’s welfare is the paramount consideration, above all else.

To reach a decision, the court works through a welfare checklist set out in the Children Act 1989. This includes, but isn’t limited to:

Your child’s wishes and feelings: Considered in light of their age and understanding

  • Their needs: Physical, emotional, and educational
  • The effect of change: How any change to their circumstances might affect them
  • Their characteristics: Age, sex, background, and anything else the court considers relevant
  • Any risk of harm: Whether your child has suffered, or is at risk of suffering, harm
  • Each parent’s capability: How able each parent (or anyone else involved) is to meet your child’s needs

The court weighs these factors together rather than treating any single one as decisive.

Why choose Stowe Family Law?

  • Our expert team offers clear, practical advice so you can make informed decisions about child arrangements and the next steps for your family.

  • We are proud to be rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot. Check out our reviews to see what our previous clients have said about our service.

  • We feature in The Legal 500 rankings and are fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

  • We keep you informed. Take a look at our support section, which features a range of helpful guides, focusing on important topics including finances and mediation.

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What is parental responsibility?

Parental responsibility is the legal term for the rights, duties, and responsibilities a parent has for their child. It covers the significant decisions in a child’s life – where they go to school, consent to medical treatment, and more – and it sits closely alongside any question of custody.

Who holds it depends on your circumstances:

  • A mother automatically has parental responsibility from birth
  • A married father shares it automatically
  • An unmarried father can acquire it by being named on the birth certificate (for births registered after December 2003), by entering into a parental responsibility agreement with the mother, or through a court order

If you’re separating and weren’t married, questions of custody are still decided in the same way as for married couples – with your child’s welfare at the centre. Who your child lives with and how they spend their time is treated no differently.

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When should you seek legal advice?

There’s no single right moment, and you don’t need to wait until things have broken down completely. Many parents find that getting clear, early advice helps them avoid unnecessary conflict and understand where they stand before any decisions are made.

It’s often worth speaking to a solicitor when:

  • You and your ex-partner can’t agree on where your child should live or how time is shared
  • Custody arrangements you’d previously agreed have stopped working, or aren’t being honoured
  • You’re worried about your child’s safety or wellbeing
  • Your situation is more complex. For example, one parent wants to relocate, there’s an international element, or social services have become involved

Legal advice isn’t only for parents. Grandparents and other relatives can also play an important role in a child’s life and may need advice about child arrangements.

Common questions on child custody

Common questions on child custody

Maya has expertise in handling a range of complex matters involving children and high-net worth clients.

Date last reviewed: 11/09/2026

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