Mon - Fri 8:30am - 7pm | Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm
Call local rate
Call us: Mon - Fri 8:30am - 7pm, Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm
Free callback available 7 days a week
Mon - Fri 8:30am - 7pm | Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm
Family solicitors, specialising in child custody agreements
Agreeing on child custody after a separation can be tough. Emotions can ran high and decisions can be made without the best interests of your children in mind.
Our specialist child custody lawyers are here to guide you through the process, help parents and guardians to resolve issues, and set clear guidelines when it comes to the custody of children.
read moreUsing our extensive knowledge and experience, we support clients to reach an amicable solution without a court application, be it through direct communication, negotiation between solicitors or the use of collaborative law.
If an out of court agreement can not be reached, as a last resort, we work with clients to navigate the court process to ensure the best outcome for both them and their children.
Our team of child custody lawyers has worked both parents and grandparents and have dealt with cases of all natures, working to achieve a positive outcome for all.
Key child law information
|
What is a child arrangements order? |
A child arrangements order is a court order determining who cares for a child. It specifies:
The order can also include other types of contact, such as phone calls, video calls, and letters. |
|
What is child maintenance? |
Child maintenance is a payment from one parent to another to cover living expenses. Ideally, parents agree on the amount and what it covers themselves. If not, they can apply to the Child Maintenance Service(CMS),a government agency that arranges and collects maintenance payments. |
|
What child custody laws might you and your partner need to resolve? |
|
Our child law services
What is child custody?
In the UK child custody law determines the person(s) responsible for the care and charge of a child, after divorce or separation. The term custody can also be referred to as residency – indicating the child’s main residence, following parents going their separate ways. In the UK, child custody primarily falls into two categories: sole custody and joint custody.
read moreSole custody means that one parent has the primary responsibility for the child’s care and upbringing. This parent makes the major decisions about the child’s life, such as those concerning education and healthcare.
Joint custody involves both parents sharing the responsibilities of raising their child. This arrangement requires cooperation between the parents as they both contribute to decisions about significant aspects of the child’s life, including schooling, medical care, and general welfare.
Many child custody agreement also includes rules regarding visitation. Visitation dictates when a specific party mentioned in the agreement has the right to visit or spend time with the child, or children, in question.
Meet our expert child law solicitors
We offer an award winning service
What child custody laws may you and your partner need to resolve?
In the UK, parents may need to resolve issues related to child custody, also 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.
Why choose Stowe Family Law?
As the only national law firm fully dedicated to family matters, our expert team offers professional advice so you can make a fully informed decision about your divorce.
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.
“
”
Let's ask Mr W
I contacted Stowe family law after I had separated from my partner of 12 yrs. She had walked out and left me to look after my 6 yr old son, 8 months later i was taken to court by my ex partner over my son, so I turned to Stowe for help. Jemma, Rachael and the team where there for me from the first time I met them until my case was settled in court.… Read more They supported me constantly through a very tough and emotional time that lasted for over a year, they we’re always there to help and I could not of got through this without them. My heart goes out to Jemma, Rachael and the team at STOWE FAMILY LAW. A big thank you.Let's ask Legal 500
‘Sara Morton has a relaxed and reassuring manner with clients, easily putting them at ease and forming excellent working relationships‘.Let's ask Legal 500
Adept at providing realistic and timely adviceLet's ask Anon
Nothing but outstanding from Tamara.Let's ask Legal 500
I have found Helen Miller to be very professional in all aspects of her work. She is diligent and thorough with a strength of will and determination. I felt total confidence in her ability to obtain a very satisfactory conclusion throughout the process of my divorce including the court hearings. Helen expresses great client care, empathy and unders… Read moretanding with compassion during this difficult period of my life.Let's ask Anon
Excellent service, support and communication. Stowe Family supported me all the way through a very tough period in my life. I would definitely recommend.Let's ask Mrs O
Charlotte Newman was supportive, professional and made the stressful process of divorce and child custody less daunting. She was available when I needed her and I couldn't be more grateful for all her help. I would highly recommend!Common questions on child custody
Common questions on child custody
-
What is child contact and access?
Child contact refers to the time a child spends with a non-resident parent. It includes both overnight stays and daytime visits. Access, often used interchangeably with contact, refers to the legal right of a non-resident parent to spend time with their child.
-
Should I hire a child custody solicitor?
Hiring a child custody solicitor is advisable, especially in complex cases where disputes arise over child arrangements. A solicitor can provide legal advice, represent you in court if necessary, and help negotiate agreements that are in the best interests of the child.
-
How much does a child custody solicitor cost?
The cost of hiring a child custody solicitor can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and whether the matter remains uncontested or goes to court. Fees may include hourly rates or fixed fees for specific services like mediation or court representation.
-
Who gets custody of the children after a divorce?
After a divorce in the UK, both parents are encouraged to agree on child arrangements (custody). If they cannot agree, the court will decide based on the child’s best interests. The term “custody” is not commonly used in UK law; instead, decisions focus on residence and contact arrangements.
-
Who gets custody of the children when the parents are not married?
When unmarried parents separate, the mother automatically has parental responsibility. The father can acquire parental responsibility by jointly registering the birth with the mother, obtaining a parental responsibility agreement, or through a court order. Child arrangements are determined similarly to divorce cases, focusing on the child’s welfare.
Close
Newsletter Sign Up
Sign up for advice on divorce and relationships from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts.
Privacy Policy