Child Arrangements Order Solicitors

child-arrangements-order-solicitors Child Arrangements Order solicitors, like those at Birch & Co, specialise in assisting separating couples in resolving pertinent issues affecting their children that arise from their separation.

Our Child Arrangements Order solicitors understand how stressful the breakdown of a relationship can be and how that stress can be exacerbated when children are involved. We will guide and support you through the divorce process, ensuring that your interests and those of your children are fully protected.

Reach out to Birch & Co’s specialist and supportive team today. Call us on 0191 284 5030 or complete a Free Online Enquiry now to get a bespoke fixed price estimate.

“I cannot fault the professionalism and helpfulness throughout what has been a difficult time. I would not hesitate to use your services again and would recommend you to others.” (Mrs C Surtees)

What is a Child Arrangements Order?

A Child Arrangements Order is a court order which determines key details regarding a separating couple’s children, including:

Where should the children live
Who the children should spend time with
Where, when, and how that contact should take place

When deciding on the terms of a Child Arrangements Order, the court’s primary concern will be the child’s welfare. Accordingly, there is no standard form of order; the judge in will base the arrangements on what would be in the best interests of the child.

Who can apply for a Child Arrangements Order?

You can apply for a Child Arrangements Order if you have parental responsibility for the child. If you do not have parental responsibility, you can still apply; however, you need to apply to court for permission first.

Our Child Arrangements Order solicitors will advise you on the process applicable to your case and assist you in making the necessary applications.

What do Child Arrangements Order solicitors do?

Child Arrangements Order solicitors are experts in ensuring their clients are treated fairly in any arrangements regarding their children, and in protecting their children’s welfare.

Separating couples must attend a special meeting called a ‘Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting’ (‘MIAM’) before applying to court for a Child Arrangements Order. At a MIAM, a speciality trained mediator will discuss the issues with the parties, either separately or together, and assess whether those issues appear resolvable through the mediation process. The mediator will also explain how the process works and its benefits, which include the following:

It is quicker and cheaper than applying to court
It places less strain on the parties
It can preserve the parties’ relationship and minimise any ongoing acrimony, thereby potentially lessening the impact of the separation on the children
The parties maintain control of the mediation process. They can choose when and where the mediation takes place as well as its format. They can also choose the mediator they believe to be best suited to their situation.

Even if the mediator conducting the MIAM believes your case to be suitable for mediation, you are not obliged to engage with the process. You can simply proceed to litigation, presenting the certificate supplied by the mediator confirming that you have taken part in a MIAM.

However, our Child Arrangements Order solicitors usually encourage our clients to seriously consider exploring alternative dispute resolution methods to finalise the arrangements regarding their children. We firmly believe that family law issues are best addressed by the parties working together in a constructive manner. That way, you and your ex-partner can reach an agreement that reflects your family’s reality and allows you the flexibility to adapt as your children grow and your circumstances change. Avoiding litigation also enables you to focus your energy on reassuring your children and helping them to adapt to their new norm.

There are, of course, some circumstances in which the court’s involvement is simply unavoidable. For example, if there is a history of domestic abuse or a significant power imbalance in the relationship, it may be necessary to ask the court to review the case and make a Child Arrangements Order based on their findings.

Once our Child Arrangements Order solicitors have got to know you and understand your needs and priorities, we will advise you on your options and help you decide on the best route for you and your children.

How much do Child Arrangements Order solicitors cost?

Your legal costs will depend on the issues that arise in your case and how long it takes our Child Arrangements Order solicitors to resolve them.

We are committed to providing our clients with exceptional legal advice at competitive rates. Our Child Arrangements Order solicitors have extensive experience in all family law matters, so we can often resolve issues swiftly, thereby reducing our clients’ cost exposure. Furthermore, our inclination towards settling child arrangement issues constructively and without recourse to litigation means that many of our clients avoid lengthy and expensive court proceedings. Our Child Arrangements Order solicitors are superb negotiators and frequently negotiate excellent settlements on behalf of our clients.