Child Arrangement Solicitors

It is never easy for separated parents to make decisions regarding their child, and this is made even harder if both parties cannot come to an agreement on some or all aspects of their child’s care. If an agreement cannot be reached, it may be in the child’s best interest to apply for a Child Arrangement order, which lays out with whom the child lives with and what contact they have with parents or another type of order which sets out specific things that must happen or which are prohibited .

At Hepburn Delaney Solicitors, we understand that when family relationships change, ensuring the wellbeing and stability of your children is your top priority. Our experienced Family Law team provide clear, practical and compassionate guidance to help you make decisions that are within your child’s best interests. We ensure a transparent and fast service to make the process as stress-free for you and your family as possible.

We take the time to understand your situation through an initial consultation and work closely with you throughout the process to find solutions that prioritise your children’s needs while protecting your parental rights.  The starting point will always be to try to support you to reach an agreement with the aim of limiting the financial and emotional cost of any dispute.

A number of our solicitors are children panel members who are experienced at representing children, as well as parents, This expertise within the team brings a unique perspective which benefits parents, particularly in helping understand the Court process, the paramountcy of child’s welfare and the role of Cafcass.

Applying for Child Arrangement Orders

A Child Arrangements Order can determine who the child shall live with, have contact with and otherwise spend time with. Our child arrangement solicitors can assist you with every step of the process, from advising on the terms to be included to drafting and submitting an application to the Court.

Applying for Prohibited Steps Orders

Our experts can advise you and help you apply for a Prohibited Steps Order, which places limits on when certain parental rights and duties can be exercised. We work with you to understand what kind of Order will be in your child’s best interests, whether that be limiting a parent’s ability to relocate with the child or change their school. Our solicitors can also represent you in any communication with the Court to simplify the process for you.

Applying for Specific Issue Orders

A Specific Issue order helps to resolve a specific disputed issue, such as requiring a parent to hand over a passport. Our team of child arrangement solicitors work with you to understand your circumstances and can advise you on whether a Specific Issue Order is in both your and the child’s best interests. We can then assist in drafting an application to the Court, as well as handling all communications with the Court throughout the process on your behalf.

Enforcing an Order

If a parent breaches the terms of a Child Arrangement Order, you can choose to report these breaches to the Court. Our experts provide advice on the entire process, as well as helping you to fill out the relevant forms and submitting them to the Court.

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Mediation

Many parents will disagree on certain aspects of a child’s upbringing, such as the school they attend or where they should live. Before any Court application is made for a Child Arrangements Order it will usually be necessary to try to resolve any issues in mediation.  Our team can refer you to reputable mediators or alternativelyis made, our family mediation specialists can assist in mediating between both parties to try and reach a mutually satisfying outcome in the most amicable way possible.