Child Arrangement Solicitors in London
When parents separate, agreeing on arrangements for children is often the most difficult part. Our child arrangement solicitors in London provide clear, expert guidance to help you reach the best outcome for your children — whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings.
We advise parents, guardians, and grandparents on all aspects of Child Arrangement Orders (CAOs), including where a child lives, how much time they spend with each parent, and contact arrangements. If you need a child arrangement solicitor in London, contact Adam Bernard Solicitors today for a free consultation.
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What is a Child Arrangement Order?
A Child Arrangement Order (CAO) is a legally binding court order under the Children Act 1989 that sets out where a child lives and the time they spend with each parent or other individuals, such as grandparents. Child Arrangement Orders replaced the former Residence Orders and Contact Orders in 2014.
A CAO can specify:
- Which parent the child lives with (or whether they live with both)
- The time the child spends with the non-resident parent, including weekday, weekend, and holiday arrangements
- Contact arrangements with wider family members
- Any conditions attached to contact, such as supervised visits
If you and your former partner cannot agree on arrangements, we can help you explore all available options before any court application is necessary.
Do you need a Child Arrangement Order?
Many separating parents are able to reach an informal agreement about their children’s living arrangements and contact without court involvement. Our solicitors always encourage a child-centred approach and will advise you on mediation, collaborative law, and negotiation first.
However, a formal Child Arrangement Order may be necessary where:
- There is persistent disagreement between parents about where the child should live
- One parent is denying the other access to the child
- There are safeguarding concerns or allegations of harm
- One parent wishes to relocate — either within the UK or abroad
- A current arrangement is not working and needs to be varied
Before making a court application, you are generally required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), unless an exemption applies — for example, in cases involving domestic abuse or urgency.
Child relocation and international cases
Child relocation is one of the most complex areas within child law. If one parent wishes to move abroad with a child, they must have the written consent of the other parent or a court order permitting the relocation. Taking a child out of the UK without consent can constitute child abduction, which is a criminal offence under the Child Abduction Act 1984.
If you are facing a relocation application — whether you are the parent seeking to move or the parent opposing it — our child arrangement solicitors have specialist experience in this area and can advise you on your legal position and the likely court considerations.
The court will apply the welfare checklist under section 1(3) of the Children Act 1989, including:
- The ascertainable wishes and feelings of the child (given their age and understanding)
- The child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs
- The likely effect of any change in circumstances
- Any risk of harm the child has suffered or may be at risk of suffering
- The capability of each parent to meet the child’s needs
How our child arrangement solicitors can help
Adam Bernard Solicitors’ family law team advises on the full spectrum of child arrangement matters, from initial negotiation through to contested court hearings. We offer:
- Advice on your parental rights and responsibilities
- Drafting and negotiating Parenting Plans
- Representation at MIAM sessions and mediation
- Preparing and filing applications for Child Arrangement Orders
- Responding to applications made against you
- Emergency court applications where a child’s safety is at risk
- Advice on varying or enforcing existing orders
We act for clients across London from our offices in High Holborn (Central London) and Upton Park (East London), as well as by video consultation via Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp, and Skype.
Why choose Adam Bernard Solicitors?
Our family solicitors have years of experience advising clients in child arrangement disputes across London. We understand that these matters are deeply personal and emotionally demanding. Our approach is always sensitive, practical, and focused on what is best for your children.
- Specialist family lawyers with experience in complex child arrangement cases
- Offices in Central London and East London
- Free initial consultation — in person or by video call
- Transparent fees with clear advice from the outset
- Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 598171)
Get in touch with our expert Solicitors today.
Frequently Asked Questions
A child arrangement solicitor is a family lawyer who specialises specifically in issues relating to children, including where they live, contact arrangements, parental responsibility, and child relocation. At Adam Bernard Solicitors, our family team handles all aspects of child law as well as divorce and financial matters.
If parents can agree, a consent order can be drafted and filed relatively quickly — sometimes within a few weeks. If the matter is contested and goes to court, proceedings typically take between 6 and 12 months, depending on the complexity of the case and court availability.
A Child Arrangement Order is a court order and is legally binding. If one parent fails to comply, the other parent can apply to enforce it. The court has powers to impose conditions, require attendance at a Separated Parents Information Programme (SPIP), or in serious cases, commit the non-compliant parent for contempt of court.
In most cases, yes. Before applying for a Child Arrangement Order, you must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). There are exemptions, including where domestic abuse has occurred or where there is urgency. Your solicitor can advise whether an exemption applies to your situation.
Grandparents do not have an automatic right to apply for a Child Arrangement Order. They must first obtain permission (leave) from the court before making an application. Our solicitors can advise grandparents on their legal options and the prospects of obtaining a contact order.
Yes. Either parent can apply to vary a Child Arrangement Order if circumstances change significantly — for example, if a parent wishes to relocate, if the child's needs change, or if the existing order is no longer working. The court will apply the welfare checklist again in deciding whether to make a variation.
