Children
When a relationship ends, your role as a parent continues. That’s why we focus on helping you find a constructive way forward. Whether you're trying to agree on where your children live, secure financial support, or make important decisions about their future, we’re here with clear, practical advice.
Child Arrangements Orders (CAO)
We’ll help you apply for an order that sets out where your child lives and when they see each parent or family member. We deal with emotionally charged and complex cases all the time, including those with international elements. We’ll give you clear advice and keep things on track.
Child maintenance & CMS disputes
A non-resident parent has an obligation to pay child maintenance to the resident parent. We advise on child maintenance obligations and can help you challenge unfair assessments through the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) Tribunal process.
Schedule 1 applications
Where CMS support isn’t enough, we can help with applications to the court for school fees, housing, lump sums or top-up maintenance. We act for both parents making and responding to claims.
Parental responsibility
A mother automatically has parental responsibility from the moment her child is born. If you're not named on your child's birth certificate, or you weren't married to the child's mother when they were born, you may not have the same legal rights and responsibilities. If you're unsure where you stand, we're here to help.
Parental agreements
We can draft a parenting plan that outlines day-to-day care, contact and decision-making. A clear agreement can make co-parenting smoother for everyone involved.
Prohibited steps orders
Need to stop a change of name or prevent a parent from moving your child without consent? We can act fast to secure urgent protection through the courts.
Child relocation cases
Planning to move abroad or elsewhere in the UK with your child? We’ll advise on your rights and help you prepare a strong relocation application if your ex objects.
Key decisions for a child’s future
We can help with Special Guardianship Orders and Specific Issue Orders, giving you more say in a child’s upbringing. Whether it’s school choices, travel plans, or long-term care, we’ll guide you through your options with clear, practical advice that puts the child’s best interests first.
Questions we’re often asked
It’s a court order that sets out who a child lives with, who they see, and how often. It can also include overnight stays and holiday contact.
You can apply for a Child Arrangements Order. If there's risk of harm, you may also need a Prohibited Steps or Specific Issue Order.
Yes. They’ll usually need to apply for permission (leave) of the court before making an application for a Child Arrangements Order.
The child’s best interests come first. The court follows the welfare checklist under Section 1 of the Children Act 1989 which includes age, needs, wishes, safety, and the ability of each parent to meet those needs.
It depends on the issues, court availability and how cooperative each side is. Some cases settle in months, others may take over a year. Mediation or solicitor correspondence may resolve matters more quickly.
Need an expert in
family law
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For more information or a no obligation discussion, please call or email our team today.
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