Child Arrangement Solicitors in Manchester, Sale, and Chester
When parents separate, sorting out the arrangements for your children comes first.
Whether you’re worried about where your children will live, how often you’ll see them, or just want to make sure things are done in their best interests, our child arrangement solicitors in Manchester, Sale and Chester will give you honest advice that puts your children’s wellbeing first. We also advise clients across the UK from offices in Central London, North London, Liverpool, Leeds, York and Sheffield.
‘Child arrangements’ is the current term for what has previously included the terms ‘child custody’, ‘contact’, and ‘residence’. It covers the legal arrangements for where your children live and who they spend time with.
How we can help with child arrangements
Getting the right orders for your situation
Whether you need a child arrangements order for where your children will live or how often you’ll see them, we help our clients work out safe arrangements that put your children first. Our child arrangements order solicitors will guide you through the relevant issues and what should be considered.
Child maintenance and other financial matters
We are also able to help in respect of the financial arrangements for your children, including child maintenance payments, the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), and claims against the other parent under Schedule 1 of the Children Act
Resolving specific issues concerning your children
In addition to the living arrangements for your children, we advise and support on specific issues, such as which school they should attend, their religious upbringing, medical treatment, and other important decisions like a change of name. We also help with any issues in respect of parentage.. We also advise on what decisions you can and can’t make independently when you do have parental responsibility.
Understanding CAFCASS involvement
If a judge appoints a CAFCASS officer to report on your case, we’ll help you through the process and make sure your views are properly heard. We’ll guide you through what to expect and how to prepare for any meetings or assessments.
Acquiring parental responsibility
If you’re a father or same-sex female partner who does not automatically have parental responsibility, we can help you to obtain it.
Securing contact as grandparents
We help grandparents and other close family members to apply for permission to seek child arrangements orders if your current relationship with them has been disrupted.
Applying for special guardianship
If you’re caring for a child whose parents can’t look after them, we can help you apply to become their special guardian. A special guardianship order gives you legal authority to make day-to-day decisions while preserving the child’s link with their birth parents. Importantly, a special guardian has parental responsibility for the relevant child to the exclusion of any other person with parental responsibility. If you are applying for a special guardianship order you may be eligible for Legal Aid.
How child arrangements orders work
Talk to us about your situation
Get in touch and we’ll have an honest conversation about what you’re dealing with and what you want to achieve. We’ll explain your options in plain English and give you a realistic view of what’s possible.
We’ll help you to work out the best approach
Depending on your situation, this might mean helping you reach an agreement directly with the other parent, going through mediation, or applying to the Family Court. We always aim to resolve things without court where we can, but if you need a court order, we’ll handle the application and guide you through each stage.
Formalising the arrangements
We’ll help you put together arrangements that work for your family, whether that’s through a written agreement or a court order. If you are concerned about the other parent not adhering to the arrangements, formalising them as a ‘consent order’ can help. The timeframe varies depending on your circumstances, but we’ll keep you updated at every stage and make sure you understand what’s required.
Why choose Slater Heelis for child arrangements
Over 250 years of service
We’ve been providing legal advice to families since 1773. With offices in Manchester, Sale and Chester, we’re rooted in the local communities we serve and understand the issues families face. We also advise clients across the UK from offices in London, Liverpool, Leeds, York and Sheffield. Our family law team is one of the largest in the North West, with over 18 qualified solicitors dedicated solely to family law matters.
Recognised expertise
We’re listed in The Times Best Law Firms for 2026, with our family law team being highly commended. The Legal 500 recognises us as one of the leading family law firms in the North West. With over 1,400 reviews and an average rating of 4.9/5 on ReviewSolicitors, our clients recognise the outstanding results we provide.
Putting your children first
We make sure your children are at the heart of all legal arrangements. As members of Resolution, all our family law solicitors are committed to constructive solutions wherever possible. Unless it would be inappropriate to do so, we’ll always try to keep your matter out of court using mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law.
If formal court proceedings are needed, our experienced solicitors will help you to pursue the best outcome, fearlessly and independently.
Straightforward and proactive advice
We won’t overcomplicate things or incur unnecessary legal costs. Our child arrangements order solicitors will explain what you need to know in plain English and make sure you understand the relevant issues at every stage.
Our offices in Manchester, Sale and Chester are open for face-to-face meetings, and we also work with clients across the UK, with meetings at other locations, such as London, Leeds and Liverpool, available by appointment. We’ll keep you informed at every stage, explain everything in plain English, and give you the straightforward legal advice you need when it matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions about child arrangements
What is a child arrangements order?
A child arrangements order is a court order that sets out where a child will live and how much time they’ll spend with each parent. They are made by judges (and, sometimes, magistrates) sitting in the Family Court. Any child arrangements order made should be reflective of the child’s best interests.
What are the key considerations of child arrangement orders?
Child arrangements decisions are made by the Family Court with reference to what’s known as the ‘welfare checklist’. This includes:
The child’s wishes and feelings (considered in light of the child’s age and understanding)
The child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs
The likely effect (on the child) of any change in circumstances
The child’s age, sex, background, and any other characteristics which the court considers to be relevant
Any harm which the child has suffered or at risk of suffering
How capable each of the child’s parents is of meeting the child’s needs
Do I need to go to court for child arrangements?
Not always. Many parents work out arrangements between themselves or through mediation, which is quicker and less stressful. You only need to go to court if you can’t agree, there are safety concerns, or you need a legally binding order. We always try to help you reach an agreement outside of court where possible.
How long does it take to get a child arrangements order?
If both parents agree, a consent order can typically be obtained. This being said, it is important to understand that CAFCASS still play a role where the application is by consent, and will want to ensure that the agreement reached is safe and in the child’s best interests.
Contested proceedings will normally take significantly longer. More straightforward cases can be finalised within 6-12 months, though this can vary significantly, especially if there are domestic abuse issues, or matters requiring expert evidence (or both). The court will usually require you to attend a mediation information assessment meeting first before accepting your application, unless an exemption applies.
How much does a child arrangements lawyer cost?
CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) is an independent organisation that advises the court on what’s best for children. They will be involved when there’s a court case about child arrangements. A CAFCASS officer will usually have a short telephone call with each parent prior to writing an initial ‘safeguarding letter’. A duty CAFCASS officer will then be available at the first court hearing of a child arrangements order application.
The CAFCASS officer will be involved to a much greater extent if a ‘Section 7’ report (which addresses your child’s welfare) is ordered in the case. Where this happens, the CAFCASS officer will meet with the child.
Can grandparents apply for time with their grandchildren?
Yes, but grandparents don’t have an automatic right to apply for a child arrangements order. You’ll first need to get permission from the court to make an application for a child arrangements order. The court will then consider whether contact with you is in your grandchildren’s best interests.
What happens if the other parent breaches a child arrangements order?
If someone breaches a child arrangements order, you can apply to the court for enforcement. The court can impose unpaid work requirements, financial compensation, or in serious cases, change the arrangements. Keep records of any breaches with dates and details, as you’ll need detailed evidence to support any enforcement application. It is important to note that an enforcement order will not be made if the other parent has a ‘reasonable excuse’ for breaching the child arrangements order.
Can I stop my ex from seeing our children?
You can only stop contact if there’s a safeguarding risk. If you have serious concerns about abuse, neglect, or other danger relating to your child, you should get legal advice immediately. The police can be contacted in an emergency. If you or your child is at risk of harm and need to speak with the police but cannot talk, you can use the ‘Silent Solution’ as follows:
Dial 999
Listen to the questions from the operator
Respond by coughing or tapping your device (if you are able to do so)
If prompted, press 55 to let the operator know it’s a genuine emergency and you’ll be put through to police.
Contact Us
