Child Arrangement Orders in Chester

Deciding where your child will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and what form that contact should take can be one of the most stressful and emotionally charged parts of the process. At Slater Heelis, our child arrangement order solicitors in Chester provide clear, pragmatic legal advice and robust representation, always placing your child’s welfare at the heart of every decision. Whether you are trying to reach an agreement with the other parent, considering mediation, or applying to the court, our experienced child custody lawyers in Chester will support you throughout the process and help you work towards arrangements that give your child consistency, security, and reassurance.

If you would like to speak to one of our family law solicitors in Chester straightaway, you can give us a call on 0330 111 3131 or fill out our online contact form.

What is a child arrangement order?

A child arrangement order is a court order that formally sets out where a child will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and what type of contact will take place, including face-to-face visits, overnight stays, telephone contact, video calls, or supervised contact where appropriate. These orders replaced the previous residence and contact orders following changes introduced by the Children and Families Act 2014, which amended the Children Act 1989, with the aim of focusing on the child rather than parental labels.

Where parents are unable to agree on suitable arrangements between themselves, either one or both parents can apply to the Family Court for a child arrangement order. The court will then make a decision based on what it considers to be in the child’s best interests. In some cases, the order may also address wider issues such as schooling, medical treatment, travel arrangements, or religious upbringing, and the court may issue related orders, such as Prohibited Steps Orders or Specific Issue Orders, if particular concerns need to be addressed.

What factors do courts consider when making a child arrangement order?

When deciding whether to make a child arrangement order, the court’s primary consideration is always the child’s welfare. Judges assess a range of factors, including the child’s wishes and feelings, taking into account their age and level of understanding, as well as their physical, emotional, and educational needs. The court will also consider the potential impact of any changes to the child’s circumstances, their age, background, and any other relevant characteristics, alongside any risk of harm, including concerns around domestic abuse or neglect.

What’s more, the court considers each parent or carer’s ability to meet the child’s needs and to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, where it’s safe to do so. These considerations help the court reach a balanced decision that prioritises the child’s long-term well-being and stability.

Who can apply for a child arrangement order?

Applications for a child arrangement order can be made by parents, guardians, special guardians, or anyone who has parental responsibility for the child. A spouse or civil partner of a parent may also be eligible to apply, as well as someone who already has a residence order or who has lived with the child for a minimum of three years. In certain circumstances, grandparents or other relatives may also be able to apply with the court’s permission, particularly where they have played a significant and ongoing role in the child’s life.

Our child arrangement order solicitors in Chester regularly advise parents, grandparents, and extended family members on eligibility to apply and the likelihood of the court granting permission where required.

How do I get a child arrangement order?

In most cases, the process begins with mediation, which gives both parents the opportunity to try to reach an agreement with the support of an independent mediator. As experienced child custody lawyers in Chester, we can help arrange mediation by putting you in touch with an accredited mediator and organising the required Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), which the court expects parties to attend before considering an application for a child arrangement Order.

If mediation is unsuccessful or inappropriate given the circumstances of the case, we will guide you through the process of making an application to the Family Court. The court will usually list an initial hearing, at which both parties attend, and CAFCASS conducts safeguarding checks. If an agreement can be reached at this stage, the court may be able to make a final order. If not, further steps may be required, such as additional mediation, a detailed CAFCASS report, or a final hearing where the court will make a binding decision.

How long does a child arrangement order take?

The length of time it takes to resolve a Child Arrangements Order varies depending on the complexity of the case, the level of agreement between the parties, and the court’s timetable. In more straightforward cases, where an agreement is reached quickly, matters can sometimes be resolved within a few months. However, more complex disputes, particularly those involving safeguarding concerns or allegations of harm, can take a year or longer to conclude.

Where there are concerns about a child’s safety or well-being, the court may order detailed welfare reports or additional hearings, which can extend the timescale. While we understand that this can be frustrating, the court’s overriding priority is to ensure that any arrangements made are safe, appropriate, and genuinely in the child’s best interests.