Child Arrangement Orders in Manchester

That in itself can be one of the most stressful and emotionally charged aspects of the process – encompassing decisions about where they’ll live, when they’ll see each parent, and what form that contact should take.

At Slater Heelis, our child arrangement order solicitors in Manchester draw on in-depth legal expertise to give you clear legal guidance and strong representation, always keeping your child’s welfare at the centre of every decision. Whether you’re negotiating with the other parent, attending mediation, or making an application to the court, you can count on us to support you from start to finish, helping you work towards arrangements that give your child the stability and security they need.

What is a Child Arrangements Order?

A Child Arrangements Order is a court order that sets out where a child lives, when they spend time with each parent, and what other types of contact take place – such as phone calls, video calls, or supervised visits. (It’s replaced the old residence and contact orders following the Children and Families Act 2014, which amended the Children Act 1989.)

In instances where parents can’t agree on suitable arrangements, one or both can apply to the Family Court for an order, and the court will make a decision that prioritises the child’s best interests. The order can also cover additional issues such as schooling, medical treatment, or religious upbringing. In some cases, the court may also issue related orders such as Prohibited Steps Orders or Specific Issue Orders to deal with particular concerns.

What factors do courts consider when making a Child Arrangement Order?

The court always puts the child’s welfare first, so judges assess a range of factors including:

• The child’s wishes and feelings, depending on their age and maturity
• Their physical, emotional, and educational needs
• The effect that changes in circumstances may have on them
• Their age, background, and any other relevant characteristics
• Any risk of harm, including domestic abuse or neglect
• The ability of each parent or carer to meet the child’s needs

Who can apply for a Child Arrangements Order?

An application can be made by parents, guardians, special guardians, or anyone with parental responsibility. A spouse or civil partner of a parent may also apply, as can someone who already has a residence order or has lived with the child for at least three years. In some situations, grandparents or other relatives may be able to apply with the court’s permission, particularly where they play an important role in the child’s life.

How do I get a Child Arrangement Order?

The process usually begins with mediation, where both parents try to reach an agreement with the help of an independent mediator. At Slater Heelis, our solicitors can arrange this for you by connecting you with an accredited mediator and organising the Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), which is required by the court before it will consider granting a Child Arrangement Order.

If mediation doesn’t resolve matters, or isn’t suitable for whatever reason, we guide you through making the application to the Family Court. The court will then list a first hearing, where both parties attend and CAFCASS provide a safeguarding report. If an agreement can be reached, the order can sometimes be finalised at that stage. If not, the court will set out the next steps, which may include further mediation, a CAFCASS report, or a final hearing.

How long does a Child Arrangement Order take?

It depends, but typically at least a few months.

The exact time involved depends on the complexity of the case, as well as how much agreement can be reached, and the court’s timetable. Straightforward cases can sometimes be resolved within a few months if agreement is achieved quickly, but more complicated disputes may take a year or longer. If there are any allegations of harm or safeguarding concerns involved, these usually lengthen the process, as the court may order detailed welfare reports before making a final decision. The court’s overriding concern is always to make sure that any arrangements are safe, appropriate, and in the child’s best interests.

How can we help at Slater Heelis?

At Slater Heelis, our child arrangement order solicitors in Manchester provide full support with every aspect of child arrangements. We can help you reach agreements through negotiation and mediation, prepare and present applications to the Family Court, and act on enforcement or variations when circumstances change. Our team also supports grandparents and extended family in securing contact, and deals quickly with urgent applications that concern any risk to a child’s welfare.

Our family law team is recognised in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, and our 250 years of legal heritage. We take pride in combining specialist knowledge with a personal approach, keeping you informed at every stage, and focusing on outcomes that provide the most stability and security for your child.

Where to find our Manchester office

You can visit our child custody lawyers at:

The Apiary
86 Deansgate
Manchester
M3 2ER

We’re well placed to assist clients throughout Manchester, Greater Manchester, and beyond. Our office is centrally located in Manchester, within walking distance of Victoria train station and close to Metrolink stops at Exchange Square and St Peter’s Square. There are several car parks nearby, making it easy to reach us whether you’re travelling by public transport or by car.

Contact our child custody lawyers in Manchester today

If you need legal advice on a child arrangement order in Manchester, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

You can contact us by:

Calling us on 0161 969 3131
Filling in our online contact form

Whatever the background of your case, we’ll take the time to understand your situation, explain your options clearly, and give you the expert support you need to secure arrangements that work for you and your child.