Child Arrangements Solicitors

Our child arrangements solicitors give clear, confidential legal advice. We help you agree how your children should share their time with their parents. We have offices in Doncaster, Gainsborough, Hull, Leighton Buzzard, Lincoln, Melton Mowbray, Retford and Rotherham.

  • Help with Child Arrangements Orders, Parental Responsibility and court orders that are not being followed
  • Eight local offices, so you can meet us face to face
“I had a consultation with Amanda in which she informed me of my rights and how to respond to a situation with an ex partner relating to my child. She had read my full information before the meeting so she understood exactly what I needed before I even arrived. She explained everything well, and gave me the confidence to deal with it without needing to go to court.”
“Going through the process of applying for a child court order was something I dreaded. It was emotionally challenging and it felt overwhelming at times, but having the right solicitor made all the difference. They took the time to explain each step of the process in a way that was clear and easy to understand, which helped reduce my anxiety.”
“Amanda’s knowledge and experience is obvious. The minute she took over our case she didn’t mince her words in a very compassionate way and fought for a realistic satisfactory outcome for the child. Very child focused. Thoroughly recommended.”
“I had an appointment with Amanda, who gave support and advice and helped with a plan to get a relationship back with my daughter, after it recently broke down. She is personable, friendly, professional and has lots of experience.”
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What to Expect

Reach Out to Us

Contact us through our online enquiry form or by phone, as our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Consult with Our Team

We take a few details and book you a consultation with a family law lawyer who deals with children matters.

Why Parents Choose Our Family Law Team

We make the legal side clear and manageable.

  • We explain your options honestly, including when court is not the right answer
  • Our family lawyers are members of resolution, which promotes a constructive approach to family law matters

What Are Child Arrangements?

Many parents search for child custody solicitors. In England and Wales the law no longer uses the word custody. Since 2014 the court has made a Child Arrangements Order under the Children Act 1989 instead.

The court can make a ‘lives with’ order in favour of either or both parents, and a ‘spends time with’ order where one parent does not live with the child. Both parents keep Parental Responsibility whatever the order says. The court’s main concern is the child’s welfare, including their wishes, needs and any risk of harm.

Our Children Law Services

  • Child Arrangements Orders, covering where your children live and when they see each parent
  • Parental Responsibility agreements and orders
  • Prohibited Steps Orders, for example to stop a parent moving a child away
  • A Specific Issue Order, for disputes about schooling, religion or medical treatment
  • Applications by grandparents to spend time with grandchildren
  • Special Guardianship Orders
  • Step parent applications for Parental Responsibility
  • Taking children abroad and child abduction
  • Enforcing a court order that is not being followed

Whether you have one child or children of different ages, we can record what you agree in a Parenting Plan or a consent order. If you are also divorcing, our divorce solicitors and financial settlement team can help.

Family Mediation and Going to Court

Before you apply for a Child Arrangements Order, you usually need to attend a mediation meeting called a MIAM. Family mediation helps many parents reach an agreement without a judge. A government voucher scheme currently pays up to £500 towards family mediation.

You do not need a MIAM where there is evidence of domestic abuse or domestic violence, or where the case is urgent. If you cannot agree, we explain the court proceedings, how long they take and what they cost before you decide.

Keeping Children Safe

If you or your children are at risk, please tell us as soon as possible. The court takes domestic abuse seriously, and Cafcass carry out safeguarding checks at the start of every case. We can make an urgent court application if a parent threatens to take or keep your child.

We also advise families when the local authority steps in. If you are in immediate danger, please call the police on 999.

Meet Our Family Law Team

Amanda Page, Senior Solicitor heads up our family law team.

Click here to meet the full team.

Enquire Now

Your Questions Answered

Contact Our Child Arrangements Solicitors

Contact us today to arrange a consultation at your nearest office, or call our head office on 01302 349 480. Andrew Isaacs Law Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, SRA number 626263.

Latest family law news

Call us now, our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 01302 349 480 or fill out our enquiry form here