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

“From this initial meeting to the finalisation of my divorce Nicola was the epitome of professionalism, whilst maintaining a compassionate and understanding attitude towards my situation.”

“Gemma’s advice was clear throughout. I had a family solicitor before who made things very complicated. Gemma made the divorce and splitting of assets incredibly simple - strong recommend.”

“Nicola and her colleagues were excellent throughout my recent divorce proceedings. Professional, efficient and approachable at all times. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Andrew Isaac Law to anyone needing a divorce lawyer.”

“Gemma was great, made the divorce process very easy, if I ever get divorced again I’ll be back to Gemma. Hopefully I never see her again though”

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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.

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Your Questions Answered

Is child custody the same as a Child Arrangements ‘lives with’ Order?

In practice, the two terms mean the same thing. Residence and contact orders replaced custody in 1991, and Child Arrangements Orders replaced those in 2014.
How do I know if I have Parental Responsibility?

Mothers have Parental Responsibility automatically. Fathers have it if they were married to the mother, or if their name is on a birth certificate from December 2003 onwards. They can also get it by agreement or court order. It gives you a say in major decisions about schooling, medical treatment and religion.
At what age can children decide who they live with?

The law does not set a fixed age at which children decide. Instead, the court weighs each child’s wishes against their age and understanding. An older teenager’s views carry real weight. A Cafcass officer usually speaks to the children and reports their views to the court. Children are not asked directly who they wish to live with.
Can I take my children abroad without the other parent's consent?

You need written consent from everyone with Parental Responsibility, or the court’s permission, to take a child abroad. The exception is a trip of up to 28 days where you have a ‘lives with’ order and the trip does not breach a ‘spends time with’ order. Without consent, the trip may amount to child abduction.
The other parent is ignoring a Child Arrangements Order. What can I do?

Keep a record of each missed or refused visit and take advice early. You can apply to the court to enforce the order. The court can change the arrangements, order unpaid work or impose a fine.
My former partner will not return my children. What can I do?

Please contact us as soon as possible. We can quickly apply for a Prohibited Steps Order to stop the other parent keeping or moving your children.
Do you offer legal aid?

No, we do not offer legal aid. You pay privately for all our children work, and we explain our fees before you commit.
How much will it cost?

It depends on your case and whether it settles or goes to court. We give you a clear estimate at the start. The court fee for most applications about children is £270 (correct as of September 2026, gov.uk).