Child Arrangements can be stressful but at Dylan Nair Solicitors we will guide you through the process to make it more comfortable for you.
Child Arrangement Orders:
A child arrangement order allows you and your spouse to agree where your child lives, who they spend time with and who they can have contact with. The courts encourage both parents to come to an agreement on their own. However, it can become difficult and may require legal proceedings.
In relation to who can apply for a Child Arrangement Order, it is usually issued to the biological parents when they have separated. However, anyone who has parental responsibility can apply for a Child Arrangement order. This can include biological parents, a step-parent or a guardian.
There are many ways to receive help when making a child arrangement order. You can ask a mediator to help you and your ex-partner. They will be able to remain neutral without taking sides and help you make a decision that will benefit both parents. At the end of mediation you will receive a document confirming what has been agreed. However, this is not legally binding. In order to make it legally binding you will have to get a solicitor to draft a consent order for the court to approve this agreement.
The court will consider your child arrangement order and will always prioritise the child's welfare. Other factors they will consider is the child's needs, the parents' capacity to meet needs and the arrangement may impact the child.
If you need further help with making arrangements or reaching an agreement Dylan Nair solicitors can advise you on other ways to resolve this.