Child Arrangement Order

Child Arrangements & Custody Orders

Child custody arrangements or a child arrangement order can be the most emotional part of any separation, and it can also become very complicated when both parents have different wishes for their child/children.

Child Arrangements & Custody Orders

Child custody arrangements can be the most emotional part of any separation, and it can also become very complicated when both parents have different wishes for their child/children. Commonly there can be disagreements about the amount of time the child/children spend with each parent; who they should live with and how often and in what circumstances should the child/children see the other parent.

To reduce conflict and highly emotive conversations, we can help negotiate arrangements with the other parent face-to-face or through mediation to reach an agreeable position. In some cases, issues cannot be resolved by agreement or compromise and court proceedings may be necessary. Our specialist solicitors can guide, support and represent you through those proceedings.

It’s always preferable for the parents to come to an agreement themselves, but just having an informal agreement will not protect your right to see your child if your or your ex-partner’s circumstances change in the future. A Child Arrangement Order (CAO), however, is legally binding and therefore enforceable by the court.

We can advise you on the sort of arrangements that might be appropriate for your family and the type of arrangements that a court might impose if a judge was asked to decide. It’s a good idea to get legal advice from the outset so you know what may be achievable.

In cases where there are problems associated with drugs, alcohol or abuse, a CAO (Child Arrangement Order) may be necessary to ensure ongoing protection for your child and yourself. If you are concerned with being able to pay for legal advice, we have a contract with the Legal Aid Agency so that, if you meet Legal Aid’s criteria, we are still able to help you with your case.

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My Ex and I Can’t Agree on a School, What Can I Do?

One of the main areas that gets forgotten about in a separation is school. Conflicts often arise because one or both parents have made assumptions about where their child/children will go to school, as well as other areas pertaining to educational needs. Below is a non-exhaustive list of areas you should consider as part of your custody arrangement:

  • Private versus State school, and which one you want them to attend
  • Special Educational Needs, including whether your child should attend a specialised school, whether or not you believe they should be assessed, and any other accommodations they may need
  • Access to information, such as being sent reports, results and attendance records, etc

Where there is a dispute over schools that you are not able to resolve between yourselves, the court will make a decision based on what is better for your child. They are unlikely to rule against moving school simply because your child is reluctant to change, but they will include factors such as the Ofsted performance of the school, as well as access to resources.

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What If My Ex-Partner Wants to Move?

Relocating your child always requires your permission or permission from the court. If your ex-partner relocates your child away from you, but still within the UK, we can help you by applying to the court to have them returned. It is within the court’s power to force your ex-partner to move back unless they can demonstrate that the move is in the best interests of the child.

If your ex-partner relocates your child to another country without your permission, this is classed as child abduction and should be treated extremely seriously; you should seek legal advise immediately. At Higgins Miller, we are expert family law solicitors who will do everything we can to help you with your case and the return of your child/children.

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To arrange a fixed fee first appointment please contact us on 0161 429 7251 or email [email protected] . The meeting will last up to 1 hour in our Stockport office at a cost of just £120 + VAT @ 20% after which, we will provide you with a comprehensive written report of our discussion along with our professional advice.

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WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US

I have had the pleasure of having a few dealings with Mark Higgins and him taking care of us. I can’t speak highly enough of Mark. His knowledge and attention to detail is first class.

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Fantastic, compassionate, easy to work with and Fantastic standard of legal advice! Straight talk, delivered with care and understanding! Highly Recommend

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I just wanted to say thank you and express my appreciation for the support you gave me during this very long and stressful period of my life.

I commend your professionalism and communication skills. Though the wait was long and frustrating at times, you took the time to explain things to me and answered my questions with honesty. You were never dismissive nor disrespectful as some previous legal practitioners were since the start of my journey and I appreciated that.

Please never change and from the bottom of my heart, a massive thank you.

Mrs A.

Upon commencing my association with Higgins Miller, I experienced a heightened sense of apprehension and anxiety regarding the impending legal proceedings. Throughout the course of the year, I interacted with several solicitors, each of whom demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication. They maintained consistent communication, providing me with regular updates and effectively alleviating my concerns. Ultimately, I emerged victorious in my case, and I am profoundly grateful to Higgins Miller for their invaluable assistance. Without their expertise and support, the outcome could have been drastically different.

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