What is a child arrangements order?

A court order made under section 8 of the Children Act 1989 setting out where a child lives, when they spend time with each parent, and other practical arrangements.

Do I need to attend court?

Not always. Many matters are resolved through mediation or written agreement. If court is required, we help you prepare thoroughly so you can present your position clearly.

How long does the process take?

Straightforward matters can resolve in a few months. Contested proceedings often take six to twelve months depending on the court's timetable and the complexity of the issues.

Do I have to try mediation first?

In most cases yes. You will usually need a MIAM certificate before applying to court, unless an exemption applies (for example, domestic abuse).

Can you represent me in court?

BLS is a legal consultancy. We prepare your documentation and support you throughout, and can refer you to authorised solicitors and advocates where formal representation is required.

Response within 1 working day
Remote consultations available
Supporting clients across England & Wales
Transparent fixed-fee options where available

Family Law Support

Child Arrangements Support

Legal support agreeing where a child lives, contact arrangements and preparing C100 applications.

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Response within one working day from our West Midlands office.

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Overview

How we help

When parents separate, decisions about where children live and how they spend time with each parent can be emotionally charged. Our consultants help you understand the child arrangements framework, prepare well for negotiation or mediation, and, where necessary, prepare the documentation required for a court application.

Who this is for: Parents, grandparents and guardians needing structured legal support to agree or formalise arrangements about a child's living or contact arrangements.

What is included

Explaining child arrangements orders and how the court decides
Preparing C100 court application forms
Drafting parenting proposals and position statements
MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) guidance
Preparing supporting evidence and chronologies
Court statement drafting for contested applications

Process

How the process works

01
Confidential consultation
We listen to your circumstances, explain the framework and outline realistic options.
02
Strategy and paperwork
We help you prepare proposals, application forms and supporting evidence.
03
Negotiation or filing
We support you through mediation, direct negotiation or preparing to file at the Family Court.
04
Ongoing support
We remain available for statement drafting, review and preparation between hearings.

When we help

Common situations we help with

Every matter is different, but the following situations come up frequently. If any of these sound like yours, we can help.

You cannot agree where your child should live after separation
The other parent is preventing contact
You need to formalise an informal arrangement
You want to move with your child, or the other parent does
A grandparent wants contact with a grandchild
You need help preparing a C100 application

Frequently asked

Common questions

What is a child arrangements order?: A court order made under section 8 of the Children Act 1989 setting out where a child lives, when they spend time with each parent, and other practical arrangements.
Do I need to attend court?: Not always. Many matters are resolved through mediation or written agreement. If court is required, we help you prepare thoroughly so you can present your position clearly.
How long does the process take?: Straightforward matters can resolve in a few months. Contested proceedings often take six to twelve months depending on the court's timetable and the complexity of the issues.
Do I have to try mediation first?: In most cases yes. You will usually need a MIAM certificate before applying to court, unless an exemption applies (for example, domestic abuse).
Can you represent me in court?: BLS is a legal consultancy. We prepare your documentation and support you throughout, and can refer you to authorised solicitors and advocates where formal representation is required.

Enquire

Send a confidential enquiry

Tell us briefly about your situation. A member of the family law support team will be in touch within one working day using your preferred method of contact.

Or contact us directly

+44 7747 234225·info@boadulegalservices.com