Understanding Child Arrangements Orders - What parents need to know

A Child Arrangements Order is designed to prioritise a child’s welfare when parents are unable to agree on arrangements following separation. It is a Court Order that sets out where a child will live and how they will spend time with each parent or other important people in their life.

The Order can specify:

• Who the child lives with
• When and how they spend time with the other parent
• Arrangements for holidays, school terms and special occasions
• Indirect contact such as phone calls or video contact

There is no standard order - each arrangement is tailored to the individual child and family circumstances.

Applications can be made by parents, grandparents, step-parents, guardians or kinship carers. In some cases, consent from those with parental responsibility is required before applying.

In many cases, parents are encouraged to reach agreements without Court proceedings, using parenting plans or mediation. However, where this isn’t possible, Court involvement may be necessary to ensure consistency and stability for the child.

When deciding a CAO, the Court’s overriding priority is the child’s welfare. The time a child spends with each parent can also affect:

• Parental responsibility
• Child maintenance arrangements

A CAO usually lasts until the child turns 16 or 18, depending on the circumstances.

At MBH Solicitors, our Family Law team offers calm, practical guidance throughout the process - As members of Resolution, we are committed to resolving disputes constructively, with a strong focus on fairness and always keeping the child’s best interests at the heart of every decision.

Book your free 30-minute consultation with our Family Law team to understand your options and protect your financial future.

Contact MBH Solicitors in Wigan now:

📩 mbh@wigansolicitors.com
📞 01942 206060