Specialist child custody solicitors for contact orders, residence disputes, and child arrangement orders. Protecting children's welfare and parental rights through expert legal guidance.
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Fighting for your children's custody and contact rights is emotionally devastating. When relationships break down, parents often face the terrifying prospect of losing meaningful contact with their children or having their parental rights undermined by their ex-partner.
Without proper legal representation, you might accept unfair arrangements, lose precious time with your children, or face false allegations that could permanently damage your relationship with them. Your children's wellbeing and your parental rights are too important to risk.
UK family law focuses on "Child Arrangements Orders" rather than traditional "custody" concepts. These orders determine where children live and when they spend time with each parent, always prioritizing the child's best interests and welfare.
Mark's Struggle: "Since the separation, my ex-wife only lets me see our son every other weekend. I want him to stay overnight midweek too, but she says I'm being unreasonable. I feel like I'm losing my relationship with my child."
Sarah's Dilemma: "My ex-husband is threatening to take the children away from me. He's got a better income and says he'll get custody. I'm terrified of losing them."
Tom's Emergency: "My ex-partner has disappeared with our daughter and won't tell me where they are. I haven't seen my child in three weeks and I'm desperate for help."
Child custody solicitors specialize in securing fair arrangements that protect children's welfare while preserving important parental relationships. They navigate complex legal procedures and advocate for your parental rights.
Initial Assessment: Evaluating your situation and legal options
Mediation Attempt: Trying to reach agreement through family mediation
Court Application: Filing formal application if mediation fails
CAFCASS Involvement: Court welfare officers assess what's best for children
Court Hearings: Presenting evidence and arguments to family court
Final Order: Legally binding arrangements for children's future
Child custody cases require specialist knowledge of family law and deep understanding of children's needs. SolicitorConnect connects you with experienced child custody solicitors who fight for your parental rights while prioritizing your children's wellbeing.
A Child Arrangements Order is a court order that determines where children live and when they spend time with each parent. It replaces the old "custody" and "access" terminology. The order can specify living arrangements, contact times, holidays, and special occasions. It's legally binding and enforceable through the courts if not followed.
There's no standard formula, but courts typically consider every other weekend plus one evening per week as reasonable starting points. The amount depends on the child's age, needs, distance between parents, and existing relationships. Many arrangements include alternate holidays and additional time during school breaks. The key is what works best for the individual child.
If your ex-partner is preventing contact, you can apply for a Child Arrangements Order or enforcement action if an order already exists. The court can impose sanctions including fines, community service, or even custody changes for persistent breach. Keep detailed records of prevented contact as evidence. Emergency applications are available if children are at immediate risk.
You can only prevent contact if there are serious concerns about the children's safety or welfare, such as domestic violence, drug abuse, or child abuse. The court assumes contact with both parents is beneficial unless proven otherwise. You'd need strong evidence of risk to justify stopping contact completely. Supervised contact is often ordered instead of no contact.
Simple cases with mediation can resolve in 3-6 months. Contested court cases typically take 6-12 months, while complex cases involving serious allegations can take 12-18 months or longer. Emergency applications can be heard within days. The timeline depends on court availability, complexity of issues, and whether parents can reach agreements through mediation.
Child custody disputes require immediate action to protect your parental rights and your children's welfare. Early legal intervention can prevent situations from escalating and secure better outcomes.
Child custody matters often involve multiple legal considerations. Our network includes specialists in:
Your relationship with your children is precious and irreplaceable. Don't let custody disputes damage these vital bonds. Whether you're seeking more contact time or protecting your children's welfare, expert legal help can secure the best outcome for your family.
Connect with specialist child custody solicitors who understand your situation. Our platform provides access to experienced family lawyers who prioritize children's welfare while fighting for your parental rights.
This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified child custody solicitor.
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Find Your SolicitorCommon questions about child custody & contact and how our solicitors can help
<p>A Child Arrangements Order is a court order that determines where children live and when they spend time with each parent. It replaces the old 'custody' and 'access' terminology. The order can specify living arrangements, contact times, holidays, and special occasions. It's legally binding and enforceable through the courts if not followed. The child's welfare is the paramount consideration in all decisions.</p>
<p>There's no standard formula, but courts typically consider every other weekend plus one evening per week as reasonable starting points. The amount depends on the child's age, needs, distance between parents, work schedules, and existing relationships. Many arrangements include alternate holidays and additional time during school breaks. The key is what works best for the individual child's welfare and development.</p>
<p>If your ex-partner is preventing contact, you can apply for a Child Arrangements Order or enforcement action if an order already exists. Keep detailed records of prevented contact as evidence. The court can impose sanctions including fines, community service, compensation orders, or even custody changes for persistent breach. Emergency applications are available if children are at immediate risk of harm.</p>
<p>You can only prevent contact if there are serious concerns about the children's safety or welfare, such as domestic violence, drug abuse, or child abuse. The court assumes contact with both parents is beneficial unless proven otherwise. You'd need strong evidence of risk to justify stopping contact completely. Supervised contact at a contact center is often ordered instead of no contact.</p>
<p>Courts use the welfare checklist considering the child's wishes (depending on age), physical and emotional needs, likely effect of change, age and background, any harm suffered, and parents' capability to meet needs. The child's welfare is the paramount consideration. Courts prefer arrangements that maintain relationships with both parents unless there are safety concerns. Stability and continuity are highly valued.</p>
<p>If parents can't agree, the court will decide based on the child's best interests. You'll typically be required to attend mediation first (unless domestic violence is involved) before making a court application. The court may order a welfare report from CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) to assess what arrangements would be best for the children.</p>
<p>Children's wishes are considered but they don't get to choose definitively. The weight given to a child's views depends on their age and maturity. Teenagers' views carry more weight than younger children's preferences. The court considers whether the child's wishes are their own or influenced by a parent. The child's welfare remains the paramount consideration regardless of their expressed preferences.</p>
<p>A parent cannot permanently remove children from England and Wales without the other parent's consent or court permission. This includes moves within the UK that would significantly affect contact arrangements. The court considers factors including the child's welfare, the purpose of the move, impact on the other parent's relationship, and the child's wishes. Such applications are taken very seriously by courts.</p>
<p>Simple cases with mediation can resolve in 3-6 months. Contested court cases typically take 6-12 months, while complex cases involving serious allegations or international elements can take 12-18 months or longer. Emergency applications can be heard within days if children are at risk. The timeline depends on court availability, complexity of issues, and whether parents can reach agreements.</p>
<p>Supervised contact means a child spends time with a parent while being monitored by a neutral third party. This might be ordered when there are concerns about child safety, domestic violence, substance abuse, or when re-establishing contact after a long absence. Supervision can take place at contact centers, with family members, or through professional supervisors depending on the circumstances and level of concern.</p>
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