Child Arrangement Order UK

When relationships break down, the hardest questions are often about the children. Where will they live? How often will they see each parent? What happens on birthdays or during school holidays?

A Child Arrangements Order (CAO) is a legally binding court order in England and Wales that sets out these arrangements clearly. It is designed to provide structure, stability, and certainty for children when parents are unable to agree between themselves.

In most cases, a Child Arrangements Order lasts until a child turns 16. However, the "live with" element can remain in force until the child turns 18.

At Wembley Solicitors, we understand how challenging family disputes can be, and we guide parents through every step of the process with care, professionalism, and a focus on the child's best interests.

For reliable legal support in applying for a Child Arrangements Order, speak with our divorce and family law solicitors at 020 3417 3700. Get professional advice, peace of mind, and assurance that your child's well-being is protected.

Table of Contents

What is a Child Arrangement Order UK?

A Child Arrangement Order in the UK is a legally binding court order that determines where a child will live and how they will spend time with each parent.

Under the Children Act 1989, the Family Court can make a Child Arrangements Order to determine living and contact arrangements for a child. It replaced older terms such as "custody" and "access," which are no longer used in UK family law.

Rather than focusing on parental rights, the court's priority is the child's welfare. The order confirms:

• Who the child will live with
• When and how the child will spend time with the other parent
• Any other arrangements necessary for the child's well-being

The court will only intervene when parents cannot resolve matters themselves.

What Does a Child Arrangements Order Cover?

A Child Arrangements Order can be tailored to suit a family's specific situation. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

1. "Live With" Order

This part confirms who the child will live with on a day-to-day basis. The child may live primarily with one parent, or the order may confirm a shared care arrangement where the child lives with both parents at different times during the week.

The "live with" element often remains in place until the child turns 18.

2. "Spend Time With" Order

This section outlines how and when the child will spend time with the other parent. It may include:

• Alternate weekends
• Midweek contact
• School holidays
• Christmas and birthdays
• Video calls or telephone contact

These arrangements are usually legally binding until the child reaches 16, unless varied by the court.

3. Additional Contact Arrangements

In some cases, the order may also address:

• Contact with grandparents
• Contact with stepparents
• International travel
• Handover arrangements

The goal is to minimise confusion and reduce conflict by clearly defining expectations.

Who Can Apply for a Child Arrangement Order in the UK?

In the UK, parents, legal guardians, and anyone with parental responsibility can apply for a Child Arrangement Order. Stepparents or relatives who have lived with the child for at least three years may also apply with the court's permission (known as "leave of the court").

Our solicitors can assess your eligibility and guide you through the application process to ensure the best outcome for your child.

Common Examples of Child Arrangement Orders

1. Shared Residence (50/50)

In this arrangement, the child splits time equally between both parents. Common patterns include:

• Week-on/week-off: One week with Parent A, the next with Parent B
• 2-2-5-5 rotation: 2 days with Parent A, 2 days with Parent B, then 5 days with each

This is often chosen when both parents live nearby, cooperate well, and are able to provide stable routines.

Benefit: The child maintains strong relationships with both parents while enjoying consistent care.

2. Primary Care with Regular Contact

Here, the child primarily lives with one parent (the resident parent) but has regular, scheduled contact with the other parent. Typical arrangements include:

• Every other weekend visits
• One midweek overnight stay, e.g., Tuesday nights
• Alternating school holidays or half-term breaks

This model works when one parent provides a more stable home, but the court wants to ensure the other parent remains actively involved.

3. Indirect Contact

If there are concerns about the child's safety or emotional well-being, the court may limit contact to indirect forms:

• Video calls via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom
• Telephone calls
• Letters or emails

Indirect contact ensures ongoing communication without exposing the child to potential risk.

4. Supervised Contact

Supervised contact may be ordered when there are safety concerns or previous incidents of conflict. Features of supervised contact include:

• Meetings at a designated contact centre
• Presence of a trained professional or an agreed third party
• Limited duration or frequency of visits

This arrangement protects the child while still allowing them to maintain a relationship with the non-resident parent.

5. Specific Issue or Prohibited Steps Orders

Sometimes, the court needs to address specific matters that fall outside routine living or contact arrangements. Examples include:

• Specific Issue Order: Decides which school the child attends or which medical treatment they receive
• Prohibited Steps Order: Prevents a parent from taking a particular action, such as moving abroad with the child or changing their surname

These orders ensure clarity and prevent disputes from escalating.

How to Apply for a Child Arrangements Order?

To apply for a Child Arrangements Order in England and Wales, you usually attend a MIAM first, then complete Form C100 and submit it to the family court with the £263 fee (or apply for fee help if eligible).

Applying for a Child Arrangements Order ensures clarity over where a child lives, how they spend time with each parent, and other important arrangements. The process generally involves these steps:

Step 1: MIAM Exemptions

In some cases, you may not need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). Exemptions include urgent matters, such as potential child abduction, or if you are a victim of domestic abuse.

Step 2: Complete Form C100

The next step is to complete Form C100, which sets out the arrangements you are seeking for your child, including where they will live and how they will spend time with each parent. You must also confirm whether you attended a MIAM.

Step 3: Add Form C1A (if needed)

If there are safety concerns, allegations of harm, or domestic abuse, you may also need to complete Form C1A to inform the court of these issues.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Once your forms are ready, submit them online or by post to your nearest family court. If posting, provide three copies.

Step 5: Pay the Fee

To apply for a Child Arrangements Order UK, you must pay a court fee, although help with fees may be available if you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits.

How Long Does a Child Arrangements Order Take?

A Child Arrangements Order UK typically takes 6 to 12 months to be finalised. Initial hearings may occur within the first two months, but complex cases, safety concerns, or court delays can extend the process to 15 months or longer.

The timeline varies depending on:

• The complexity of the case
• Whether safeguarding concerns are raised
• Court availability
• Whether parents are willing to cooperate

Straightforward cases may resolve within a few months. More complex disputes can take longer.

How Much Does a Child Arrangement Order Cost?

Applying for a Child Arrangements Order currently costs £263. If you're on a low income or receiving benefits, you may qualify for help with court fees.

Understanding the costs upfront helps parents plan effectively and ensures there are no surprises during the application process. Our solicitor can also advise if you qualify for fee reductions and help you submit your application correctly, saving time and avoiding mistakes.

How Long Does a Child Arrangement Order Last?

Most Child Arrangement Orders remain legally binding until the child turns 16 for contact arrangements and until 18 for living arrangements ("live with" orders). Courts can vary orders if circumstances change, such as relocation, schooling, or safety concerns.

Do You Have to Try Mediation First?

In most cases, parents must attempt mediation before applying for a Child Arrangements Order. This usually involves attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to explore whether disputes can be resolved without going to court. Mediation can help reduce conflict, save time, lower legal costs, and support a workable co-parenting relationship.

Exemptions exist if there are domestic abuse, child protection concerns, or urgent issues such as risk of abduction. If mediation is not suitable or does not resolve the matter, you can then proceed to apply to the court.

How Do Child Arrangement Orders Impact Children Long-Term?

Child Arrangement Orders provide structure and clarity, reducing conflict between parents and helping children feel secure. Clear arrangements can:

• Improve emotional stability
• Encourage ongoing relationships with both parents
• Minimise disputes over holidays, schooling, and travel
• Support co-parenting in a safe, consistent manner

Need advice on the best arrangement for your child? Our team at Wembley Solicitors will focus on solutions that prioritise the child's welfare.

Can a Child Arrangement Order Include Supervised or Indirect Contact?

Yes. If the court has safety or welfare concerns, it may order supervised contact (visits at a contact centre or with a third-party present) or indirect contact via video calls, phone, emails, or letters. These arrangements ensure the child can maintain a relationship with both parents safely.

What Happens if a Child Arrangements Order is Breached?

A Child Arrangements Order UK is legally enforceable. If a parent does not comply, you can apply for enforcement using Form C79. The court may issue warnings or fines, require unpaid work, vary the order, or, in serious cases, change the child's living arrangements. Family law solicitors can help enforce the order while prioritising the child's welfare.

Can I Get an Emergency Order for My Child?

Yes. In urgent situations, you can apply for a Prohibited Steps Order (to prevent specific actions, like taking the child abroad) or a Specific Issue Order (to resolve disputes over matters such as schooling or medical care). These orders provide quick legal protection to safeguard the child's welfare.

Can Parents Avoid Going to Court for a Child Arrangement Order?

Yes. If both parents agree on arrangements, you can apply for a consent order. A consent order makes the agreement legally binding without a full court hearing, saving time, stress, and legal costs.

Want to make your agreement official? Our solicitors can draft a consent order that the court will approve.

Is a Child Arrangements Order the Right Option?

Court proceedings can be stressful and emotionally draining. In many cases, parents who reach agreements through mediation or negotiation are able to maintain better long-term co-parenting relationships.

That said, when communication has broken down or a child's welfare is at risk, a Child Arrangements Order can provide clarity and protection.

The court's primary concern is not what is convenient for either parent, but what arrangement best supports the child's emotional, physical, and educational well-being.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Solicitor for a Child Arrangement Order?

Working with a family law solicitor ensures:

• Accurate preparation of court forms (Form C100, C79, or variation forms)
• Guidance through mediation, hearings, and CAFCASS assessments
• Advice tailored to your child's best interests
• Peace of mind knowing your case is professionally handled

Book a consultation with Wembley Solicitors to get expert, child-focused legal support today.

Why Choose Wembley Solicitors for Your Child Arrangements Order?

At Wembley Solicitors, our specialist team of family law solicitors in London ensures your forms, like C100 and C1A, are completed correctly, provides child-focused advice, supports mediation (MIAM), represents you in court if needed, and handles complex situations such as domestic abuse or relocation. In short, our solicitor brings expert guidance, clarity, and protection, helping secure the best outcome for your child.

Contact Wembley Solicitors for a Child Arrangements Order

If you are looking to apply for a Child Arrangements Order or need assistance with existing arrangements, our experienced family law solicitors at Wembley Solicitors are here to help. We can guide you through every step of the process, from attending MIAM sessions, completing Form C100, to representing you at court hearings.

For expert legal advice or assistance with applying for a Child Arrangements Order UK, call Wembley Solicitors today at 020 3417 3700 to book a consultation. Receive professional guidance and the reassurance that your child's welfare is the priority.

Our team ensures that your child arrangements are legally enforceable, protect the child's welfare, and reduce the risk of disputes. Whether you need advice on shared residence, supervised contact, or specific issue orders, we provide practical, child-focused solutions tailored to your situation.