A child arrangement order is a court order that outlines the details and arrangements for your children after divorce or separation. This type of order needs to be in place when you and your ex-partner cannot agree the arrangement’s between you. Issues that may be considered in a child arrangement order are with whom and where the children are to live and how often they will see each parent. These used to be known referred as residence orders, or access and contact orders. The arrangements for the children are often difficult, but with help from Chris Stevenson Solicitors you can be sure that we will do everything we can to resolve these issues as swiftly as possible.

If you have not tried mediation you may decide to try this first. You will meet with a mediator, to discuss the issues surrounding the arrangements with the children, and a mediator will try to help encourage you both towards a settlement. Mediation will only work if you can agree on a form of settlement and the outcome would not be legally binding. If you cannot reach an agreement then you can make an application to the court for a child arrangement order.

Ultimately this is a matter between the parties as to whether they can reach an agreement. Failure to reach an agreement can potentially harm or damage your relationship with the children if an amicable settlement cannot be reached. It also will mean that the process will take longer as the case may require a determination by a Judge and the final hearing may not be able to be by the court for some considerable period of time. Notwithstanding this we recognise that often an agreement cannot be reached. We will advise, support and assist you throughout your case in order to secure the best possible outcome for you and your children.