Child Arrangement Order Solicitors

Supportive Legal Guidance with Your Child’s Best Interests at Heart

When relationships change, making decisions about your child’s home, routine, and future can be overwhelming. You want to do what’s right but emotions, uncertainty, or disagreement can make it hard to move forward.

At Macks Solicitors, we help you navigate these challenges with care, clarity, and expert legal advice. Whether you’re struggling to reach an agreement or want to make your current arrangement legally secure, we’re here to support you always putting your child’s wellbeing first.

Free Initial Discussion

For a free initial discussion, call our specialist family team today on 01642 843 671 or use our contact form and we will call you back.

What Is a Child Arrangement Order?

A Child Arrangement Order is a legal agreement made by the family court that sets out the key details of your child’s care after separation. It helps provide stability, reduce conflict, and protect the child’s best interests.

This may include:

• Where your child will live
• How and when they’ll see each parent or carer
• How contact happens (in person, by phone, or online)
• How important decisions are made

Every family is unique. We’ll help tailor an arrangement that works for yours.

What Can It Cover?

A Child Arrangement Order can cover a wide range of practical decisions, such as:

• Living arrangements – full-time with one parent, or shared care
• Contact schedules – weekends, holidays, birthdays and special occasions
• Types of contact – face-to-face, phone, video calls or messages
• Pick-ups/drop-offs – who’s responsible and when
• Safety considerations – including supervised contact if needed
• Other rules – such as introducing new partners or moving to a new area
• Day-to-day care – including school runs, medical needs or religious upbringing

We’ll work with you to create a clear and fair plan that minimises stress and puts your child first. Call our specialist family team today on 01642 843 671 or use our contact form and we will call you back.

Who Can Apply for a Child Arrangement Order?

You may be eligible if you are:

• A parent or legal guardian
• A stepparent or someone with parental responsibility
• A grandparent or relative (with court permission)
• Someone your child has lived with for at least 3 years

Unsure if you qualify? Just ask, we’ll guide you through it.

How Long Does It Last?

Most orders remain in place until your child turns 16 (or 18 in exceptional cases). If life changes, like a house move or new needs, we can help you apply to update or vary the order.

Do I Need a Child Arrangement Order?

You may need one if:

• You can’t agree on where your child should live
• You’re being denied time with your child
• You’re worried about your child’s wellbeing
• You want to make informal agreements legally binding
• A grandparent or close relative wants regular contact

An order offers legal protection, clarity, and a child-focused framework everyone can rely on.

What Will the Court Consider?

Above all, the court focuses on what’s best for the child. This includes:

• Their emotional, physical and educational needs
• Their age, background and any special factors
• Their wishes and feelings (depending on age/maturity)
• The impact of any change in routine
• Each parent’s ability to meet their needs
• Any risk of harm or unsafe circumstances

We’ll help you present your case clearly and compassionately, ensuring your child’s voice is heard.

Can We Avoid Court?

Yes and wherever possible, we encourage it. If both parents are willing to cooperate, we can help you reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation.

This approach is:

• Less stressful
• More cost-effective
• Better for long-term co-parenting

We’ll support you throughout and can help formalise the agreement without needing a judge.

What If We Do Go to Court?

If court is necessary, you won’t face it alone. We’ll guide and represent you through every step:

1. Filing your application
2. Attending an initial hearing
3. Safeguarding checks (if needed)
4. Additional hearings if no agreement is reached
5. A final hearing where a judge makes the decision

Our goal is to protect your child’s welfare and help you achieve a fair, workable outcome.

Why Choose Macks Solicitors?

We understand how emotional and challenging family disputes can be, especially when children are involved. You need advice you can trust and people who truly listen.

Families choose Macks because we offer:

• Specialist family law expertise
• Clear, honest guidance, no jargon, no judgment
• Strong support in and out of court
• A child-first approach in everything we do

Let’s Talk

Call us on 01642 843 671 or use our online contact form to get started. We’ll listen, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence.

Macks Solicitors proudly serve clients across England and Wales, with offices in Middlesbrough, Darlington, Redcar and Harrogate.