Child arrangements

Court proceedings can be stressful and costly, not just for parents but for children too. That’s why our priority is to help you find amicable, child-focused solutions using non-court alternatives like mediation and collaborative law. Our family law team includes some of the UK’s most experienced mediators, praised by Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners for their skill in handling even the most complex cases.

We offer several ways to help you reach an agreement without going to court:

• Mediation: A neutral mediator helps you and your co-parent discuss and agree on arrangements. Mediation is often faster and less stressful than other processes, allowing you to maintain control over the decisions that affect your family. We have a number of mediators within our team, as well as solicitors who can advise you in the background of mediation, depending on your needs.
• Collaborative law: Both parents work with their own solicitors in a series of meetings to negotiate and resolve disputes. This approach focuses on open communication and creative problem-solving, with everyone committed to avoiding court.
• Solicitor-led negotiation: Our experienced family solicitors can negotiate directly with the other parent or their legal representative, helping you reach an agreement that protects your child’s wellbeing.
• Early neutral evaluation: A neutral evaluator will provide impartial, expert guidance on the likely outcome if it were to be decided by a judge, helping you to make informed decisions and reach agreement without the need to go to court. 
• Arbitration: An alternative to court proceedings which results in a binding outcome. We can advise you on the arbitration process and represent you throughout. 

If these methods don’t resolve the issues between you, our solicitors can assist with making an application to court and represent you throughout that process. Whilst court should only ever be seen as a last resort, our team are experienced in representing parents where court proceedings become necessary.

Our family law solicitors are experienced in advising and representing clients on a broad range of issues relating to child arrangements, including: 

• Arrangements relating to who a child will live with and spend time with 

• Specific issues such as schooling and holidays 

• Applications for parental responsibility  

• Grandparents rights 

• Financial provision for children  

• Applications to change or enforce an existing child arrangements order  

We are also renowned for our expertise in handling complex cases, including: 

• High-conflict disputes: When communication between parents has broken down, or there is significant disagreement, we step in with expert advice and support to help de-escalate tensions and focus on practical solutions. 

• Safeguarding & allegations of domestic abuse: Child safety is always our top priority. If there are concerns about abuse or safety, we act swiftly and decisively to ensure that steps are taken to protect your child’s welfare. We have significant experience representing parents at Fact Finding Hearings.  

• International relocation & jurisdiction issues: Our expertise extends to cases involving international elements, such as relocating abroad or child abduction. We navigate the legal complexities of different jurisdictions to secure the best outcome for your child. We also frequently advise on relocating within the UK.

Life changes, and so do children’s needs. The arrangements that worked initially may no longer fit as your child grows older or circumstances shift. We help parents adapt their agreements with minimal conflict, ensuring that the new arrangements continue to reflect their child’s best interests. 

• Reviewing & amending arrangements: We can guide you through the process of revisiting existing agreements, whether it’s through direct discussions, mediation, solicitor correspondence or any of the other non-court options.  . 

• Court applications for variation: If an agreement cannot be reached, we assist with applications to the court to amend existing child arrangements orders. While this is often a last resort, it may be necessary in certain cases, where agreement cannot be reached or, for example, where there are concerns about a child’s safety. 

Our family law team is consistently ranked among the best in the UK by Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. We stand out for our compassionate, client-focused approach and significant expertise in all aspects of child arrangements, from straightforward cases to those involving intricate legal challenges. Clients trust us because we combine technical excellence with a genuine commitment to putting children’s needs first. 

• Recognised expertise: Our solicitors are praised for their skill, empathy, and ability to handle sensitive matters with care. 

• Tailored, holistic support: We provide a comprehensive service, addressing not just the legal aspects but also the emotional and practical needs of our clients. 

• A proven track record: With decades of experience, we have successfully helped countless families reach positive, sustainable agreements.