Child Arrangements

Overview

Child Arrangements Route in Family Matters (UK)

Child arrangements refer to the decisions made about where children will live and how they will spend time with each parent after a separation or divorce. These arrangements can be agreed upon by the parents or determined by a court if an agreement cannot be reached. This guide outlines the child arrangements route and includes frequently asked questions to help you understand the process.

What Are Child Arrangements?

Child arrangements cover various aspects of a child’s living and care arrangements, including:

• Residence: Where the child will live (with one parent or shared between both).
• Contact: How often and under what circumstances the child will see the other parent.
• Parental Responsibility: How decisions regarding the child’s education, health, and welfare will be made.
• Holidays and Special Occasions: Arrangements for spending time during holidays, birthdays, and other significant events.

Agreeing on Child Arrangements

Direct Agreement Between Parents:

• Negotiation: Parents are encouraged to agree on child arrangements between themselves. This can be done informally or with the help of mediation.
• Parenting Plan: A parenting plan can be drawn up to outline the agreed arrangements in detail. Although not legally binding, it serves as a clear guide for both parents.

Mediation:

• Family Mediation: If parents cannot agree, they may seek the help of a family mediator. Mediation provides a structured environment for discussing and resolving disputes.
• Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM): Before applying to court, parents must attend a MIAM to explore mediation as an option. There are exemptions to this rule, such as cases involving domestic abuse or urgent child safety concerns.

Court Involvement in Child Arrangements

Applying for a Child Arrangements Order:

• When to Apply: If an agreement cannot be reached through direct negotiation or mediation, either parent can apply to the court for a Child Arrangements Order.
• Court Process: The court will consider the child’s best interests, taking into account factors such as the child’s wishes, the parents’ ability to meet the child’s needs, and the impact of any changes in the child’s life.
• The Role of Cafcass: Once an application is submitted, the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) becomes involved. They conduct background safeguarding checks and speak to both parents to advise the court on the child’s safety, welfare, and best interests. 

The Court’s Decision:

• Child Arrangements Order: The court may issue an order outlining where the child will live and how much time they will spend with each parent. This order is legally binding and must be followed by both parents.
• Enforcement: If one parent fails to comply with the order, the other parent can return to court to seek enforcement, which may include penalties or changes to the order.

Special Considerations

• Parental Alienation: The court will consider whether one parent is trying to turn the child against the other, known as parental alienation. Such behavior is taken seriously and can affect the court’s decision.

• Safety Concerns: If there are concerns about the child’s safety with a particular parent, the court may order supervised contact or other protective measures.

• Grandparents and Other Relatives: In some cases, grandparents or other relatives may also apply for contact with the child, though they usually need the court’s permission to do so.

Written on: 29 July 2026