Child
Law

A child arrangements order regulates where a child or children live after a divorce or separation. It determines who a child has contact with and when a child is to live or spend time with another person.

The order can also be issued to grant parental responsibility to someone who isn’t a parent of the child, like a grandparent. A child arrangements order cannot be made for children over 16, unless the circumstances are exceptional, which may include if the child has a disability.

A specific issue order can be granted by the court to resolve a dispute between the parents with parental responsibility over a child. It typically addresses conflicting opinions on the child's upbringing. For instance, if those with parental responsibility cannot agree to change the surname, the court can determine what decision is in the child’s best interests.

The order is commonly known as a section 8 order. Mediation services should be attempted before going to court for a specific issue. Our solicitors can advise and refer you to a suitable mediator for your situation.

A prohibited steps order prohibits someone in the child’s life (usually a parent) from performing a certain activity with or for a child, or prohibits the parent from exercising their parental responsibility.

This order can be granted when there are concerns that a parent may make decisions that are not in the child's best interest. For example, it can prohibit a parent from taking a child out of the country or removing them from school. The court’s primary consideration when issuing this order is the child's welfare.

Any parent, guardian, or another person with parental responsibility can apply for a Prohibited Steps Order.

When a child arrangements order is in place, relocating to a new home can breach the order that is in place. It’s worth seeking advice from a solicitor to determine if a move will breach your existing order.

If both parents with parental responsibility agree, you can change the child arrangements order to include the new location without applying to court.