Child Law

Child Arrangement Orders

When parents cannot agree where a child lives or how they spend time with each parent, a Child Arrangements Order sets it out clearly. Whether you have reached agreement and want it made official, or you need the court to decide, we guide you through it with your child's welfare first.

Request a callback 020 8543 3302

Clear arrangements that put your child first

A Child Arrangements Order decides who a child lives with and how they spend time with each parent. The court's first concern is always the welfare of the child, and it will look at a set of factors, the welfare checklist, before making any decision. In most cases you will need to attend a mediation information meeting before applying, unless an exemption applies.

Where you and the other parent can agree, we can turn that agreement into a binding consent order without a contested fight. Where you cannot, we prepare your application and represent you through the court process. Choose the service closest to your situation below, or speak to us and we will point you to the right one.

Child arrangement services

Select the route that matches your situation.

Agreed Child Arrangements OrderFor parents who have agreed the arrangements and want them made into a binding court order by consent.Learn more Contested ProceedingsFor parents who cannot agree, where the court is asked to decide the arrangements for a child.Learn more Variation of an Existing OrderFor changing a Child Arrangements Order that is already in place, where circumstances have changed.Learn more

Compare your options at a glance

A short summary of each service above. Our fees are agreed in writing before any work begins. Home Office, court and other third-party fees are extra and listed on our price list.

ServiceKey pointFee

Agreed Child Arrangements OrderWho it is forParents who have agreed the arrangements for their child and want them made into a binding court order.£1500 – £2500 + VAT

Contested ProceedingsWho it is forParents who cannot agree the arrangements for their child and need the court to decide.£2500 – £25000+ + VAT

Variation of an Existing OrderWho it is forParents with a child arrangements order already in place that no longer works and needs changing.£2500 – £25000+ + VAT

Key facts

The main rules that apply to child arrangement orders, with the law or official source for each.

The child's welfare is the court's paramount consideration, and the court works through a welfare checklist that includes the child's wishes and feelings.
Children Act 1989, s 1
You will usually need to attend a MIAM before applying on Form C100, unless an exemption applies.
Family Procedure Rules, Part 3
The court fee for a C100 application is £270. Help with Fees may reduce or remove it.
GOV.UK, court fees
Before the first hearing, Cafcass carries out safeguarding checks and speaks to each parent.
Child Arrangements Programme, PD 12B

Correct as at October 2026. Rules and fees can change at short notice, so we confirm what applies to you before any application is made. This is general information, not legal advice on your case.

Common questions

A consent order for child arrangements is a court order that makes an agreement you have already reached about your child legally binding. It sets out where the child lives and how they spend time with each parent. Because you both agree, the court can usually make it without a contested hearing. Read more about agreed child arrangements order →

The child arrangement order form is the C100, the court application used to ask a judge to decide where a child lives and how they spend time with each parent. The same form covers prohibited steps and specific issue orders. A completed, accurate form avoids delay, so many parents ask a solicitor to prepare it. Read more about contested proceedings →

A variation of a child arrangements order is a change the court makes to an order that is already in place, when circumstances have changed. It might adjust where a child lives, or the time they spend with each parent. You apply on the same Form C100, choosing the option to vary or discharge the existing order. Read more about variation of an existing order →

Not sure which applies to you?

Whether you have an agreement to formalise, a dispute that needs the court, or an existing order that no longer works, a short conversation makes the next step clear. Tell us your situation and we will explain your options, including whether Legal Aid may be available, with no obligation.