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Child Arrangement Orders in Hastings

Planning for your children's future can be one of the most stressful aspects of a divorce. It’s natural to want the absolute best for them, but you and your ex-spouse will likely have different opinions on what that may be. It is crucial that you establish a Child Arrangement Order as soon as possible to get your children into a healthy routine following a divorce and maintain a strong co-parent relationship for the benefit of your children.

Establishing a Child Arrangement Order will outline where your children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, their contact with parents, how their finances will be organised, and any extra rights, such as those of grandparents who may take on some level of parental responsibility.

In some cases, you may wish to apply for a Prohibited Steps Order or a Specific Issue Order to resolve disputes, or if you feel that your child’s other parent is acting irresponsibly or dangerously. Our expert solicitors for child access will act promptly to ensure that your children are safe and that the appropriate measures are quickly implemented.

At Stephen Rimmer, we appreciate how difficult navigating these topics can be. Our child arrangement order solicitors will provide the expert guidance needed to ensure you receive the outcome that is best for your family.

As members of Resolution, we are dedicated to providing out-of-court solutions for family law matters where possible. You can rest assured that we will do everything in our power to preserve parental relationships and ensure your children are happy moving forward.

Please give us a call at 01424 619916 , or email us at enquiries@stephenrimmer.com.

Why choose our Child Arrangement Orders Solicitors in Hastings?

At Stephen Rimmer, we offer sensitive, comprehensive services around Child Arrangement Orders and can help you with matters including:

We are members of the Law Society Children Law Accreditation scheme, highlighting our well-deserved excellent reputation in this area. We are also members of the Family Mediation Accreditation scheme for our dedication to helping families find constructive resolutions to matters that may often be emotionally charged and tough to navigate.

Please refer to our Family Mediation Solicitors page for more information.

Book a free 30-minute consultation with our solicitors in Hastings

You can contact one of our experienced, friendly Child Arrangement Orders solicitors in either our Hastings or Eastbourne offices. To discuss your situation and arrange an initial free, 30-minute consultation, please:

How our Child Arrangement Orders Solicitors in Hastings can help you

Financial Maintenance

It is vital that your children are financially supported to maximise their quality of life following a divorce. Our child arrangement order solicitors in Hastings will ensure that your Child Arrangement Order maximises the support for your children and that they have all the financial support necessary.

Relocation

If you are faced with the prospect of your children living far away from you, this can be incredibly daunting and stressful. Our child order lawyers will assess the situation and ensure that your children are in the best possible situation to allow them to grow happily whilst preserving existing family relationships.

Grandparents’ Rights

It can be difficult if you are a grandparent whose contact time with your grandchildren has been impacted by their parents’ divorce. Whilst you do not automatically have parental responsibility, it may be worth applying for a Child Arrangement Order so you get to spend time with your grandchildren. At Stephen Rimmer, our child order solicitors have vast experience helping grandparents secure contact time with their grandchildren that may have been impossible without a Child Arrangement Order.

Access

Spending time with your children is one of the most vital aspects of parenthood and providing the best upbringing for your child. Our child arrangement solicitors in Hastings will use their experience and legal knowledge to assess your personal situation diligently to ensure that you receive the time and contact with your children you deserve.

Specific Issues

Often, specific issues can cause serious disputes between parents, such as a child’s religion, medication or school. We appreciate how significant these types of matters can be and the potentially detrimental effects they can have upon a child’s upbringing. Our specific issue order solicitors will be able to assess the situation and provide the best solution for your child’s upbringing.

Frequently asked questions about Child Arrangement Orders

What is a Child Arrangement Order?

A Child Arrangement Order states where a child will live, how long they will spend with either parent and when this contact will occur. If verified by the Court, it is a legally binding document that considers the child's best interests when determining its terms. Furthermore, it often regulates the types of contact that parents have with their children, such as phone calls.

A Child Arrangement Order can be modified to suit a change in lifestyle, known as a Variation. A variation can be applied for on the grounds that the applicant can prove that the changes are in the child’s best interest. A Child Arrangement lasts until a child turns 18 unless specified. It costs £232 to apply for a Child Arrangement Order.

What is a Prohibited Steps Order?

A Prohibited Steps Order is a Court order that stops one parent from making key decisions about their child’s upbringing. A Prohibited Steps Order can be applied for on an urgent basis without having to notify the other parent.

A Prohibited Steps Order is intended to prevent a parent from making significant decisions such as changing a child’s name, changing their school, or taking them out of the country. A Prohibited Steps Order usually takes between 6-8 weeks to obtain unless it is urgent, in which case it can take approximately a week.

What is a Specific Issue Order?

A Specific Issue Order resolves a key disagreement that parents may have about a significant part of a child’s life, such as school, medical treatment, or religion. They are often applied for alongside Child Arrangement Orders.

What is the process for applying for a Child Arrangement Order?

A Child Arrangement Order can be applied for by post or online. Prior to the application, you will likely need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). Applications are usually made by giving the other party notice unless in exceptional circumstances.

Following the application, the Court will instruct Cafcass (the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) to complete safeguarding checks before inviting parents to an initial hearing to determine the points of conflict and assess the current well-being of their children. A mediator may be appointed if a resolution cannot occur during this hearing.

Who can apply for a Child Arrangement Order?

You can apply for a Child Arrangement Order if you have parental responsibility. Grandparents and family members who do not automatically have parental responsibility can apply through the Court.

Speak to our Child Arrangement Orders Solicitors in Hastings

You can contact one of our experienced, friendly Child Arrangement Orders solicitors in either our Hastings or Eastbourne offices. To discuss your situation and arrange an initial free, 30-minute consultation, please:

How can we help you?

Call us today on 01323 644222 to get the specialist help you need.