Family Law

Child arrangements guide for separating parents: practical steps

Child arrangements paperwork and office table

For most separating parents, the quickest route to stability is a clear, written child arrangements plan agreed between you. If agreement is not possible, the pathway is: attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), attempt mediation or another non-court route, and apply to court using Form C100 only when those options are exhausted or unsafe.

Your immediate next steps:

  1. Write down a basic outline of the arrangements you are proposing, even informally.
  2. Contact a family mediator or Citizens Advice to book a MIAM.
  3. Gather key documents: your child’s birth certificate, current addresses, and copies of any existing court orders.

When to contact a solicitor straight away:

  • Your child is at immediate risk of harm or has been removed without your consent.
  • You are experiencing domestic abuse and need a protective order.
  • You need to apply for a without-notice (emergency) hearing.

Pro Tip: If safety is not a concern, resist the instinct to go straight to court. Agreements reached by parents tend to be more flexible, less costly, and more durable than orders imposed by a judge.

This guide covers every stage of the child arrangements process, from drafting a parenting plan to understanding what happens at a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) and beyond.

Key takeaways

Reaching a written agreement is almost always faster, cheaper, and more durable than a contested court order — and courts expect parents to have tried before applying.

Point Details
Try to agree first A written parenting plan costs nothing and can be converted into a legally binding consent order at any stage.
MIAM is a legal requirement You must attend a MIAM before most court applications; exemptions apply for domestic abuse and urgent child protection cases.
Court takes around 10 months GOV.UK guidance notes that obtaining a court order commonly takes around 10 months; consent orders are approved much faster.
Cafcass focuses on child welfare At the FHDRA, Cafcass advisers assess risk and encourage agreement; judges apply the welfare checklist, not parental grievances.
Signaturelaw offers legal aid assessments Signaturelaw provides fixed-fee consultations, legal aid eligibility checks, and specialist support for consent orders and contested hearings.

Table of Contents

What does ‘child arrangements’ actually mean, and what are your options?

“Child arrangements” is the legal term used in England and Wales under the Children Act 1989 to describe decisions about where a child lives, how much time they spend with each parent, and other forms of contact such as phone calls, video calls, or staying contact. It replaced the older language of “residence” and “custody,” though many parents still use those terms informally.

There are three practical routes available to you.

Route 1: Informal private agreement. You and the other parent agree arrangements verbally or in writing without any legal process. This works well when communication is reasonable and both parents are committed to the arrangement. The downside is that it carries no legal weight if one parent later changes their mind.

Route 2: A written parenting plan (child arrangements plan). A structured written document setting out the arrangements in detail. Gov provides templates and guidance to help you create one. This is not legally binding, but it is far more useful than a verbal agreement because it reduces misunderstandings and gives both parents a clear reference point.

Route 3: A court-based order. Either a consent order (where both parents agree and ask the court to approve the arrangement) or a contested order (where a judge decides after a hearing). GOV.UK explains the main Section 8 orders, including child arrangements orders, specific issue orders, and prohibited steps orders, along with typical timescales and fee information.

The table below sets out the key differences between these routes.

Route Legally binding? Cost Flexibility Best suited to
Informal agreement No Nil High Cooperative parents, simple arrangements
Written parenting plan No Nil to low High Parents who want structure without court
Consent order Yes Court fee applies Moderate Parents who agree but want legal certainty
Contested court order Yes Significant Low Deadlock, safety concerns, enforcement needed

Key organisations that can help you at this stage include Cafcass (the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service), National Family Mediation, and Citizens Advice. Each offers free or low-cost guidance on which route suits your situation.

Pro Tip: A written parenting plan significantly reduces the risk of future disputes because it removes ambiguity. If your relationship with the other parent is broadly workable, consider converting a finalised plan into a consent order — it costs relatively little and gives both of you the security of a legally binding document.

How to make a practical parenting plan that actually works

A parenting plan is not a legal document, but a well-drafted one is one of the most useful tools you have. Courts and Cafcass look favourably on parents who have made genuine efforts to agree arrangements in writing, and a detailed plan can form the basis of a consent order later.

What your plan should cover:

  • Living arrangements: Where the child lives primarily and how time is divided between homes.
  • Regular weekly schedule: Which days the child is with each parent, including school pick-up and drop-off responsibilities.
  • Holidays and special occasions: How school holidays, bank holidays, birthdays, and Christmas are shared.
  • School and education: Which school the child attends, who attends parents’ evenings, and how school communications are shared.
  • Healthcare: Who holds the GP registration, how medical appointments are managed, and how emergencies are handled.
  • Communication: How parents communicate with each other (email, a co-parenting app), and how the child contacts the non-resident parent.
  • Dispute resolution: What you will do if you disagree on a specific issue (for example, return to mediation before applying to court).
  • Review dates: When you will revisit the plan as the child grows.

Step-by-step process for drafting the plan:

  1. Each parent writes their own proposed schedule independently.
  2. Compare the two proposals and identify where you agree.
  3. Use mediation or solicitor negotiation to resolve the points of disagreement.
  4. Write the agreed version in plain, specific language — avoid vague phrases like “reasonable contact.”
  5. Both parents sign and date the document.
  6. Store a copy securely and share it with anyone who needs it (school, GP, grandparents).
  7. Ask a solicitor to review it if you intend to convert it into a consent order.

Example schedule snippets:

A week-on/week-off arrangement works well for older children who can manage longer separations from each parent. For younger children, shorter, more frequent contact periods often suit better — for example, three nights with one parent and four with the other, alternating each week. School-term variations might include one parent handling the school run Monday to Wednesday, with the other taking Thursday, Friday, and the weekend.

Precise wording matters. “Every other weekend from Friday school collection to Sunday 6pm” is enforceable. “Alternate weekends” is not, because it does not specify who has the first weekend or what time contact starts and ends.

GOV.UK’s make a child arrangements plan page confirms that while a parenting plan is not legally binding, parents can apply for a consent order to make it so. That step is worth taking once you have a stable, agreed arrangement in place.

Do you need to attend a MIAM, and what are your other options?

Before you can apply to the family court for most child arrangements orders, you are legally required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting, known as a MIAM. This is a one-to-one meeting with an authorised family mediator who explains what mediation involves, assesses whether it is suitable for your situation, and signs the relevant section of your C100 form if you proceed to court.

The C100 application form guidance sets out this requirement clearly: you must normally attend a MIAM before applying, and the mediator’s certificate must accompany your application unless a valid exemption applies.

MIAM exemptions include:

  • Domestic abuse, where there is evidence such as a police report, non-molestation order, or GP letter.
  • Child protection concerns where a local authority is already involved.
  • A previous MIAM attended within the last four months.
  • The other party is unwilling to attend.
  • Urgency, where the child faces immediate risk.

If you qualify for an exemption, you tick the relevant box on the C100 and attach supporting evidence. Do not simply claim an exemption without evidence — courts scrutinise this carefully.

What happens in mediation itself?

A family mediator is impartial. They do not take sides, give legal advice, or make decisions. Their role is to help both parents communicate more effectively and reach their own agreement. Sessions typically last 60–90 minutes and can cover living arrangements, contact schedules, and specific issues such as schooling or holidays. Child-inclusive mediation allows older children (usually aged nine and above) to share their views with the mediator, who then feeds those views back to the parents.

GOV.UK’s guidance on non-court dispute resolution sets out the full range of alternatives to court, and courts now expect parties to have genuinely considered these before applying. The options beyond mediation include:

  • Solicitor negotiation: Each parent instructs their own solicitor to negotiate on their behalf. Useful where direct communication has broken down.
  • Collaborative law: Both parents and their solicitors meet together in a series of structured meetings to reach an agreement. All parties sign a participation agreement committing to stay out of court.
  • Arbitration: An independent arbitrator makes a binding decision on specific issues. Faster than court and more private.
  • Neutral evaluation: A neutral professional (often a retired judge or senior barrister) gives a non-binding opinion on the likely outcome if the matter went to court. Often used to break a deadlock.

Family mediators provide an impartial space that often produces more sustainable long-term arrangements than court orders, because parents retain control over the outcome.

Pro Tip: If mediation produces an agreement, ask the mediator to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding. This document summarises what you have agreed and can be used as the basis for a consent order application, giving your agreement the full legal weight of a court order.

When should you apply to court, and what do you need to do first?

Court is appropriate when mediation and other non-court routes have genuinely failed, when a child is at risk, when an existing order is being breached, or when you need to vary an order that no longer reflects the child’s circumstances. It is not a first step, and judges expect to see evidence that you have tried to resolve matters without their involvement.

Situations where court is appropriate:

  • The other parent has removed the child without consent or is threatening to do so.
  • There are serious safeguarding concerns (domestic abuse, substance misuse, neglect).
  • Mediation has been attempted and broken down, or the other parent refuses to engage.
  • An existing order is not being followed and informal attempts to resolve this have failed.
  • You need to change an existing order because circumstances have changed significantly.

The forms you need to know:

  • C100: The main application form for Section 8 orders (child arrangements, specific issue, prohibited steps). You attach your MIAM certificate or exemption evidence here.
  • C1: Used for applications relating to children where there is no existing order and the application is not a Section 8 order (for example, special guardianship).
  • C2: Used to apply for permission to make an application, or to add a party to existing proceedings.
  • C79: Used to enforce an existing child arrangements order that is not being complied with.

Pre-application checklist:

  • MIAM certificate or documented exemption evidence.
  • Child’s full name, date of birth, and address.
  • Your address history for the last five years.
  • The other parent’s current address (if known).
  • Copies of any existing court orders relating to the child.
  • Details of any ongoing local authority involvement.
  • Any relevant police or safeguarding records.

You can apply online via the GOV.UK family court portal, where your application saves for 28 days — useful if you need to gather documents before submitting. Alternatively, you can post a completed C100 to your local family court. The C100 guidance explains what to include and what happens after the court receives your application.

What are the three main Section 8 orders and when does each apply?

Section 8 of the Children Act 1989 provides the legal framework for the orders a family court can make about children. Understanding which order you need helps you draft a focused C100 application and gives the court a clear picture of what you are asking for.

Child Arrangements Order

This order sets out where a child lives and/or how much time they spend with each parent. A “lives with” order names the parent with whom the child primarily resides. A “spends time with” order specifies contact with the other parent, including frequency, duration, and any conditions. For example, a court might order that a child lives with their mother and spends regular, scheduled weekends and holidays with their father.

Specific Issue Order

This order resolves a specific dispute about an aspect of a child’s upbringing where parents cannot agree. Common examples include which school a child should attend, whether a child should receive a particular medical treatment, or whether a child can be taken abroad for a holiday. The order does not change where the child lives; it simply decides the one issue in dispute.

Prohibited Steps Order

This order prevents a parent from taking a specific action without the court’s permission. The most common use is to prevent a parent from removing a child from England and Wales, but it can also be used to prevent a change of school, a change of surname, or contact with a particular person.

All three orders are governed by the welfare checklist under the Children Act 1989, which requires the court to consider the child’s wishes and feelings, their physical and emotional needs, the likely effect of any change, and any risk of harm.

Pro Tip: When completing the C100, set out your proposed arrangements in specific, realistic terms. A judge who can read a clear, workable timetable from your application is far more likely to engage constructively at the first hearing than one faced with a vague request for “more contact.”

What happens at the first hearing, and what does Cafcass do?

The First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment, known as the FHDRA, is usually the first time both parents appear before a judge or magistrates. It typically takes place within four to six weeks of the court receiving the C100 application.

Cafcass advisers commonly attend the FHDRA to identify disputed issues, encourage agreement where possible, and may prepare a welfare report if the court needs more information. Before the hearing, Cafcass carries out safeguarding checks with the police and local authority and contacts both parents by telephone to gather initial information.

What the FHDRA is designed to do:

  • Identify the issues that are genuinely in dispute.
  • Explore whether agreement can be reached on any or all of those issues.
  • Set a timetable for further steps if agreement is not possible.
  • Determine whether a Cafcass welfare report (a Section 7 report) is needed.

What judges and magistrates consider under the welfare checklist:

  • The child’s own wishes and feelings, given their age and understanding.
  • The child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs.
  • The likely effect of any change in circumstances.
  • The child’s age, sex, background, and any relevant characteristics.
  • Any harm the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering.
  • The capability of each parent to meet the child’s needs.
  • The range of powers available to the court.

Cafcass guidance confirms that the court’s overarching principle is that it is normally in a child’s interests to have a relationship with both parents unless there is proven risk of harm. Judges will not usually restrict contact solely because parents are in dispute over financial matters.

Practical preparation for the FHDRA:

  • Cafcass will contact you before the hearing. Be honest, focused on the child’s needs, and avoid making the conversation about your grievances with the other parent.
  • Bring any documents you have been asked to produce.
  • Be prepared to discuss what you can agree on, not just what you cannot.
  • If you have a solicitor, they will attend with you. If you are representing yourself, the court will explain the process.

Judges and Cafcass officers focus on child welfare criteria rather than parental disputes. First hearings commonly seek to narrow issues and encourage mediation or targeted reports rather than proceed immediately to a contested trial.

How do you make an agreement legally binding, and what happens if an order is breached?

A private agreement between parents, however detailed, carries no legal weight if one parent later decides not to follow it. A consent order changes that. It is a court order made by consent, meaning both parents agree to its terms and ask the court to approve it. Once approved, it has the full force of a court order.

The consent order process:

  1. Both parents (usually with solicitor assistance) draft the proposed order in the correct form.
  2. The draft is submitted to the court along with a short statement explaining why the order is in the child’s best interests.
  3. A judge reviews the draft on paper, without a hearing in most cases.
  4. If satisfied, the judge approves and seals the order.
  5. Both parents receive a sealed copy.

Private agreements can be effective without being legally binding, but for parents wanting legal certainty a consent order gives the agreement the full weight of a court order without a contested hearing.

What to do if an order is breached:

  • C79 application: If the other parent is not complying with a child arrangements order, you can apply to the court using Form C79 to enforce it. The court has a range of powers including unpaid work requirements, fines, and in serious cases, committal.
  • Vary or discharge: If circumstances have changed significantly (a parent relocating, a child’s needs changing), either parent can apply to vary or discharge the existing order.
  • Contempt proceedings: Reserved for serious, repeated, or deliberate breaches. This is a significant step and legal advice is strongly recommended before pursuing it.

Pro Tip: Legal aid may be available for both obtaining and enforcing orders if you meet the financial eligibility criteria or are a victim of domestic abuse. Check your eligibility before assuming you must fund proceedings privately.

If you need help with child arrangement solicitors, Signaturelaw’s family law team can advise on drafting consent orders and enforcement applications.

Who has parental responsibility, and who can apply for a Section 8 order?

Parental responsibility is the legal term for the rights, duties, powers, and responsibilities a parent has in relation to a child. It determines who can make decisions about a child’s upbringing, including education, medical treatment, and religious upbringing.

How parental responsibility is acquired:

  • A mother automatically has parental responsibility from birth.
  • A father has parental responsibility automatically if he is married to the mother at the time of the child’s birth.
  • An unmarried father acquires parental responsibility by being named on the birth certificate (for births registered after 1 December 2003 in England and Wales), by entering into a parental responsibility agreement with the mother, or by obtaining a court order.
  • A step-parent can acquire parental responsibility by agreement with all those who already hold it, or by court order.
  • A same-sex partner who is the child’s legal parent (under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008) has the same rights as any other parent.

Who can apply for a Section 8 order without needing the court’s permission:

  • A parent (including an unmarried father with parental responsibility).
  • A guardian.
  • A person named in an existing child arrangements order as someone the child lives with.
  • A spouse or civil partner of a parent, in certain circumstances.

Who needs the court’s permission first:

  • A grandparent or other relative.
  • A person with whom the child has lived for at least three years.
  • Someone who has the consent of all those with parental responsibility.
  • A local authority in specific circumstances.

The court will grant permission if it considers the application has a reasonable prospect of success and is not being made to harass the other party.

Pro Tip: If parental responsibility is disputed, an unmarried father should apply for a parental responsibility order at the same time as any Section 8 application. Courts deal with both together and it avoids a second set of proceedings.

For a detailed explanation of parental responsibility and child arrangements, Signaturelaw’s guidance covers the practical implications for parents in a range of circumstances.

What do child arrangements typically cost, and how long does it take?

Setting realistic expectations on cost and timescale is one of the most useful things this guide can do for you. The figures vary considerably depending on whether you reach agreement quickly or proceed to a contested hearing.

Court fees:

The standard application fee for a C100 (Section 8 order) is set by the court and is subject to change; check the current fee on GOV.UK before applying. Fee remission (Help with Fees) is available if you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits. Legal aid covers court fees for eligible clients.

Typical timescales:

GOV.UK notes that it commonly takes around 10 months to obtain a court order, though this varies significantly by court location and case complexity. A consent order, where both parents agree, can be approved in a matter of weeks. A contested case with a full hearing and Cafcass welfare report will take considerably longer.

Cost comparison by route:

  • Mediation: Typically the least expensive route. Session costs vary by provider; some mediators offer a sliding scale based on income. A government mediation voucher scheme has provided funding for eligible cases.
  • Solicitor negotiation: Costs depend on the complexity of the dispute and how quickly agreement is reached. Fixed-fee initial consultations (as offered by Signaturelaw) help manage early costs.
  • Contested court proceedings: The most expensive route. Solicitor and barrister fees across multiple hearings can be substantial, particularly in complex cases.

Legal aid eligibility:

Legal aid for private family law matters is means-tested and subject to a merits test. It is available for victims of domestic abuse and in cases involving child protection. If you think you may qualify, check your legal aid eligibility before committing to private funding.

Key cost considerations:

  • Mediation costs are almost always lower than contested court proceedings.
  • A consent order costs a fraction of a contested hearing and provides the same legal certainty.
  • Cafcass welfare reports (Section 7 reports) are prepared at public expense but add time to proceedings.
  • Representing yourself (a litigant in person) reduces legal costs but increases the risk of procedural errors that cause delay.

What paperwork and evidence should you gather before mediation or court?

Preparation is where cases are won or lost, and courts expect concise, well-organised evidence. Arriving at a MIAM or a hearing without the right documents wastes time and can undermine your credibility.

Core document checklist:

  1. Your child’s birth certificate.
  2. Your child’s current school reports and any educational health care plan (EHCP) if applicable.
  3. Medical records relevant to the child’s needs or any health concerns raised.
  4. A chronology of key events: a clear, dated timeline of significant incidents, agreements, and changes in arrangements.
  5. Communication records: relevant text messages, emails, or messages from co-parenting apps (printed and indexed).
  6. Any existing court orders, injunctions, or non-molestation orders.
  7. Any safeguarding reports from schools, GPs, or local authority social services.
  8. Your MIAM certificate or exemption evidence.
  9. Witness statements, if relevant, from people who have direct knowledge of the child’s circumstances.

How courts expect evidence to be presented:

Courts require evidence in concise, indexed bundles. A judge reading a disorganised pile of documents is less likely to engage with your case effectively. Number every page, create a contents list, and keep the bundle to what is genuinely relevant. Cafcass officers are experienced at identifying what matters; focus on the child’s welfare, not on building a case against the other parent.

Domestic abuse and sensitive evidence:

If domestic abuse is alleged, evidence such as police call logs, medical records, photographs of injuries, or a letter from a domestic abuse support organisation carries significant weight. Courts have procedures for presenting sensitive evidence securely, including the use of screens and separate waiting areas. Speak to a solicitor before your hearing about how to present this material safely.

Pro Tip: Keep a contemporaneous record from the moment arrangements become disputed. A brief daily note of what happened, who the child was with, and any relevant communications is far more persuasive than a retrospective account written months later.

How do courts decide what is best for your child?

The legal test a court applies in every child arrangements case is the welfare of the child. This is not a vague aspiration; it is a structured checklist set out in the Children Act 1989, and every decision a judge makes must be measured against it.

The court’s overarching principle is that it is normally in a child’s interests to have a relationship with both parents unless there is proven risk of harm. Cafcass advisers and judges focus on child welfare criteria rather than parental disputes; first hearings commonly seek to narrow issues and encourage agreement or targeted reports rather than proceed immediately to a contested trial.

The welfare checklist in practice:

  • The child’s wishes and feelings: Given appropriate weight according to the child’s age and understanding. A teenager’s clear preference carries more weight than a four-year-old’s.
  • Physical and emotional needs: Stability, routine, and attachment relationships are central considerations.
  • The likely effect of change: Courts are cautious about disrupting established arrangements without good reason.
  • Age, sex, background, and characteristics: Including any cultural, religious, or linguistic factors relevant to the child’s identity.
  • Any harm suffered or at risk: Domestic abuse, substance misuse, neglect, and exposure to parental conflict all feature here.
  • Capability of each parent: Not perfection, but the ability to meet the child’s needs day to day.

Why mediated agreements carry weight:

Family mediators provide an impartial space that often produces more sustainable long-term arrangements than court orders, because parents retain control over the solution. A Cafcass welfare report (Section 7 report) takes time to prepare and adds months to proceedings. Where parents have already reached a mediated agreement, courts can often approve it as a consent order without the need for a full report.

Practical implications for how you present your case:

Frame everything around the child’s needs, not your own grievances. A parent who demonstrates a willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent is viewed more favourably than one who seeks to restrict contact without good reason. Stability and routine are given significant weight; if you are proposing a change to existing arrangements, explain clearly why the change serves the child’s interests.

Where can you get help with child arrangements?

Several authoritative organisations offer free or low-cost support at every stage of the process. Knowing which to contact first saves time and money.

Key organisations and what they offer:

  • Cafcass: The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. Cafcass is involved in all private law court proceedings involving children. Their website provides clear explanations of the court process, what to expect at each stage, and how welfare reports are prepared. Visit cafcass.gov.uk.
  • GOV.UK: The official source for all court forms, guidance on making child arrangements, the family court finder, and the find ways to make child arrangements tool. Always download forms from GOV.UK rather than third-party sites to ensure you have the current version.
  • National Family Mediation (NFM): One of the largest networks of family mediators in England and Wales. NFM can help you find an authorised mediator near you and advise on mediation voucher eligibility. Visit Nfm.
  • Citizens Advice: Provides free, impartial advice on family law matters, including whether you may qualify for legal aid and how to complete court forms. Available online, by phone, and in person at local bureaux.
  • AdviceNow: An independent, not-for-profit organisation producing plain-English guides on legal processes, including detailed guides on applying for child arrangements orders and representing yourself in the family court. Visit Advicenow.
  • Resolution: A national organisation of family law professionals committed to a non-confrontational approach. Resolution’s member directory helps you find a solicitor or mediator who follows a code of practice focused on reducing conflict. Visit Resolution.

How to find an authorised mediator:

Use the Family Mediation Council’s directory at familymediationcouncil.org.uk to find a mediator authorised to conduct MIAMs. Check whether the mediator is registered with the Family Mediation Council, as only registered mediators can sign the MIAM section of a C100.

Useful online tools:

  • The GOV.UK find ways to make child arrangements tool helps you identify the right route for your situation and access planning templates.
  • The family court finder on GOV.UK locates your nearest family court and its contact details.
  • The C100 guidance on GOV.UK walks you through completing the form step by step.

What to do this week, this month, and if it is urgent

This week:

  1. Write a brief outline of the arrangements you are proposing, even if it is just a few bullet points.
  2. Contact Citizens Advice or a local family mediator to understand your options.
  3. Book a MIAM if you and the other parent cannot agree and there is no exemption.
  4. Gather your child’s birth certificate and any existing court orders.

This month:

  • Complete a full written parenting plan using the GOV.UK template or a solicitor’s precedent.
  • Gather the documents listed in the evidence checklist above.
  • Speak to a solicitor about legal aid eligibility, particularly if domestic abuse is a factor.
  • If the court has ordered it, attend a Separated Parents Information Programme (SPIP). The SPIP is a short course designed to help parents understand the impact of conflict on children and improve co-parenting communication. Courts order it regularly at the FHDRA stage.
  • If mediation has produced an agreement, instruct a solicitor to convert it into a consent order.

If it is urgent:

  • A child at immediate risk of harm, or one who has been removed without consent, requires an emergency application to the family court. This is a without-notice (ex parte) application, meaning the other parent is not informed in advance.
  • Contact a family law solicitor immediately. Many firms, including Signaturelaw, can advise on emergency applications at short notice.
  • If a child is in immediate danger, contact the police or local authority children’s services before contacting a solicitor.
  • A non-molestation order or occupation order may also be needed if domestic abuse is present alongside the child arrangements dispute.

Pro Tip: The Separated Parents Information Programme (SPIP) is not a punishment. Parents who approach it openly often find it genuinely useful for reframing the co-parenting relationship around the child’s needs rather than the breakdown of the adult relationship.

A note from Signaturelaw on supporting families through this process

Separation is one of the most difficult things a family can go through, and the legal process around child arrangements can feel daunting when you are already under significant emotional pressure. At Signaturelaw, we understand that what you need most at this stage is clarity, honesty, and practical guidance you can act on.

Our family law team has experience across the full range of child arrangements matters, from drafting parenting plans and consent orders to representing parents at contested hearings and emergency applications. We offer legal aid assessments for eligible clients, fixed-fee initial consultations, and multilingual support, so that cost and language are not barriers to getting the advice you need.

If you are at the early stages of separation and want to understand your options, or if you are facing an urgent situation that requires immediate legal action, we are here to help. Speak to our family law solicitors today to book a consultation.

How Signaturelaw can help you with child arrangements

Signaturelaw is a specialist family law firm offering legal aid assessments, fixed-fee initial consultations, and bespoke support for parents navigating child arrangements. Whether you need a solicitor to review a parenting plan, draft a consent order, or represent you at a contested hearing, the firm’s family law team provides personal, experienced advice without the volume-based approach of larger practices.

Signaturelaw also offers multilingual legal advice, making specialist support accessible to a wider range of families. Clients across the UK, with a particular presence in Romford, East London and Essex, can access the firm’s services in person or remotely.

To discuss your situation confidentially and find out whether legal aid applies to your case, contact Signaturelaw via the family law enquiry page. A member of the team will respond promptly to arrange a consultation at a time that suits you.

This article provides general information about child arrangements law in England and Wales. It is not a substitute for legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances. You should consult a qualified solicitor before taking legal action or relying on this information for your own situation.

Sources

The following official sources contain the forms, procedural guidance, and local court information you will need throughout this process.

GOV.UK official guidance and forms:

Cafcass:

Family court finder: