A ‘child arrangements order’ (CAO) is an order made by the Family Courts of England & Wales setting out where a child lives, who they have contact with and how that contact is to take place.

This article explains the CAFCASS Welfare Checklist, a key factor in family court decisions regarding child custody. It outlines the considerations under the Children Act 1989, including a child's wishes, needs, and welfare. Understanding this checklist is essential for parents involved in CAFCASS proceedings. Switalskis' expert family law team is available to provide legal support and guidance.

This article explains the typical timeline for child care proceedings, including the 26-week legal target and reasons why some cases take longer. It covers key factors that may cause delays, such as international elements, specialist assessments, and parental progress. Switalskis expert family and child care team offers legal support to help families navigate the process.

Struggling with child arrangements? Switalskis Childcare Law team offers expert legal support and can assess your eligibility for legal aid.

In a recent appeal case, the Court of Appeal clarified whether adoption orders can be set aside when adoptive placements break down.

For many adopted children, the concept of "letterbox contact" has long been the norm. Is it now outdated and in need of reform?

Hair strand testing is most often used in care proceedings where there is concerns about a parents use of substances.

A recent news report on the pressures children's social services face has highlighted a growing crisis: the increasing burnout among social workers.