Where they live
This is where a child lives for the majority of the time and also where they live when they go to see their other parent.
Child custody and contact arrangements
If you and your ex-partner can't agree on what is best for your child during or after a separation or divorce, we can help. Child arrangement orders (sometimes referred to as child contact or custody) in family law are court orders that dictate how a child spends time with their parents after a divorce or separation. Grandparents who have been stopped from seeing their grandchild can also use a family solicitor to help them have contact with their grandchild.
Child arrangment orders outline who a child or children lives with and how they spend time with their other parent, including the frequency and duration of visits. Get in touch with us today, and our family law solicitors will listen to your circumstances and advise on your legal rights, as well as what to do next.
If you need legal advice for agreeing your childs arrangements but don't have the financial means for a solicitor, our childcare team offer legal aid representation for those who meet the criteria. Whatever your situation, we'll advise you through the family law process so that you understand your rights and work with you to achieve the best possible outcome.
Our family team represent clients across Yorkshire, from North West and South Yorkshire including York all the way to the Yorkshire coast, Bradford , Barnsley , Sheffield and more. You can book a free thirty-minute consultation appointment by calling 0800 138 0458 or using the form below, and our solicitors will get in touch.
To get started, give us a call us on 0800 138 0458 or get in touch via our website.
We know how important children are, and it is hard after a separation to agree on what is best for them and you. Our family law solicitors offer an impartial perspective which can really help when deciding on child custody agreements and the financial support of your child. Our sympathetic team will take into consideration your childs wishes as well so you know they've been heard throughout the process.
Our team will guide you every step of the way. We'll break down your options and rights in plain English, tailoring our advice to your circumstances. You'll never be left in the dark because we're committed to easing your concerns and answering your questions.
Many of our solicitors are members of Resolution, a respected network of family law specialists who are committed to the constructive resolution of family matters. Others are trained mediators and qualified collaborative lawyers, because not every case has to be taken to court, some can be agreed upon amicably with the right support. Our memberships and accreditations means you can rely on us for quality, up-to-date professional advice.
Child arrangement orders used to be referred to as child custody arrangements. They are agreements that set out how parents, and in some cases grandparents or extended family, spend time with their child after a divorce or separation. They often include:
Getting contact arrangements right for your child is key. Having a stable structure and routine is important to their development and sense of security and after the turbulence of parents seperating having a good routine and reliable schedule can help them to aclimatise to their new reality.
Child arrangement orders used to be referred to as child custody arrangements. They are agreements that set out how parents, and in some cases grandparents or extended family, spend time with their child after a divorce or separation. They often include:
This is where a child lives for the majority of the time and also where they live when they go to see their other parent.
How often they see each parent or grandparent including during holidays, it can cover the days and times they see people.
This is where they see each parent or grandparent, and also can cover where they are not go when with the other parent.
How they communicate with the other parent and family when they're not together including scheduled calls or messages
Getting contact arrangements right for your child is key. Having a stable structure and routine is important to their development and sense of security and after the turbulence of parental having a good routine and reliable schedule can help them to aclimatise to their new reality.
Not all family matters will go to court, and the court encourages alternative methods to agreeing the end of a relationship or contact between parents and their children. Some alternative options for resolving contact issues include:
Court is the final option when all other methods of resolution have failed or have been assessed as unsuitable. Our family solicitors will always aim for the least stressful, most efficient way to resolve your family issues.
The family court is there to make impartial decisions, and its focus will be on what is best for your child. Here's a simple breakdown:
So, while many child contact agreements can be made outside the courtroom, the court serves as a critical safety net for fair treatment, resolving disputes, and providing protection when needed. At Switalskis, our family solicitors will guide you through the court process if it becomes necessary, making sure you know what to expect every step of the way.
Family law can be complex. At Switalskis, our team of family law solicitors are familiar with every situation. We aim to break down the legal jargon and make things as simple as possible. Whatever your personal situation, we'll support you along the way, and give you expert guidance to understand your rights.
There is no automatic legal right for grandparents to have contact with their grandchildren. However, UK family courts do acknowledge the significant role grandparents play in a grandchild's life. In some cases, permission may be granted by the courts for grandparents to apply for child arrangement orders so that they can spend time with their grandchildren, provided there is no record of abuse, violence or neglect.
As a grandparent there are additional steps to take, speaking to our solicitors will help you to steer this effectively.
For anyone needing legal advice about child arrangements who doesn’t have the financial means, our childcare solicitors offer legal aid representation . It's available for some family disputes over child arrangements.
Legal aid can cover legal advice, negotiation, and representation in court. In some cases, it may also cover mediation costs to help resolve disputes outside of court.
If you want to apply for legal aid, four key factors determine eligibility:
If you think you qualify for legal aid representation please get in touch with our team on 0800 138 0458 or using the form below and they will be able to assess if you meet the criteria for legal aid, help you to apply, advise you and represent you in court.
To get started, give us a call us on 0800 138 0458 or get in touch via our website.
For every three cohabitation agreements our family solicitors have handled, they have advised on around fifty financial and property disputes between couples who are splitting up. The process and cost of a cohabitation agreement is much simpler and quicker than a dispute. This article explains what a cohabitation agreement is, and why you should consider one if you’re going to move in with your other half.
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This blog explores the landmark judgment in Standish v Standish [2025], a Supreme Court case that has confirmed how courts treat pre-marital wealth and intra-spousal transfers in divorce proceedings across England and Wales.
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Family law issues can be hard, but you don't have to go it alone. At Switalskis, we offer straightforward, useful advice to guide you during this tough time.
Family law has its own maze of legal rules. But we're here to make complex situations easy to understand. We'll be with you from the get-go, taking care of the paperwork and all the fine print, and keeping you updated at each step.
We understand that family law matters aren't just about the law; they're big life changes. Our solicitors aren’t just legal experts, but also great listeners. We focus on what you really need and tailor our services to fit your specific situation.
We have been involved in family law for many years, we understand the laws surrounding marriage and separation. When you're dealing with important family issues, you need quality advice. Whatever your situation, we have the know-how to manage it smoothly.
Our aim is to set you up for a brighter future after resolving your family law issues. We'll make sure you're fully protected by the law.
If you're faced with a family law issue and would like personalised advice, get in touch with our team today.
Call us on 0800 1380 458 or get in touch through our website.