Child custody and contact arrangements

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Child Arrangement Orders

For a brighter future

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.

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How Switalskis can help you

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.

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What is a child arrangement order?

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:

  • Where a child lives for the majority of the time
  • How often they see each parent or grandparent including during school holidays
  • Where they see each parent or grandparent
  • How they communicate with the other parent and wider family when they're not together including regularly 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 parents seperating having a good routine and reliable schedule can help them to aclimatise to their new reality.

What is a child arrangement order?

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:

hand holding house

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.

parents holding hands of a child

Timings

How often they see each parent or grandparent including during holidays, it can cover the days and times they see people.

two roads splitting

Visits

This is where they see each parent or grandparent, and also can cover where they are not go when with the other parent.

two people reaching out to one another

Communication

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.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to settle matters out of court?

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:

  • Mediation: mediation involves working through any points you disagree on with the support of a trained mediator. The mediator will allow everyone the chance to have their views heard. They aren't there to take sides or advise you and it isn’t the same as counselling. Their objective is to make sure any discussions are focused on the goal of the session and maintain fairness for both parties.
  • Alternative dispute resolution: If mediation isn’t an option, we can negotiate on your behalf to draw up and agreement.
  • Arbitration: is similar to family court but instead of a judge it is overseen by an impartial arbitrator who will make the final decision. This method gives you more control and you decide on the arbitrator, where you have the meeting and what the focus is. At the end of arbitration the decision given is legally binding, so you have to follow what they decide. Arbitration isn't available for legal aid clients but if you are able to pay for it then it is often a much quicker process.

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.

What is the role of the family courts?

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:

  • Final say: The court is often the final authority when parties can't agree by negotiation, mediation, or other means. This means you will have to follow any orders they make.
  • Legal framework: The court applies the law to ensure everyone is treated fairly. This can include how and when your child sees each parent, grandparent and other family members.
  • Dispute resolution: courts resolve disagreements. If you and the other party are stuck, the court will step in and make a decision based on the evidence presented.
  • Protection: if you believe your child is at risk of harm, the court can issue protective orders to keep them safe.
  • Enforcement: Once a decision is made, the court may ensure that the arrangement is adhered to, with possible legal consequences if it is not.
  • Review and modification: life changes and court orders may also need to be updated. Courts can review and modify arrangements in light of new circumstances.

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.

What are my rights

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.

I'm a grandparent, can you help me see my grandchild?

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.

Do you offer legal aid advice for child contact arrangements?

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.

What assistance does legal aid provide?

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.

Applying for legal aid: key considerations

If you want to apply for legal aid, four key factors determine eligibility:

  1. Scope – Does your case fall within the areas covered by legal aid? Legal aid is available for specific family law matters, such as domestic abuse protection, care proceedings, and certain child arrangement disputes.
  2. Child at risk - If you can show your child is at risk from the other parent you can apply for legal aid.
  3. Means test – This financial assessment determines whether you qualify based on your income and assets. You may be eligible for funding if your financial circumstances meet the criteria.
  4. Merits test – This test applies to civil legal aid and considers the strength of your case, the likelihood of success, the reasonableness of costs, and the overall benefit to you.

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.

Our Family Law Solicitors

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Clare PeckettDirector and Solicitor
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Allan LayfieldDirector and Solicitor
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Toby NettingDirector and Solicitor
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Juliet WalkerConsultant Solicitor
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Samantha DownesAssociate Solicitor
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Why Switalskis?

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.

Clarity in complexity

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.

Empathy at every 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.

Expertise you can trust

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.

Championing your rights

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.

Find out how Switalskis can help you

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.

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