Child Custody

Why families choose us

• Child-first, outcome-driven: We focus on workable routines that support your child’s wellbeing and your parental relationship.

• Settle if possible, act when needed: Mediation and negotiation first; robust court advocacy where necessary.

• Specialist team: Experience across complex allegations, safeguarding, relocation and high-conflict cases.

• Transparent fees: Fixed-fee stages where suitable and clear updates throughout.

What we help with

• Child Arrangements Orders (who the child lives with and spends time with)

• Shared care / living arrangements and holiday schedules

• Specific Issue & Prohibited Steps Orders (schooling, religion, passports, travel)

• Relocation (within England & Wales and international)

• Enforcement & variation of existing orders

• Safeguarding issues (allegations, supervised contact, fact-finding)

• Parental responsibility (including for unmarried fathers)

• Grandparents & wider family applications

• Schedule 1 (Children Act) financial support where appropriate

Types of child arrangements (UK terms)

In England & Wales, “custody” is framed as child arrangements:

• Lives with / spends time with: The core order setting where a child lives and what time they spend with each parent.

• Shared care: Time is broadly balanced—even if not 50/50—so both parents play a substantial role.

• Interim orders: Temporary arrangements while matters are investigated or negotiated.

• Special Guardianship / kinship care: Where a relative or other carer provides a long-term home if parents cannot.

• Specific Issue / Prohibited Steps: Targeted orders to decide a point (e.g., school choice) or prevent an action (e.g., removal from the UK).

Courts apply the Children Act welfare checklist and the child’s best interests are paramount.

The process at a glance

1. Initial advice
   Free 20-minute call or a £250 fixed-fee consultation to map options and risks.

2. MIAM & mediation
   A Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting is usually required before court (exemptions apply).

3. Application (C100)
   If no agreement, we issue a Child Arrangements Order application and any urgent orders (e.g., Prohibited Steps).

4. Safeguarding & CAFCASS
   Background checks and a short initial report guide the first hearing.

5. FHDRA / directions
   Early hearing to explore settlement and set a timetable (assessments, statements, fact-finding if necessary).

6. Negotiation or final hearing
   Most cases settle by Consent Order; otherwise we advocate for a clear, workable order.

Relocation (internal & international)

Relocation needs careful planning. We prepare evidence around schooling, housing, support networks and contact proposals—whether you’re seeking permission to move or objecting. Urgency and practical alternatives are key to outcomes.

Fees & ways to start

• Fixed-fee initial consultation: £250 (incl. VAT) with a specialist solicitor

• Free 20-minute telephone call: triage and next steps

• Flexible pricing thereafter: fixed-fee stages where suitable or agreed hourly rates with clear estimates

Book a consultation · +44 (0)330 053 3342