When parents go through separation or divorce, agreeing arrangements for children is often one of the most important and emotionally challenging issues to resolve. Decisions about where children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, schooling, holidays and other important matters can quickly become a source of disagreement.
Our specialist child arrangement solicitors in Kent support individuals and families across Kent from our offices in Canterbury, Maidstone, Ramsgate and Tenterden. We also have an office in Canary Wharf, London, providing trusted legal advice to help you achieve the best outcome for your children.
We advise parents on all aspects of children law, helping them reach practical solutions that prioritise their children’s welfare while protecting their legal position. Whether you need advice about child arrangements, parental responsibility, relocation, or family court proceedings, our experienced children lawyers can help.
Please note that we do not offer a Legal Aid service.
But what if you are unable to agree?
Our specialist child arrangement solicitors are experienced in helping clients to reach agreement about the arrangements for their children, talking them through their legal position and options, and combining a sympathetic ear with pragmatic advice, helping to avoid child contact disputes.
We encourage parents to consider their children’s own wishes and feelings (particularly where the children are older), and to develop a clear parenting plan, covering living arrangements, time spent with each parent, holidays, and special occasions, and emergencies or unforeseen circumstances; which can be kept, referred to and adjusted as the children grow.
Where necessary, we will help you to formalise co-parenting arrangements through court orders to ensure clarity and enforceability.
Every family situation is different. Our family and child solicitors provide practical legal advice and representation across a wide range of children law matters, including:
Where possible, we help parents reach agreement outside of court. Where this is not possible, we provide robust representation throughout family court proceedings.
Members of our Family Law team provide support from all our offices across Kent. We also have specialist children solicitors in Kent providing additional expertise in particularly complex cases.
These challenging circumstances may involve children with particular challenges and parents demonstrating extremes of behaviour, mental illness or narcissism.
We have a network of effective, trusted practitioners who we trust to have sensible conversations, provide sensitive and robust representation in court when needed, and expert reports on illness, potential for harm and ability to support children in their care.
Our team’s experience enables them to give you an assessment of the likely costs and outcome of any course of action.
When couples separate, they must decide on arrangements for their children, including where the children will live, how often they will see both parents, and other essential matters. UK law emphasises that the child’s welfare is the court’s paramount consideration, guided by the Children Act 1989 and 2004.
Parents are encouraged to agree on arrangements voluntarily, which fosters cooperation and benefits the child’s well-being.
If disagreements arise, our range of non-court dispute resolutions for families can facilitate discussions and help craft workable solutions.
If an amicable resolution isn’t possible, we will support you through the court or arbitration process to secure a Child Arrangements Order.
A Child Arrangements Order specifies where your child lives (previously called a ‘residence order’) and the time they spend with each parent (previously called a ‘contact order’). Courts prioritise stability and your child’s best interests, considering factors such as your child’s age, emotional needs, and the capacity of each parent to meet those needs.
One of the most sensitive issues in child arrangements is removal or relocation with a child, especially when a parent wishes to move to a different area, possibly abroad. These situations can significantly impact a child’s relationship with the non-residential parent and require careful legal consideration.
In the UK, if one parent wishes to relocate with their child, they generally need the consent of the other parent or a court order. Without agreement, the parent seeking to move must apply to the court for permission, demonstrating that the move is in their child’s best interests.
The court considers several factors, including:
Our family lawyers are experienced at helping parents resolve relocation disagreements. Whether you are a parent wishing to relocate with your child, or a parent challenging a request to relocate, it is usually in the child’s best interest for us to encourage open communication with the other parent where possible, to help reach an early agreement.
Where needed we will also help you through our Family Mediation service and other non-court dispute resolution options.
While many parents are able to reach agreement regarding their children without court involvement, there are situations where a family court application becomes necessary. Our child arrangement solicitors advise parents on a wide range of children law matters and provide clear guidance throughout the process.
Applications may include a Child Arrangements Order, a Specific Issue Order where parents disagree about an important decision affecting a child, or a Prohibited Steps Order to prevent certain actions being taken without consent. As a specialist child law solicitor, we can explain the likely process, timescales and outcomes, helping you understand both the court’s approach and the legal rights of parents while keeping your child’s welfare at the centre of every decision.
A Specific Issue Order allows the court to make a decision about a particular aspect of a child's upbringing, such as education, medical treatment, religious upbringing or relocating to a different area.
A Prohibited Steps Order prevents a parent or another individual with parental responsibility from taking certain actions relating to a child without the court's permission. This may include changing a child's school or removing them from the country.
A Section 7 Family Court report is usually prepared by Cafcass or the local authority when the court requires further information about a child's circumstances. The report helps the court determine what arrangements are in the child's best interests.
Parents with parental responsibility generally have the right to be involved in important decisions affecting their child. If disagreements arise, legal advice can help clarify responsibilities and identify the most appropriate way forward.
If you need advice regarding child arrangements, parental responsibility, relocation, or a family court application, our experienced team is here to help. We provide practical, supportive guidance tailored to your circumstances and focused on achieving the best outcome for your child. Contact our child arrangement solicitors today to discuss your situation in confidence.
