Child Arrangement Orders
A child arrangements order sets out who your child lives with, and when they spend time with each parent. When parents can’t agree, the family court decides, and the process can feel overwhelming from the very first form.
I can take you from the very start of your case to the end, and everything in between. You decide how hands-on you’d like me to be.
How I help with child arrangements
- Talking through what’s happening in your family, and your options, before anything is filed
- Completing the C100, and the C1A if you have safety concerns
- Preparing for your MIAM, or checking whether an exemption applies
- Preparing for Cafcass and your first hearing (FHDRA)
- Reading the Section 7 report with you, breaking it down and helping you respond
- Position statements, witness statements, chronologies and court bundles
- Sitting beside you at hearings, including fact-finding and final hearings
The process, step by step
We talk it through
We start with what’s happening for you and your child, and what you’d like to happen. If you’ve already received court papers, we start there.
Mediation (MIAM)MIAMMediation Information and Assessment MeetingA meeting with a mediator to see whether mediation could work for you. Most people need one before applying to court, but there are exemptions, including where there is evidence of domestic abuse.
Most people must attend a meeting with a mediator before applying. There are exemptions, for example where there is evidence of domestic abuse. I can put you in touch with a mediator and talk through whether mediation is right for you.
Your applicationC100Form C100The application form for a child arrangements order (and some other orders about children). It tells the court who you are, who your child is and what you are asking for.
You apply on form C100, with form C1A if you’re worried about harm. I help you complete both clearly and accurately, so the court understands your situation from the start.
Cafcass checks and the first hearingFHDRAFirst Hearing Dispute Resolution AppointmentUsually the first hearing in a children case. The judge or magistrates look at the issues, check the safeguarding information from Cafcass and decide what happens next.
Cafcass carries out safeguarding checks before your first hearing. At the hearing, the court looks at the issues and decides what happens next. I’ll help you prepare, and sit beside you on the day.
ReportsSection 7Section 7 reportA welfare report the court can ask Cafcass or the local authority to write. It looks at your child's needs and wishes and often makes recommendations. You can respond if you disagree.
The court may ask Cafcass or the local authority for a welfare report. We read it together, and if you disagree with it, I help you respond in a statement.
Further hearingsDRADispute Resolution AppointmentA hearing later in the case, usually after reports are in, where the court tries to narrow the issues and see whether agreement is possible before a final hearing.
A Dispute Resolution Appointment tries to narrow the issues. If serious allegations need deciding, there may be a fact-finding hearing first.
The final hearing
If you can’t reach agreement, the court decides. I help you prepare your evidence and know what to expect, so you can give your best account of what your child needs.
Some areas are moving to a new “Child Focused Courts” model, which changes how cases run. It hasn’t reached London yet. If your case is heard under it, I’ll walk you through the differences.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to try mediation before applying?
Most cases require a MIAM first. There are exemptions, for example if you are a survivor of domestic abuse or there is domestic abuse in your case.
How long does a child arrangements case usually take?
Honestly, it depends on the case. Some resolve at an early hearing; complex cases, especially those involving allegations, take longer. The new Child Focused Courts model aims to speed things up.
What is a Section 7 report, and what if I disagree with it?
It’s a welfare report: Cafcass act as the eyes and ears of the court. If you disagree with it, I can help you understand it and challenge it properly, through a statement or at the hearing.
What if I’m worried about my child’s safety with the other parent?
We talk through your options. Your child’s safety always comes first. It is the court’s number one priority, and concerns can be raised from the start on form C1A.
I’ve already received court papers. Is it too late to get help?
No, it’s never too late. We start from where you are, whether that’s a first hearing next week or a final hearing in a few months.
Have a question that isn’t answered here?
Contact RebeccaReady to talk it through?
Tell me what’s happening and where you are in the process. I’ll explain how I can help, and what happens next.