Child Arrangements Solicitors
Let our experienced child arrangements solicitors provide you with specialist advice on custody, access and maintenance during your divorce or separation.
Putting your child’s needs first with expert family law advice.
Our most important considerations are always your child and that any arrangements made for you are as smooth as possible.
Child arrangements cover where your child will live, who they will spend time with and how important decisions are made. These decisions can include their education, health, relocation and welfare.
It’s crucial to ensure that these arrangements are in your child’s best interests.
How can we help?
At Thomas Mansfield Family Law, we will listen to your concerns, explain the options clearly and support you every step of the way. We offer clear, practical advice tailored to your family’s unique situation.
Whether you are looking to come to an agreement or need guidance through a more complex dispute, our team is here for you.
We have years of experience in family law and our team includes highly trained mediators and collaborative lawyers, skilled in helping parents resolve disputes without court.
We offer both flexible remote consultations and face-to-face meetings at our conveniently located offices across London and the South East, ensuring we’re here when you need us.
When child arrangements cannot be agreed.
Resolving disputes amicably
We understand that not all parents can agree on child arrangements. If communication breaks down, we are here to guide you through the options to include out of court options.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, it may not be possible to agree on child arrangements and you may need to apply for a child arrangements order through the family court.
When should you apply for a child arrangements order?
You should consider applying for a child arrangements order if you and the other parent cannot reach an agreement about where your child should live or how much time they should spend with each parent.
Before applying for a court order, you will usually need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to see if mediation could help resolve the issue without court involvement.
How the court decides
When the court considers a child arrangements order, the primary concern is always your child’s welfare. The court will take into account:
- Your child’s wishes and feelings (depending on their age and understanding).
- Their physical, emotional, and educational needs.
- The effect any change in circumstances might have on them.
- Any risk of harm, including emotional or physical harm.
- The capability of each parent to meet your child’s needs.
Our family law solicitors will help you present your case clearly, ensuring that the court understands what is best for your child.
Expert legal advice to keep you in your grandchild’s life
As a grandparent, your relationship with your grandchildren is precious. When family relationships break down, it’s natural to worry about losing contact or you may be in a situation where your grandchild must live with you.
If you are facing this difficult situation, you may be wondering what rights you have.
At Thomas Mansfield Family Law, we understand how important this bond is to you. That’s why we’re here to guide you through your options and support you every step of the way.
Do grandparents have legal rights in England?
Our team can apply to the court for permission to allow you to make an application for a child arrangements order. The courts understand the value of grandparents in a child’s life, and we are here to ensure your voice is heard.
Our team is highly experienced in navigating the legal system to help grandparents maintain contact. We will provide expert advice and support throughout the process, making sure you feel informed and confident about your next steps.
Resolve your child relocation issues with expert legal advice.
Relocating with a child can be a challenging process for both parents for both domestic and international relocations.
Relocation can happen for various reasons. A parent may be seeking new career or lifestyle opportunities, moving closer to family or following a new partner. Each situation is unique.
Whether you’re relocating within the UK or abroad, careful consideration and understanding of the legal steps are essential. Even temporary relocations, such as an extended holiday, may require legal permission, particularly if the move affects your child’s routine or the other parent’s relationship with your child.
At Thomas Mansfield Family Law, we guide you through this sensitive process, helping you make informed decisions while keeping your child’s best interests at the heart of everything. Our experienced child relocation lawyers provide clear advice and support, ensuring you avoid potential pitfalls and make the right choices for your family.
Call us on 020 3993 2668 or
Meet our family partners
Taking the next step.
Our experienced family law solicitors will work closely with you to ensure the best outcome for your child. We’ll guide you through the process, offering practical advice and support every step of the way.
Frequently asked questions
How can parents communicate effectively during a divorce for the benefit of their children?
Effective communication during a divorce is vital. Keeping discussions respectful and focused on the child’s needs helps ensure their wellbeing. It can be helpful to use co-parenting tools or apps to keep communication organised and reduce conflict.If communication becomes difficult, mediation can provide a neutral space to help both parents find common ground and manage challenging conversations more productively.
What factors influence child maintenance calculations?
Child maintenance is typically calculated based on the paying parent’s income, the number of children involved, and the amount of time the children spend with each parent.The Child Maintenance Service uses a set formula to determine payments, factoring in things like income after taxes, pension contributions and any additional dependents. Other considerations may include special needs or extra costs associated with the child's care.
What legal steps are involved in the surrogacy process?
Surrogacy involves several legal steps and establishing parental rights through a parental order. The legal process ensures the intended parents have full parental responsibility and rights for the child. International surrogacy can involve more complex legal steps due to differing laws in other countries.It's important to seek specialist legal advice to navigate the complexities and ensure all legal steps are properly followed.
Do grandparents have legal rights to see their grandchildren?
Grandparents do not have an automatic legal right to see their grandchildren. However, we can apply to the court for permission. The court will assess whether contact is in the child’s best interests, considering the child’s welfare and the importance of family bonds and maintaining family connections.
What challenges should I expect with international child custody matters?
International child custody (now known as child arrangement) cases can be complex due to differing legal systems and cultural practices in different countries. Challenges may include deciding which country’s courts should have jurisdiction and navigating international laws like the Hague Convention on child abduction.Relocation disputes or abduction concerns can further complicate matters. It is important to seek specialised legal advice to help navigate these complexities and ensure the best outcome for both you and your child.
What should I consider if I plan to relocate with my child?
If you plan to relocate with your child, you need permission from the other parent or, if that’s not possible, from the court. Consider how the move will affect the child's relationship with both parents, their schooling, and their wider support network, such as friends and extended family.Courts will always prioritise the child’s best interests, and any move must ensure that the child's emotional, educational, and social needs continue to be met.
How are child arrangements determined?
Child arrangements (also referred to as child custody) are based on the child's best interests. Courts consider factors such as the child’s needs, wishes and feelings and the parents’ abilities to meet those needs.Before court involvement, out of court dispute resolution such as mediation or negotiation between parents is encouraged to reach an amicable solution, helping to avoid the stress and cost of lengthy legal proceedings.
Contact us
Arrange a confidential chat with one of our expert family law solicitors today.
Please note we cannot offer legal aid.