At Hale Family law we have a wealth of experience in child arrangements, we understand the priority of parents is to ensure that children are protected during separation, divorce and disputes. Also, our team are members of Resolution, a community of family justice professionals committed to resolving legal issues in a constructive way. Why not call, email or click below for a free consultation
We understand that parents want reassurance, clarity, and practical advice. Our role is to guide you through the legal process with sensitivity, while keeping the focus firmly on your child’s wellbeing.
Where agreement can be reached, we help parents do so constructively. Where it cannot, we provide clear, supportive representation to ensure your child’s interests are properly protected.
Child arrangements deal with the practical, day-to-day arrangements for a child after separation. These are often the issues parents are most concerned about. Child arrangements include:
Living arrangements
Time spent with each parent
School routines, holidays, and special occasions
Communication and indirect contact
Many parents are able to reach agreement without court involvement. Where this is not possible, the court can make a Child Arrangements Order to provide clarity and reassurance for everyone involved, particularly the child.
The aim is always to give children a sense of security and predictability, helping them adjust to family changes as smoothly as possible.
The grounds for divorce before April 2022 used to be unreasonable behaviour, 2-years separation with consent, 5-years separation, adultery and desertion. Since April 2022, the only ground for divorce is ‘irretrievable breakdown’. This is done by simply ticking a box within the divorce application. No narrative or statement needs to be made. It’s important to consult with a solicitor to understand the specific grounds applicable.
Property division during divorce typically follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning assets are divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Factors considered include the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial contribution, and future needs. Importantly, the court will first consider the welfare of any children of the marriage.
No. A divorce does not end all financial ties between spouses. You will remain financially ‘connected’ until a Court order dismisses all claims. This is done by submitting a financial clean break order to the Court whether in proceedings or agreed between you both at mediation etc.
Spousal support, depends on factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial situation, and the standard of living during the marriage. It aims to ensure that neither spouse faces financial hardship post-divorce. However, it is important to keep in mind that even if there is a need for support, it will all depend upon the payers ability to pay. You may be able to get interim-spousal maintenance depending upon your financial situation and the payers ability to pay.
Legal fees can vary widely based on the complexity of the case, the solicitor’s rates, and the length of proceedings. Some solicitors may offer a flat fee for uncomplicated cases or hourly rates for more involved situations.We charge fixed fees in all divorce matters. My fees for a divorce are £1,000 + VAT. There is a Court fee of £593 which is payable to His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
A Child Arrangements Order is a court order that sets out where a child will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and when that time will take place. It replaces the old concepts of “residence” and “contact” and focuses on practical arrangements for a child’s day-to-day care.
You may need a Child Arrangements Order if you and the other parent cannot agree arrangements for your child after separation. The court expects parents to try to resolve matters through discussion or mediation first, but an application can be made where agreement is not possible or where there are safeguarding concerns.
The court’s paramount consideration is the child’s welfare. It applies the statutory welfare checklist, which includes the child’s needs, the capability of each parent to meet those needs, the likely effect of any change in circumstances, and, where appropriate, the child’s wishes and feelings.
Yes. A Child Arrangements Order can provide for shared care where this is in the child’s best interests. Shared care does not require equal time and will depend on practical factors such as schooling, work patterns, distance between homes, and the ability of parents to cooperate.
You are not legally required to use a solicitor, but specialist legal advice can be invaluable. A solicitor can advise on your prospects, prepare the application and evidence properly, and represent you in negotiations or court, helping to keep the focus on the child’s welfare and avoid unnecessary conflict.
The grounds for divorce before April 2022 used to be unreasonable behaviour, 2-years separation with consent, 5-years separation, adultery and desertion. Since April 2022, the only ground for divorce is ‘irretrievable breakdown’. This is done by simply ticking a box within the divorce application. No narrative or statement needs to be made. It’s important to consult with a solicitor to understand the specific grounds applicable.
Property division during divorce typically follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning assets are divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Factors considered include the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial contribution, and future needs. Importantly, the court will first consider the welfare of any children of the marriage.
No. A divorce does not end all financial ties between spouses. You will remain financially ‘connected’ until a Court order dismisses all claims. This is done by submitting a financial clean break order to the Court whether in proceedings or agreed between you both at mediation etc.
Spousal support, depends on factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial situation, and the standard of living during the marriage. It aims to ensure that neither spouse faces financial hardship post-divorce. However, it is important to keep in mind that even if there is a need for support, it will all depend upon the payers ability to pay. You may be able to get interim-spousal maintenance depending upon your financial situation and the payers ability to pay.
Legal fees can vary widely based on the complexity of the case, the solicitor’s rates, and the length of proceedings. Some solicitors may offer a flat fee for uncomplicated cases or hourly rates for more involved situations.We charge fixed fees in all divorce matters. My fees for a divorce are £1,000 + VAT. There is a Court fee of £593 which is payable to His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
A Child Arrangements Order is a court order that sets out where a child will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and when that time will take place. It replaces the old concepts of “residence” and “contact” and focuses on practical arrangements for a child’s day-to-day care.
You may need a Child Arrangements Order if you and the other parent cannot agree arrangements for your child after separation. The court expects parents to try to resolve matters through discussion or mediation first, but an application can be made where agreement is not possible or where there are safeguarding concerns.
The court’s paramount consideration is the child’s welfare. It applies the statutory welfare checklist, which includes the child’s needs, the capability of each parent to meet those needs, the likely effect of any change in circumstances, and, where appropriate, the child’s wishes and feelings.
Yes. A Child Arrangements Order can provide for shared care where this is in the child’s best interests. Shared care does not require equal time and will depend on practical factors such as schooling, work patterns, distance between homes, and the ability of parents to cooperate.
You are not legally required to use a solicitor, but specialist legal advice can be invaluable. A solicitor can advise on your prospects, prepare the application and evidence properly, and represent you in negotiations or court, helping to keep the focus on the child’s welfare and avoid unnecessary conflict.
