Child Arrangement Orders

Fitz Solicitors can provide expert legal guidance and support with child arrangement orders (CAO).

What is a Child Arrangement Order?

 

A child arrangement order is a legal order made by a family court. It details where a child will live, who they can spend time with, and what amount of time they can spend with that person/those people.

The child arrangement order has replaced contact and residence orders.

Who Applies for A Child Arrangement Order?

 

Several people can apply for child arrangement orders, including:

  • A child’s grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother or sister, half-sibling, or step-parent, as long as the child has lived with them for longer than a year.
  • A child’s appointed guardian, following the death of a parent.
  • A foster carer, again, so long as the child has lived with them for more than three years.

Other people can apply for a child arrangement order if they have consent from:

  • Anyone and everyone else who has parental responsibility.
  • Children’s services, if the child is in the care system.

Restrictions for applying:

  • Applicants must be over 18.
  • A CAO can not usually be arranged for a child over 16.

Applying for a CAO

 

Applications can be made online, or you can get help from a solicitor. Legal advice is preferable, as you need to understand all of your options before you apply for a CAO.

Before you can apply, you might be asked to attend an MIAM. An MIAM is a mediation, information and assessment meeting. Attending this meeting aims to help everyone agree on the care arrangements before an application for a CAO is made.

How We Help 

 

A CAO is an essential, legal step for establishing clear arrangements for a child, post-separation or divorce. The process can be daunting, and understanding each step is important. Our professional solicitors can help ensure an arrangement that prioritises the well-being of the child.

Let us call you back

If you require legal assistance and would like someone to call you to discuss the issue, complete your information in the online enquiry form here and one of our solicitors will be in touch with you to tell you how we can help.

Alternatively you can contact us on 01753 592 000

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