Fitz Solicitors offers expert legal advice and support for clients who need a child arrangement order (CAO) in Maidenhead.
What is a Child Arrangement Order?
A child arrangement order is a legal directive issued by a family court. It outlines where a child will live, who they can spend time with, and how much time they are to spend with each person.
This type of order has replaced the previous 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 in Maidenhead
You can apply for a child arrangement order online or seek assistance from a solicitor. It’s advisable to get legal guidance to fully understand your options before starting the application process.
In most cases, you’ll need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) beforehand. The purpose of an MIAM is to explore whether an agreement on child care arrangements can be reached without going to court.
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 in Maidenhead can help ensure an arrangement that prioritises the well-being of the child.