Child Law Solicitors
Putting arrangements for children in place that are in the best interests of your family
For couples going through a divorce or separation, one of the main sources of anxiety often relates to children. You will need to put new arrangements in place so that they split their time between both parents.
Orders made under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989, are decisions made by the court to help provide stability, clarity, and reassurance about a child’s day‑to‑day life when parents cannot reach an agreement themselves. The focus is always on what is in the best interests of the child.
Our child law advice and services include the following:
- Advising you on your options for child arrangements
- Negotiating child arrangements with their other parent’s solicitor
- Advising and supporting you through the mediation process in the event of contact disputes
- Agreeing on child arrangements and having the agreement sealed by the court into a binding child arrangements order
- Representing you in the event that a court hearing is required
- Advice and representation in respect of disputes or where a court order is breached
- Specific issue orders to resolve disagreements over particular matters
- Prohibited steps orders to prevent a parent from taking certain actions
We understand that your financial situation may be uncertain at this time, and to help with the costs, we offer fixed fee packages and payment plans to suit your circumstances.
What Orders Can Be Made
The court can make several types of Section 8 Orders depending on your family’s needs, including:
- Child Arrangements Orders — These set out where a child will live and how much time they will spend with each parent. They can also cover practical details such as handover arrangements, holiday schedules, and communication.
- Specific Issue Orders — Used when parents disagree about a particular aspect of a child’s upbringing, such as schooling, medical treatment, or religious matters. The court decides the issue based on what best supports the child’s welfare.
- Prohibited Steps Orders — These prevent a parent from taking a particular action without the court’s permission, such as moving a child to a different area or taking them abroad.
How Bell Lamb & Joynson Can Help
We understand how emotionally charged children matters can be. Our family law team offers clear, practical advice to help you understand your rights and the options available. Whether you’re trying to agree arrangements, responding to an application, or seeking an order yourself, we’ll guide you through the process with empathy, honesty, and a focus on achieving the best outcome for your child.
Child Law FAQ's
Not always. Many parents agree arrangements informally. However, if you want a legally binding arrangement or if communication has broken down, a Child Arrangements Order from the court may be necessary.
A Child Arrangements Order can set out:
- Where the child lives
- When and how they spend time with each parent
- Indirect contact (calls, video chats, messages)
- Holiday arrangements
- Handovers and practical details
No. Court is a last resort. Most families resolve arrangements through:
- Mediation
- Solicitor‑led negotiation
- Parenting plans
- Collaborative law
- Arbitration
If an agreement is reached, it can be formalised without attending a hearing.
The court’s priority is the child’s welfare. It uses the welfare checklist in the Children Act 1989, considering:
- The child’s needs
- Their wishes and feelings (depending on age and maturity)
- Any risk of harm
- Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs
- The impact of any changes to their routine
No. The law does not favour one parent over the other. Decisions are based solely on what is best for the child.
A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is usually required before applying to court. It helps determine whether mediation could resolve the issues without litigation.
If discussions or mediation fail, you can apply to the court. The court can make decisions even if one parent refuses to engage.
A child’s wishes are considered, especially as they get older, but they are not the only factor. The court balances their views with their welfare and needs.
CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) advises the court on what arrangements are in the child’s best interests. They may:
- Speak with both parents
- Speak with the child
- Carry out safeguarding checks
- Prepare a report with recommendations
The court takes safeguarding extremely seriously. It may order fact‑finding hearings, supervised contact, or protective measures to ensure the child’s safety.
Yes. Grandparents and other family members can apply for permission to seek a Child Arrangements Order if it is in the child’s best interests.
If court proceedings are needed, cases typically take 6–12 months, depending on complexity and court availability. Agreements reached outside court are usually much quicker.
Yes. Arrangements can be varied by agreement at any time. If the order is court‑made, you can apply to vary it if circumstances change.
Relocation disputes, whether within the UK or abroad, often require a Specific Issue or Prohibited Steps Order. The court will consider:
- The impact on the child
- The practicality of maintaining relationships
- The reasons for the move
If a parent does not comply, the court can:
- Enforce the order
- Impose activity requirements
- Vary the order
- In serious cases, consider fines or community‑based penalties
The focus remains on the child’s welfare.
Get in Touch
Get in touch with our child law solicitors in Liverpool City Centre, Liverpool North, Runcorn, Warrington, Maghull & Ashton-in-Makerfield.
For an informal chat about how we can help you, contact us in one of the following ways:
Call 03444 124348 | Ask us a Question
We’re happy to speak to you by phone, email or via video call on Microsoft Teams.
Or if you prefer, please feel free to come into one of our offices in Liverpool City Centre, Liverpool North, Maghull, Runcorn, Warrington and Ashton-in-Makerfield, where we will be happy to assist you further.