Child Arrangements and Custody Solicitors in Telford and Shropshire

Secure the Best Arrangements for Your Children with Experienced Child Custody Lawyers at RJS Family Law

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When families face separation, protecting your children's wellbeing is paramount. What was once called child custody is now referred to as child arrangements, a shift that better reflects a focus on the child’s needs rather than parental ownership. At RJS Family Law, our specialist child arrangement order lawyers provide expert guidance on living arrangements, parental contact, and securing your parental rights. With over 22 years of experience in Family Law and a personal approach, we're here when you need us most.

What Are Child Arrangement Orders?

A Child Arrangement Order (CAO) is a legal court order that determines important decisions about your child's care after separation. Our child arrangement solicitors can help you understand and navigate this process, whether you're applying for an order or responding to one.

In England and Wales, there are several types of Child Arrangement Orders, including:

  • Where your child/children will live (residence arrangements)

  • When and how often a child/children will see each parent (contact order)

  • Other forms of contact including phone and video calls

  • Specific issues order like schooling, medical decisions, or travel arrangements

  • Prohibited steps order, such as preventing international travel without consent

Common Child Arrangement Issues

Each case is unique, but some of the most common child arrangement issues we handle include:

  • Children's Residence: Determining where the children will live, including shared parenting schedules and alternating living arrangements.

  • Parental Contact: Arranging visitation schedules with the non-resident parent, including supervised contact provisions when necessary and communication plans for staying in touch between visits.

  • Grandparents' Rights: Helping grandparents secure contact or special guardianship arrangements to maintain important family relationships.

  • Shared Parenting Plans: Creating detailed schedules that work for both parents, including term-time and holiday arrangements, and handover protocols.

  • Financial Considerations: Addressing child maintenance, shared expenses, and financial responsibilities within arrangement orders.

  • Parental Orders and Rights: Understanding and securing your legal rights as a parent or legal guardian.

  • Emergency Matters: Addressing urgent issues affecting your children's safety and well-being, including prohibited steps orders and specific issue orders.

RJS Family Law has extensive experience with child contact issues, including those involving international relocation. Whether within the UK or overseas, we help ensure your children maintain meaningful contact with both parents.

Relocation Issues

Our team can assist with:

  • Ex-Partner Stopping Contact: Addressing situations where your ex-partner prevents you from seeing your children.

  • Dictating Contact Schedules: Resolving disputes over visitation times.

  • Unknown Child Locations: Finding and securing the return of children taken without consent.

  • Threats of Relocation: Preventing the removal of children across the country or abroad without agreement.

  • Relocating Abroad: Helping you relocate with your children despite an ex-partner's refusal to consent.

How RJS Family Law Can Help

When parents separate, making decisions about children can be emotionally difficult. It's often hard to have calm, productive conversations during such a challenging time.

At RJS Family Law, we understand these challenges and encourage parents to explore non-court options first whenever possible. However, we also recognise that sometimes, despite best efforts, parents cannot reach an agreement. If all other options have been tried and failed, applying to court may become necessary, and we can support you through that process.

At RJS Family Law, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal support for child arrangements.

Our experienced child custody solicitors offer:

  • Confidential Consultations: Discuss your situation in a safe and confidential environment.

  • Tailored Legal Advice: Receive expert guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.

  • Court Representation: Strong advocacy and support if court proceedings become unavoidable.

  • 24/7 Availability: Our team is available around the clock to provide urgent legal assistance.

Why Choose RJS Family Law?

At RJS Family Law, we understand how emotionally challenging it can be to navigate child custody arrangements after separation. Our experienced child custody and child arrangement solicitors provide compassionate, expert guidance to help you move forward with confidence during this difficult time.

Whether you need assistance with applying for a Child Arrangement Order, safeguarding concerns, or resolving contact disagreements, we'll guide you through every option available and explain what outcomes are realistic for your situation.

What sets our child custody lawyers apart is our commitment to providing exceptional service that puts your family first. Here's how we ensure the best possible experience and outcomes for you:

● Child Custody Specialists: With focused expertise in child custody cases, RJS Family Law ensures the best arrangements for your children.

● Personal Approach: You will deal with the same faces throughout your matter. Our team is friendly, approachable, and available to answer any questions at any time.

● Comprehensive Service: From initial advice through final agreement completion, we handle every aspect of your separation legal needs.

● Free Initial Consultation: Meet the RJS team and discuss your issues without spending a penny.

● Accessible Location: Easily find our office without the hassle of city centre traffic, and enjoy free parking.

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Case Study

  • “Rachel at RJS has been nothing but helpful in helping me gain a prenup prior to my marriage. She's explained everything in great detail, been honest about my options and dome everything in a timely manner. Can't thank her enough, highly recommend.”

    Leah

  • “Rachel is absolutely brilliant. She has given me the best advice during the last 9 months dealing with the Financial Remedy in conjunction with my divorce. Not only has she had to have the patience of a saint to deal with me, she has been so professional and diligent dealing with the other side who have been a nightmare throughout the whole process.

    I would have no problem in recommending Rachel if you need a solicitor to deal with a marriage break up and/or financial settlement. She is first class and full value for the money.”

    Ian

  • “Rachel helped reduce the stress of a very difficult and complex divorce whilst keeping the costs to a minimum. Always helpful and understood the complexities of a controlling relationship.”

    Julia

For more detailed information or to start your process, contact us today.

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FAQs

  • A Child Arrangement Order is the legal document that replaces old "custody" and "contact" orders. It sets out where a child will live and how much time they spend with each parent. In some cases, you may also need a Prohibited Steps Order to prevent specific actions like taking a child abroad without consent.

  • Child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child. Factors considered include the child’s physical and emotional needs, the ability of each parent to meet those needs, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse or neglect. The court aims to ensure that children have a stable and supportive environment.

  • Orders typically last until the child turns 16, though they can be extended in exceptional circumstances.

  • Yes, you can apply to the court to change an existing child arrangement order if there has been a significant change in circumstances. This might include changes in living arrangements, work schedules, or the child’s needs. Our solicitors at RJS Family Law can help you understand the process and represent you in court to seek a modification.

  • If your ex-partner breaches the child arrangement order, you can apply to the court for enforcement. The court has several options, including issuing a warning, varying the order, or imposing penalties such as fines or community service. At RJS Family Law, we can help you take the necessary legal steps to ensure the order is enforced and your parental rights are upheld.

  • Timescales vary depending on complexity. Simple cases where parents broadly agree may take 3-4 months. Complex cases involving disputes, safeguarding concerns, or multiple hearings can take 6 months or longer. CAFCASS involvement or expert reports can extend timescales further.

  • No, most parents reach agreements without court involvement. You can arrange matters through informal discussion, written parenting plans, or mediation. However, only court orders are legally enforceable. If agreements break down repeatedly, a Child Arrangement Order provides legal certainty.

  • Yes, but grandparents don't have automatic rights like parents. They must first apply for permission from the court to request contact. If granted, the court then decides if contact serves the child's best interests. We regularly advise grandparents on securing meaningful relationships with their grandchildren.

  • Fathers in England and Wales have the same legal rights as mothers, with the law focusing on the child’s best interests rather than either parent’s gender. If a father has parental responsibility, either by named on the birth certificate or being married to the mother, he can take part in key decisions about the child’s upbringing. Where parents can’t agree on arrangements, mediation can help find a solution, or the court may issue a Child Arrangements Order.