How can our child arrangement order solicitors in Burnley help you?
A child arrangement order is a legal court order that establishes practical arrangements for children in the event of a separation. Known in the past as ‘residence’ and ‘contact’ orders, this new framework was introduced in 2014 and was specifically designed to encourage a more child-focused approach. The aim of a child arrangement order is to establish a clear, workable system that promotes stability, protects relationships, and, most importantly, supports the child’s best interests. Having this order in place can help to prevent misunderstandings and reduce conflict between parents during this sensitive time.
Our team of family law experts can assist with a range of matters related to child arrangement orders, including:
- Determining living arrangements – helping to decide where your child will live, with careful consideration given to factors such as school location, childcare needs, and preserving familiar routines.
- Planning contact schedules – creating practical arrangements for weekdays, weekends, school holidays, and special occasions such as birthdays and term breaks, ensuring consistency and stability for your child.
- Supporting communication – structuring contact with the non-resident parent based on your specific circumstances. This can include both direct and indirect methods of contact.
- Facilitating contact with extended family – where appropriate, helping to maintain relationships with grandparents, siblings, or other family members, balancing the child’s interests and safety at all times.
- Organising supervised or neutral handovers – arranging handovers at neutral locations or with supervision from professionals or family members to reduce stress and ensure safe transitions.
Additional legal protections
Where there are concerns about a child’s safety or well-being, it may be necessary to put further arrangements in place. If this is the case, our team are perfectly placed to guide families through options that safeguard their children while providing clear guidance on parental responsibilities, including:
- Prohibited Steps Orders (PSO) – preventing a parent from making decisions without the other party’s consent, such as relocating a child, changing their name or preventing contact with a specific individual.
- Specific Issue Orders (SIO) – providing a legal pathway to settle disputes over key decisions affecting a child’s day-to-day life, including education, medical treatment, and religious matters.
Our solicitors will carefully assess your unique circumstances, taking into account the needs of your child and the practicalities of your situation. Based on this, we recommend the most appropriate approach for your case, ensuring that any additional legal measures are tailored to protect your child’s welfare and support a fair and workable arrangement.
Mediation and court proceedings
We usually recommend trying mediation, unless there’s a safety concern or another reason it wouldn’t be appropriate. Mediation gives both parents/caregivers the opportunity to sit down together in a neutral setting with a trained mediator who guides the conversation. The mediator doesn’t take sides; they’re there to keep discussions calm, focused and productive, so you can see whether an agreement can be reached without going to court.
At Farleys, we’re always keen to try this approach first, as it can often make the process quicker and less stressful, helping parents reach mutually agreed resolutions with minimal conflict. However, we also recognise that mediation isn’t appropriate in all situations. Where there are safeguarding concerns or a reluctance to participate, court proceedings may be unavoidable. In these circumstances, our child arrangement order solicitors in Burnley will provide expert guidance and representation from start to finish, preparing applications, gathering supporting evidence, and advocating for you and your child during any hearings.
Why choose us for your child arrangement order?
Over the years, we’ve helped countless clients, and we’re proud to have built a reputation for providing precise, client-focused legal support in every case. We understand that this time can be complex and confusing, and we’re here to make sure you always understand what we’re doing and why, communicating openly and avoiding unnecessary legal jargon.
At Farleys, we’re proud members of Resolution, which means we’re committed to managing disputes calmly and constructively wherever possible to reduce conflict, protect family relationships, and achieve solutions that are sustainable over the long term. We’ve also been recognised by both The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, reflecting our dedication to professional excellence and sensitive, practical support.
