Divorce or separation is never easy, and one of the most difficult aspects is deciding on the right arrangements for your children. You may well need to resolve questions about where your children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and what kind of contact should take place, and all these can quickly become emotionally charged. It’s one of the many reasons why these decisions, though important, can also be some of the hardest to resolve.
At Fisher Jones Greenwood, our child arrangement order solicitors in Colchester understand how sensitive and complex these cases can be, so you can trust us to provide clear, practical advice that prioritises your child’s wellbeing. We’ve been supporting families in Colchester and across Essex for over 40 years, combining extensive local insight with in-depth legal expertise. Whether you’re working through negotiations, attending mediation, or making an application to the Family Court, you can rely on us to be with you from start to finish, helping you work towards arrangements that give your child stability and security.
A Child Arrangements Order is a legal decision made by the Family Court that sets out where a child lives, when and how they spend time with each parent, and what type of contact should take place. This can include in-person visits, telephone calls, or video calls. (These orders replaced the older residence and contact orders under the Children and Families Act 2014).
While some families are able to make informal agreements, these are typically not legally binding. A Child Arrangements Order provides certainty and ensures that the arrangements can be enforced if necessary. If parents cannot reach an agreement between themselves, one or both can apply to the court. The court will then make arrangements that place the child’s welfare first. Orders can also cover additional matters such as education, health decisions, or religious upbringing. In some cases, the court may also issue connected orders, such as Prohibited Steps Orders or Specific Issue Orders, to deal with particular disputes.
When making a decision, the court applies what’s known as the welfare checklist under the Children Act 1989. This means judges consider:
CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) plays a key role in this process, preparing safeguarding assessments and reports to help the court reach a decision that supports the child’s welfare.
Most applications are made by parents, but others may also apply if they have a significant role in a child’s life. This includes guardians, special guardians, step-parents, or anyone with parental responsibility. A spouse or civil partner of a parent may apply, as can someone who has lived with the child for three years or more. In certain situations, grandparents or extended family members may also apply, although they may need the court’s permission before proceeding.
In most cases, the process begins with mediation. This gives both parents the opportunity to reach an agreement with the support of an independent mediator. Before applying to the court, it’s often compulsory to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). Our solicitors in Colchester can help arrange this and guide you through each step.
There are exceptions where mediation is not required, such as cases involving domestic abuse or urgent concerns for a child’s welfare. If mediation isn’t possible or doesn’t resolve matters, we’ll help you apply to the Family Court. The court will list a first hearing, which both parents attend, and CAFCASS will provide a safeguarding report. Sometimes an agreement can be finalised at this early stage. If not, the court may direct further mediation, order a detailed report, or list a final hearing where a judge will make the decision.
Once an order is granted, it will set out the arrangements clearly. It usually lasts until the child turns 16, though in some cases it can run until 18. Orders can be varied if circumstances change, either by agreement, or through a further court application.
The time involved varies depending on the complexity of the case, the level of agreement between the parties, and the court’s timetable. Straightforward cases can sometimes be resolved within a few months if an agreement is reached relatively quickly. On the other hand, disputes that involve safeguarding concerns, allegations of harm, or disagreements about education or relocation may take a year or more.
Urgent cases involving risk to a child can be expedited, with the court acting quickly to ensure their safety. The court will always prioritise a child’s welfare, which may mean taking additional time to ensure that any final arrangements are safe, appropriate, and in the best interests of the child.
At Fisher Jones Greenwood, we’ve been supporting families in Colchester and across Essex for over 40 years. Now operating as part of the Lawfront Group, our child custody lawyers in Colchester draw on a wealth of in-depth expertise with family law to provide full support with every aspect of child arrangements.
We can assist with negotiation and mediation, prepare and present applications to the Family Court, and advise on enforcement or variation of orders when circumstances change. We also help grandparents and other family members secure contact, and act quickly in emergency cases where a child’s safety may be at risk. Our family law team includes solicitors with specialist expertise and professional accreditations, recognised for their skills in resolving complex and sensitive cases.
You can visit our child custody lawyers at:
The building includes accessible meeting rooms, lift access to all levels, and dedicated disabled toilet facilities. The reception area is spacious and welcoming, with staff on hand to assist with any specific access requirements.
You can find free parking in the onsite car park, located directly outside the building. Our office can be easily reached via the A12 or from Colchester town centre.
If you need legal support with a child arrangement order in Colchester, you’re in exactly the right place. There are a variety of ways to contact us – you can get in touch by:
Whatever the nature of your case, we’ll take the time to understand your situation, explain your options clearly, and give you the expert legal support you need to achieve arrangements that work for you and your child.
Request a document we are
storing for you
Make a payment to us quickly,
easily and securely
