At Fisher Jones Greenwood Solicitors, we understand that navigating child arrangements (often referred to as child custody) matters can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. Our experienced family law solicitors specialise in Child Arrangements, providing compassionate and professional guidance to help you establish the best possible arrangements for your children.
With offices conveniently located in Billericay, Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester, Sudbury, and London, we are well-positioned to serve clients across Essex and beyond.
For advice, you can get in touch with us via our online enquiry form or give us a call on 0845 543 5700, and a member of our team would be happy to help.
Child arrangements (formerly known as child custody, residence, and contact) set out how children will be cared for following the breakdown of a relationship. These arrangements are designed to provide clarity and stability for your child, outlining where they will live, how they will divide their time, and how key decisions about their welfare will be made.
The focus of any child arrangement is always the child’s best interests. Our role is to help you reach an agreement that supports your child’s emotional well-being and maintains positive, consistent relationships with both parents wherever possible. Child arrangements typically cover:
We understand that these discussions can be emotionally challenging. Our solicitors provide calm, child-focused advice to help you make practical and balanced decisions. Wherever possible, we encourage cooperative solutions that minimise conflict and put your child’s well-being at the centre of every decision.
Our dedicated team of child law specialists provides comprehensive support at every stage of establishing or reviewing child arrangements. We understand that these matters can be sensitive and emotionally demanding, so our approach is always calm, practical, and focused on achieving a solution that works for your family.
We guide you through the entire process, offering clear advice and representation tailored to your individual circumstances. Our services include:
Our goal is to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible while keeping your child’s well-being at the heart of every decision. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings, we are here to help you find balanced, lasting arrangements that provide stability and security for your family.
At Fisher Jones Greenwood, we believe that every decision about your children should be guided by their best interests above all else. Our family law solicitors are experienced in helping parents navigate these complex situations with empathy, professionalism, and a strong focus on achieving outcomes that truly support your family’s needs.
We take a constructive and child-centred approach, encouraging cooperation wherever possible and reducing conflict to protect your children’s well-being. Our aim is always to create arrangements that are practical, fair, and sustainable for everyone involved.
We help parents reach solutions that:
Our expert family law team provides clear, practical advice with empathy and understanding, helping you make decisions that protect your children and support a positive future.
When it comes to making decisions about your children’s living arrangements, communication and cooperation between parents can make a significant difference. Mediation offers a constructive way to resolve disagreements and reach workable arrangements without the need for court proceedings.
In mediation, parents meet with an independent, trained mediator who helps facilitate calm, focused discussions about the practical needs of the children. The aim is to create an agreement that supports your child’s wellbeing and reflects what works best for your family’s individual circumstances.
Our family law solicitors work alongside the mediation process to provide clear legal advice and reassurance throughout. We help you prepare for mediation, understand your rights, and review any proposed agreements to ensure they are fair, realistic, and in your child’s best interests. If an agreement is reached, we can help formalise it into a legally recognised document for added clarity and security.
Mediation can be particularly helpful in agreeing:
Mediation is not about winning or losing; it’s about finding a balanced, forward-looking solution that prioritises your child’s welfare and reduces conflict between parents.
At Fisher Jones Greenwood, our family law team brings together specialist expertise, practical experience, and genuine care to help you navigate even the most sensitive children law matters with confidence. We understand how complex and emotional these situations can be, and we are committed to achieving outcomes that protect both your rights and your child’s well-being.
Our solicitors have extensive experience handling all aspects of children law, from residence and contact disputes to complex applications involving safeguarding or relocation. Our expertise is recognised by independent legal directories like The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, and we are proud to have Resolution-accredited specialists in financial remedies, children matters, and domestic abuse. Our team also includes a solicitor who is a member of The Law Society’s Children Panel and another qualified to practise as a Higher Court Advocate, ensuring that we can provide the highest level of representation and advice at every stage.
We take a genuinely client-centred approach, combining professionalism with empathy. From your first meeting, we focus on understanding your needs and priorities, guiding you with clear, practical advice that helps you make informed decisions. Our solicitors work to reduce conflict wherever possible, while remaining prepared to act decisively and effectively if court proceedings become necessary.
Over the years, we have built a strong track record of achieving positive results for families across Essex, Suffolk, and London. We are known for our ability to resolve even the most complex cases with sensitivity, skill, and determination. Choosing Fisher Jones Greenwood means working with a team that will stand by you throughout the process, advocating for your child’s best interests and supporting you at every step.
For expert advice, call us on 0845 543 5700 or complete our online enquiry form.
For more than four decades, Fisher Jones Greenwood has provided expert legal advice to individuals and businesses throughout Essex, Suffolk, and London. Our dedicated team of solicitors is committed to delivering practical solutions for your legal matters. Contact us on 08455 435 700 or via our online enquiry form to schedule a consultation.
Request A CallbackDo I need to go to Court to deal with child arrangements?
Not necessarily. We encourage parents to reach agreements through direct negotiation or mediation where possible. Court applications are typically only necessary when parents cannot agree or there are safety concerns. If arrangements can be agreed, the Court has the power to make a Child Arrangements Order by consent, without the need for contested Court proceedings.. The proposed arrangements would be drafted into a Child Arrangements Order by your solicitor and then submitted to the Court for a Judge’s approval. Once approved, the terms of the Order are legally binding. Our solicitors can help you explore all options and find the most appropriate route for your family.
What will the Court consider when making a Child Arrangements Order?
The Court’s paramount consideration is always the welfare of the child. The Court will consider factors including the child’s wishes (depending on their age and understanding), physical and emotional needs, the likely effect of any change in circumstances, any harm the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering, and the capability of each parent to meet the child’s needs.
How long does it take to get a Child Arrangements Order ?
If an application to Court is necessary, the process typically takes 6-18 months from application to final hearing. However, this timeline can vary depending on the complexity of your case, Court backlogs, and whether interim orders need to be made.
Can child custody arrangements be changed once they are in place?
Yes, Child Arrangements can be modified if crequired. This can be done through mutual agreement or, if necessary, by applying to Court for a variation of the existing order. Our solicitors can advise on the most appropriate approach based on your specific situation.
What happens if the other parent doesn't comply with child arrangements?
If a Child Arrangements Order is in place and not being followed, there are enforcement options available. These include returning to Court for an enforcement order, which may impose unpaid work requirements or financial penalties. Our team can advise on the most effective approach to resolve compliance issues.
My ex-partner is preventing me from seeing my children. What can I do?
This is a distressing situation that requires prompt action. Our solicitors can help you explore options including mediation, solicitor negotiations, or making an application to Court for a Child Arrangements Order to establish your right to spend time with your children.
Will my child's wishes be taken into account in when a Child Arrangements Order is made?
The Court will consider a child’s wishes and feelings according to their age and understanding. While not determinative, these views become increasingly important as the child matures. In some cases, the Court may appoint a welfare officer to speak with the child and report back their views.
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