Sometimes it may be necessary to issue a court application. In all cases we’ll ensure you maintain the strongest possible co-parenting relationship. We always prioritise the best interests of your children. Our children law solicitors have extensive experience in all areas of children law proceedings, including complex cases where there are serious allegations of abuse and the involvement of agencies, such as Social Services.
There are three main Orders available through the court under the Children Act 1989 to deal with disputes about children:
Child Arrangements Order
A Child Arrangements Order deals with the issues which previously used to be called Residence and Custody. The Order sets out:
- With whom a child is to live, spend time or otherwise have contact
- When a child is to live, spend time or otherwise have contact with any other person including telephone and letter contact
- Whether contact should be supervised.
Prohibited Steps Orders
A Prohibited Steps Order is used to limit when certain parental rights and duties can be exercised, for example, preventing a child from being removed from their school or being taken abroad. Once a Prohibited Steps Order is made the other parent is prevented from taking that step without the consent of the court.
Specific Issue Order
If you can’t agree on a decision relating to your child’s care, aside from contact and who they live with, you will have to issue an application for a Specific Issue Order.
