Child Arrangements

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At Wake Smith Solicitors, we understand that your children are your top priority. Deciding how they will spend time with each parent after separation can be one of the hardest and most emotional parts of the process. Our experienced children law solicitors are here to guide you with care, clarity, and a focus on your child’s wellbeing.

As part of our wider Family and Divorce Law services, we provide practical advice and representation to help parents reach fair, balanced, and child-focused arrangements — whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings.

What Is a Child Arrangements Order?

Over the years, the courts have used different terms for applications involving children, including:

Child custody
Child access
Residence
Contact
Shared residence
Shared custody

Today, these are all brought together under the term Child Arrangements Order, which sets out how and when children spend time with each parent. It can cover living arrangements, contact schedules, and other key aspects of your child’s routine.

Specific Issue and Prohibited Steps Orders

In some cases, disagreements may arise over particular decisions, such as:

Which school a child should attend
Medical treatment choices
Whether a parent can take a child abroad to live or on holiday

The court can make a Specific Issue Order to resolve these kinds of questions.

Alternatively, if there’s a concern about a parent taking a particular action — such as removing a child from school or preventing contact — the court can make a Prohibited Steps Order to restrict that behaviour.

Putting Children’s Welfare First

In every situation, the court’s main concern is the welfare of the child. Our role is to help you reach arrangements that protect your children’s best interests and allow both parents to enjoy meaningful time with them.

We aim to resolve matters sensitively and constructively, minimising conflict wherever possible and helping you focus on what truly matters — your children’s happiness and stability.