Your Child Custody Experts

Child arrangements done properly, with your children's future at the centre of everything.

Whether you are separating from a partner or dealing with a dispute over existing arrangements, the decisions made about your children's lives deserve careful, experienced legal guidance.

At Manak Solicitors, we help parents reach arrangements that put their children first, and we make sure those arrangements are properly protected.

What Child Arrangements actually involve

The term “child custody” is one most people recognise, but it is no longer the language English family law uses. Courts now talk about child arrangements, which is a broader and more accurate description of what is actually being decided. It covers where a child lives, how much time they spend with each parent, how decisions about their upbringing are made, and the involvement of wider family members such as grandparents.

These decisions are rarely simple. They involve two people who are going through one of the most difficult periods of their lives, trying to make long-term plans for children whose needs will change as they grow. Getting legal advice early helps you understand what the process involves, what outcomes are realistic, and how to approach conversations with the other parent in a way that reduces conflict rather than adding to it.

The vast majority of child arrangements are reached by agreement between parents, sometimes with the help of solicitors or a mediator. Court proceedings are a last resort, not a starting point, and we work hard to resolve matters before they reach that stage.

When a Child Arrangements Order may be needed

Many families agree arrangements themselves, but an order can help when:

You cannot reach agreement despite discussions or mediation.
Arrangements keep breaking down or are unclear.
There are welfare concerns, risk of harm or safeguarding issues.
You need a legally binding framework for travel, holidays, or schooling decisions.

Alternatives to a court order include:

A parenting plan recorded in writing between you.
Family mediation to reach a mutual agreement.
A consent order if you agree terms but want them to be legally binding.

Key Legal Principles

The court’s approach is guided by:

The child’s welfare is the court’s paramount consideration.
The welfare checklist, including the child’s needs, wishes and feelings (considered in light of age and understanding), any risk of harm, and each parent’s capability.
The “no order” principle, meaning the court will not make an order unless it is better for the child than making no order at all.

What to expect when you work with us

Child arrangements cases are among the most emotionally demanding matters we handle, and our family law solicitors have been handling them for over twenty years. In that time we have worked on cases ranging from straightforward separations where parents need help formalising an agreement, through to protracted disputes involving serious welfare concerns, international relocation, and court proceedings at every level. That range of experience matters because no two families are alike, and an approach that works in one case can be entirely wrong for another.

We are also very deliberate about keeping cases out of court wherever we can. Court proceedings in children matters are slow, expensive, and take a significant toll on the parents and, more importantly, on the children caught in the middle. We work hard to find a negotiated or mediated resolution first, and we are honest with our clients about when that is realistic and when it is not. If court proceedings do become necessary, we prepare our clients thoroughly and represent them clearly at every hearing.

Something we hear consistently from clients is that they felt supported throughout the process, not just at the key legal moments. Child arrangements cases can drag on for months, and the periods between hearings or negotiations can feel particularly anxious. We stay in contact, we respond promptly, and we make sure our clients always know where things stand and what is coming next.

Manak Solicitors holds Lexcel accreditation, the Law Society’s quality standard for practice management and client care. It is independently verified and covers everything from how we handle your case to how we communicate with you. Combined with our offices across Kent and London and the option of remote appointments, it means expert advice is accessible wherever you are and whenever you need it.

Local & Accessible

With offices in Sevenoaks, Orpington, Gravesend, London, and Biggin Hill, we are never far away. For those who prefer speed and convenience, our secure online systems- including our trademarked Instant Instruct tool- allow you to begin your case entirely online, without ever compromising on personal service.

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Child Arrangements FAQs

Do courts favour mothers or fathers?

No. The court focuses on the child’s welfare, not parental status. The aim is to promote meaningful relationships with both parents where safe and appropriate.

Will the court listen to my child's views?

Yes. Depending on age and understanding, your child’s wishes and feelings are considered, often through CAFCASS. Their views are one factor among many the court will take into account when deciding what is in their best interests.

Do I need to attend mediation?

In most cases you must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before applying to court unless an exemption applies, such as urgency or evidence of domestic abuse. Mediation itself is voluntary, but attending a MIAM is usually required.

Can grandparents apply for a Child Arrangements Order?

Yes. Grandparents and other relatives can apply with the court’s permission, unless they already have parental responsibility or fall within one of the limited categories that can apply automatically. The court will always consider the child’s welfare.

What happens if my ex will not return the child after contact?

If there is already a Child Arrangements Order in place, you may be able to apply to the court to enforce it. If no order exists, you should seek legal advice immediately, as urgent applications can often be made where necessary.

Can we agree changes without going back to court?

Yes. If both parents agree sensible changes, it is helpful to keep a written record of what has been agreed. However, where arrangements are changing permanently, it is often advisable to formalise the variation to reduce the risk of future disputes.

Will there be a final hearing?

Not always. Many child arrangements cases settle after the first hearing or following a CAFCASS report. If important issues remain disputed, the court may list the matter for a final hearing before making a decision.