Wherever possible, parents decide this between themselves, and the law encourages you to reach your own agreement rather than have one imposed. If you cannot agree, you can ask a court to make a child arrangements order, but that is usually a last resort. At Brockbanks Solicitors, we take a collaborative approach and work with both sides to find an arrangement that puts your children first.

A child arrangements order is a court order that sets out who a child lives with and how much time they spend with each parent. It is used when parents cannot agree between themselves and need the matter settled formally. Our family law team will explain whether an order is the right step for you and support you through the process if it is.

Generally, a child cannot be taken out of England and Wales without the consent of everyone with parental responsibility or the permission of the court, and removing them without that can be a serious matter. If you are worried about a planned move, getting legal advice quickly puts you in a stronger position. We can advise on your options, whether you are contesting a move or seeking permission for one yourself.

Grandparents do not have an automatic legal right to contact, but they can apply to the court for permission to seek a child arrangements order, and many do so successfully. Keeping that relationship going often matters enormously to the child. At Brockbanks Solicitors, we support grandparents and other relatives with an interest in a child’s welfare, with calm, practical advice.

Parental responsibility is the legal authority to make important decisions about a child’s upbringing, such as their schooling, medical care and religion. Mothers have it automatically, and fathers usually do if they are married to the mother or named on the birth certificate, though the rules can vary. Our team can confirm where you stand and help you secure parental responsibility if you need it.

Not necessarily — most disputes about children can be resolved through discussion or mediation without ever reaching a courtroom. Court tends to be reserved for situations where agreement simply isn’t possible. Wherever we can, we’ll help you reach an amicable solution that works for everyone, keeping conflict, cost and stress to a minimum.