Child Law
Expert Child Arrangement Order Solicitors
Navigating Child arrangements can be particularly emotional. Our solicitors are caring and empathetic, supporting you throughout the process and ensuring your child’s welfare is at the forefront of every decision made.

The decision to separate from your partners becomes a lot more daunting when there are children involved. It is important to consider the needs of the children, so they remain supported.
At Grant Stephens Family Law, we are here to facilitate, help, support and guide you through this difficult process.
Your local Child Arrangement Solicitors
Based in central Cardiff and the SA1 Waterfront area of Swansea, our expert solicitors are some of the leading family law solicitors in Wales. Our combined years of experience make us perfectly equipped to assist you through your child arrangements matter, no matter how complex
What makes us different?
Grant Stephens Family Law is a boutique law firm, specialising in all aspects of family law. We are proud to have been recognised as a ‘Top Tier Firm’ in the Legal 500 for multiple years, highlighting our expertise, experience and excellent client care.
Arrange an initial consultation today
Give us a call or use the form below:
What types of child arrangements orders are there?
There are several types of child arrangement orders:
Lives with order
A ‘lives with order’ is a legal directive that the family court will issue which specifies which parent a child should live with after the parents separate.
What will the court consider?
- The child’s wishes and feelings
- The impact that a change of circumstances may have on the child
- The ability of the parent to meet the needs of their child
- Any risk of harm to the child
Shared lives with order
A ‘shared lives with order’ is often used in situations where both stability and having a close, ongoing relationship with both parents is important.
This type of order will be used when both parents are capable of providing a stable, safe and nurturing environment for their children
What will the court consider?
- How close the parents live to each other and to the child’s school/ other key activities
- The parent’s ability to communicate effectively.
- The children’s preferences and their ability to manage moving between two homes.
- The practicalities of the arrangement, including work schedules.
Specific Issue Order
A specific issue order addresses a specific issue that has arisen, such as schooling or medical treatment.
A Prohibited Steps Order
A prohibited steps order restricts one of the parents from taking certain actions that they might be suspected of trying to do. This could be travelling abroad, or making decisions about medical matters that affect the child.
The Child Arrangement Order Court Process
– Step 1
Seek legal advice
After separation, whilst not a legal requirement, it is advised that both parties seek legal advice. Our solicitors have years of experience assisting clients through child arrangement order application and can give you bespoke, confidential advice throughout the process.
– Step 2
Attempting to reach an agreement
Both parties can attempt to reach an agreement before going to court. If this does not work, then a court application can be made.
– Step 3
Attempting MIAM
Before you can make a court application, both parties are usually required to have attempted mediation, by firstly attending a MIAM. In some circumstances, mediation is not suitable.
– Step 4
Submitting a court application
Your solicitor will submit a C100 application to apply to the court for your child arrangement order.
– Step 5
Court Hearing
You will attend a court hearing in which the judge will make a decision based on what is in the best interests of the child.
Child law services

Meet your team of child law experts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a child arrangements order without a solicitor?
Yes you can apply for a child arrangements order without a solicitor, however, a specialist family law solicitor will be able to expertly guide you through the forms and advise you on all the possible outcomes
How long do child arrangement orders take?
It can take between 3 months to 2 years to get a child arrangements order depending on the level of complexity, how cooperative both sides are and the court timescales.
How much does a child arrangement order cost?
The cost of submitting a C100 court application for a child arrangements order, a specific issue order or a prohibited steps order is currently £263.
Instructing a solicitor to assist you with the child arrangement order varies in costs.
Head to our costs page to understand more about our costs:
When might you need a child arrangement order?
You might need a child arrangements order when there has been a disagreement between separated parents, when parents want the agreement that they have already made to be legally binding, when the child’s welfare is at risk, or when there have been changes to circumstances such as schooling, or living arrangements.
Our Latest Updates
Our Recent Articles
Awards & Accreditations






























