Child arrangements hearing coming up? We can often arrange representation at short notice. Call 01823 589 333
Specialist Representation for Child Arrangements Cases
Instruct a specialist child arrangements barrister directly. Clear fee ranges, fixed quote before you commit, and calm support through every stage of the family court process.
- Child arrangements, contact, custody and relocation disputes
- Specialist advocacy at FHDRA, DRA, fact-finding and final hearings
- Clear indicative fees published. Fixed quote agreed before work begins
- Quote returned within one working day
Get a Fixed Fee Quote
No charge to enquire. Response within one working day.
Thank you.
Our team will review your case details and come back to you with a clear, fixed fee quote.
How it works
From enquiry to representation in three steps
Tell us about your case
Complete the form with a brief outline of your situation. Upload any relevant documents if you have them. No charge to enquire.
Get a fixed fee quote
We match you with a suitable specialist barrister and provide a clear fixed fee quote in writing, usually within one working day.
Work directly with your barrister
Once instructed, you work directly with your barrister on advice, drafting, and representation at every hearing stage.
Indicative fee ranges
Transparent fees for child arrangements work
The figures below are genuine ranges based on real work. Your actual quote will depend on hearing length, case complexity, and barrister seniority. All fees are quoted exclusive of VAT.
Advice and document drafting
Online consultation with a barrister
Review of relevant documents, barrister preparation time, and up to one hour online consultation.
Drafting a position statement
Review of relevant documents, short conference call, and preparation of your position statement.
Representation at family court hearings
One hour hearing
Typical for directions hearings and shorter interim applications.
Two hour hearing
Typical for FHDRA and longer interim hearings.
Full day hearing
Typical for DRA and shorter final hearings.
Two day hearing
Typical for fact-finding hearings and contested final hearings.
Three day hearing
Typical for complex contested final hearings or multi-issue cases.
Longer or complex matters
Quoted individually based on hearing length and scope.
Request a bespoke quote ›Every hearing representation fee includes
All fees are indicative and quoted exclusive of VAT. Once a quote is agreed it will not change unless the scope of work changes. Klarna is available to spread the cost into monthly payments.
What we handle
Specialist child arrangements representation
Child Arrangements Orders
New applications, variations of existing orders, and enforcement proceedings where a parent is not complying with the order.
Contact and Living Arrangements
Disputes about where a child lives and how time is shared between parents, including supervised and indirect contact arrangements.
Relocation Cases
Internal relocation disputes within England and Wales and leave to remove applications for relocation outside the jurisdiction.
Prohibited Steps Orders
Applications to prevent the other parent taking specific actions, including removing a child from school, changing their name, or taking them abroad.
Specific Issue Orders
Resolving specific disagreements about a child's upbringing including schooling, medical treatment, religious practice, or foreign travel.
Fact-Finding Hearings
Representation at fact-finding hearings where allegations of domestic abuse or harm need to be determined before welfare decisions are made.
Frequently asked
Answers to common questions
Can I instruct a barrister directly for a child arrangements case?+
Yes. Since 2004, the Bar Council has allowed members of the public to instruct a barrister directly for advice, document drafting, and court representation. This is called Direct Access. A Direct Access family barrister can advise you, prepare paperwork, and represent you at every hearing stage without a solicitor in between.
How much does a child arrangements case cost?+
Representation at a one hour hearing is typically £850 to £1,250 + VAT. A two hour hearing is typically £1,250 to £1,600 + VAT. A full day hearing is typically £1,500 to £2,500 + VAT. Two and three day hearings range from £3,000 to £7,200 + VAT depending on complexity. Online consultations start at £250 + VAT. We provide a fixed fee quote in writing before any work begins.
Can I spread the cost of my fees?+
Yes. We offer Klarna as a payment option, which means you can spread the cost of your legal fees into monthly payments rather than paying the full amount upfront.
Will the same barrister represent me at every hearing?+
We aim to keep continuity of counsel wherever possible. The same barrister will normally represent you throughout your case. If your barrister is unavailable on a listed date, we will let you know early and find a suitable alternative. Diary availability is checked before any quote is agreed.
What happens at an FHDRA hearing?+
The First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) is usually the first hearing in a child arrangements case. The court will consider safeguarding information from CAFCASS, identify the issues, explore whether agreement can be reached, and give directions for the next steps. Your barrister will prepare a position statement and represent you at the hearing.
Can I get a barrister at short notice?+
Yes, we can often arrange representation at short notice, including within a few days of a hearing. Tick the urgent hearing box on the form above, or call us directly on 01823 589 333 and we will prioritise your enquiry.
Do you accept Legal Aid?+
Legal Aid cannot be used to instruct a Direct Access barrister. To use Legal Aid you need a solicitor with a Legal Aid Agency contract. If you want to check whether you qualify, you can find out more on the official government website at gov.uk/legal-aid.
Do you cover courts outside the South West?+
Yes. We cover family courts across all of England and Wales. Many directions hearings are listed remotely via video link, which means geography is rarely a barrier. For in-person hearings we match you with a barrister who regularly appears at your local court wherever possible.
Are the barristers regulated?+
Yes. All barristers in our network are practising members of the Bar of England and Wales, authorised to accept Direct Access instructions, and regulated by the Bar Standards Board.
Ready to speak to a specialist?
Submit your enquiry or call us today. No charge to enquire.
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