Child Arrangements Barristers

When parents separate, deciding where children live and how time is shared can be one of the most emotionally challenging parts of the process. Our child arrangements barristers provide clear, practical advice to help you reach arrangements that put your child’s welfare first, whether through agreement, mediation, or the family court.

At Barrister Connect, we provide direct access to family law barristers, allowing you to receive specialist legal advice without the cost or delay of instructing a solicitor.

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Custody and residence
Visitation and contact
Parental responsibility
Dispute resolution

When child arrangements become legally complex

Many parents begin with informal arrangements. Difficulties arise when those arrangements break down or one parent feels excluded from decisions about their child.

Child arrangements can quickly become complex where there are disputes about:

Where a child should live
How time should be shared
Schooling or relocation
Holiday and special occasion arrangements
Allegations of harm or risk
Communication and handovers

In these situations, understanding how the court approaches child welfare is critical. Our barristers help you assess whether court involvement is necessary and how to approach the issue proportionately.

Why Use a Direct Access Barrister?

Specialist knowledge in child arrangements

Our barristers have deep experience in complex child arrangements and build strong, well-prepared cases.

Child-centred advocacy and support

We prioritise your child’s welfare in every decision, offering strategic guidance that considers both legal principles and practical family dynamics.

Direct access without a solicitor

By instructing a barrister directly, you receive tailored advice and representation without unnecessary delays or costs associated with traditional solicitor-led pathways.

Key Parts of child arrangements

When people refer to child arrangements issues, they are usually worried about a few core areas that can have long-lasting impact. These are where specialist advice can change the way your case unfolds.

C100 applications and starting court proceedings

Where agreement cannot be reached, a court application may be required to resolve child arrangements.

Deciding whether court action is appropriate
Preparing and issuing a C100 application
Understanding court timetables and hearings
Knowing what information and evidence is required

View our full guide to the C100 form here

Where a Child Lives

Disputes commonly arise about a child’s main home or whether care should be shared.

This can include:

Sole or shared living arrangements
Proposals for equal or primary care
Stability, routine and schooling
Managing transitions between households

Time Spent With Each Parent

Arrangements about time and contact are often the most contested aspect of child arrangements.

This may involve:

Frequency and structure of contact
Overnight stays
Weekday and weekend arrangements
Holiday and special occasion contact
Practical arrangements for handovers

Parental Responsibility and Decision Making

Child arrangements disputes often overlap with disagreements about who makes key decisions for a child.

This can relate to:

Education and school choice
Medical treatment and healthcare
Religion or cultural upbringing
Day-to-day decision-making

CAFCASS involvement and welfare assessments

In many cases, the court will involve CAFCASS to assist with welfare considerations.

This may include:

Safeguarding checks
Interviews with parents
Speaking with children, where appropriate
Written reports and recommendations to the court

Relocation, enforcement and changes

Some cases involve more complex or evolving issues that require careful handling.

This can include:

Proposed relocation within the UK or abroad
Enforcing an existing child arrangements order
Responding to breaches of arrangements
Varying arrangements as circumstances change

Common Questions About Child Arrangements

What does a child arrangements barrister do?

A child arrangements barrister advises and represents parents in disputes about where a child lives, how time is shared, and how decisions are made. This can include early legal advice, preparing court applications, advising on CAFCASS involvement, and representing you at hearings.

Can I use a direct access barrister for child arrangements?

Yes. You can instruct a child arrangements barrister directly without going through a solicitor. This is known as direct access and allows you to receive specialist advice and representation more quickly and often at lower overall cost.

Is direct access suitable for child arrangements cases?

Direct access is suitable for many child arrangements cases, including advice-only work, court applications, contested hearings, enforcement, and variations. Your barrister will confirm whether your case is appropriate for direct access at the outset.

Do I need to go to court for child arrangements?

Not always. Many child arrangements disputes are resolved through agreement or mediation. However, court proceedings may be necessary where agreement cannot be reached, contact is restricted, or there are welfare concerns. A barrister can advise on whether court action is appropriate.

What is a C100 application?

A C100 application is the court form used to ask the family court to decide issues relating to child arrangements, such as where a child lives or how time is shared. A barrister can advise whether a C100 application is needed and help prepare it correctly.

Read our full guide to a C100 application here.

Will CAFCASS be involved in my case?

In many child arrangements cases, CAFCASS carries out safeguarding checks and may prepare a report for the court. Your barrister can explain what CAFCASS will consider and how to engage with the process appropriately.

Can a child arrangements order be changed later?

Yes. Child arrangements orders can be varied if circumstances change, such as changes to work patterns, relocation, or a child’s needs. A barrister can advise whether a variation application is justified and how to proceed.

What if the other parent breaches a child arrangements order?

If an existing order is breached, you may be able to apply to the court for enforcement. A barrister can advise on your options, the evidence required, and whether enforcement action is proportionate.

How much does a child arrangements barrister cost?

Costs vary depending on the level of support you need. Many clients start with a fixed-fee consultation. Direct access allows you to choose advice only, support at specific stages, or full representation, giving you greater control over costs.

Can a barrister help without taking over the whole case?

Yes. You can instruct a barrister for specific tasks such as reviewing arrangements, advising on prospects, preparing for a hearing, or representing you at court, without instructing them for the entire case.

How do I get started with a child arrangements barrister?

You can get started by filling out the enquiry form below or giving us a call. We will discuss your situation, explain how direct access works, and help you decide what level of support you need before matching you with an experienced child arrangements barrister.

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