A Child Arrangement Order (previously know as a Contact Order) is an order made by the Court allowing a parent to spend time with a child.
When to apply for a Child Arrangement Order?
A parent can apply for a Child Arrangement Order to spend time with a child if they and their ex-partner cannot agree on this condition. This could be if they wish to spend time with their child at weekends, in the school holidays, over the Christmas period or on special occasions, such as the child’s birthday, mothers or fathers day.
Mediation
Parties are encouraged to attend Mediation in the first instance to see if arrangements concerning the children can be agreed. There may be some instances when Mediation is not suitable, for example if there has been domestic violence within the relationship.
If mediation is not suitable or breaks down, then the parties concerned can apply for a Child Arrangement Order to spend time with a child. Any orders made by the Court will be made if the order is deemed to be in the best interests of the child.
Conditions in the Child Arrangement Order
The application for the Child Arrangement Order can be as detailed or as vague as the parties require. For example, there could be an order made which directs that one parent has regular contact with a child on a weekly basis and the times for such contact are to be agreed mutually between the parties. Or, in contrast, there could be an order defining the venue, times for contact and who will be responsible for handovers. Furthermore, an additional contact can be included to cover the school holidays, special occasions and the child’s birthday.
In addition to the above, the court can also make orders relating to other family members, to include sibling contact (if they live separately) and contact with grandparents.
Child Arrangement Orders and child welfare
In some circumstances, where there are concerns about a child’s welfare or safeguarding concerns, the court can order ‘supervised’ or supported contact. This type of contact could also take place if it is necessary for any assessments to be undertaken throughout the course of the proceedings. Depending on the outcome and recommendations of any assessments and how well the contact has progressed, the supervised or supported contact can then progress to unsupervised contact.
How Nelsons Can Help
Nelsons’ expert Family Law team advise on children law matters, including Child Arrangement Orders.
If you would like to spend regular time with your child and would like some advice then contact a member of the team on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.