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Specialist child law solicitors in London
When parents separate, questions about what happens to the children often become the most important and sensitive part of the process.
Decisions about where a child lives, how much time they spend with each parent, whether child maintenance payments are required and who makes key decisions about their upbringing can feel difficult to resolve, especially when there is ongoing conflict between the parents.
The welfare of the child remains the court’s primary consideration under English and Welsh law.
Our child law solicitors in London help parents, guardians and family members find workable solutions that support the child while protecting their own parental rights.
Child Arrangements
Child Arrangement Orders set out where a child will live and how they will spend time with each parent or other important people in their life.
In many cases, parents can make amicable arrangements between themselves.
However, where this is not possible, legal advice can help establish a fair structure that works for everyone involved, most importantly for the child.
Our solicitors assist with:
- Child arrangement agreements between parents
- Applications for child arrangement orders
- Advice on shared care arrangements
- Support with changes to existing orders
- Resolving disputes about education, healthcare, relocation or holidays
We focus on practical solutions that provide stability for children and clarity for parents.
Parental responsibility
Parental responsibility refers to the legal rights and duties a person has in relation to a child.
In England and Wales, mothers automatically have parental responsibility.
Fathers usually have it if they were married to the mother at the time of birth or are named on the birth certificate, though this is not always the case.
Our solicitors can advise on:
- Applying for parental responsibility
- Disputes between parents about decision-making
- Parental responsibility agreements
- Removing or restricting parental responsibility in serious circumstances
If you are not sure whether you have parental responsibility or how to obtain it, our family law experts can advise you.
Specific Issue and Prohibited Steps Orders
Disagreements sometimes arise about particular aspects of a child’s upbringing.
This might include schooling, medical treatment, relocating to another part of the country or abroad or taking the child on holiday.
In these situations, the court may make one of two types of orders.
A Specific Issue Order asks the court to decide a particular question relating to a child’s welfare.
A Prohibited Steps Order prevents a parent from taking a specific action without the court’s permission.
Our child law solicitors can advise on whether an application may be appropriate and guide you through the process if court intervention becomes necessary.
Step 02
Call
Our Solicitors will explain the pertinent points of law with you, what your obligations are, whether a child law solicitor is right for you, and costs and timelines.
Step 03
Sign
The engagement letter and we'll get to work on your child law issue.
Maintaining relationships with grandparents
When a relationship breaks down, it can sometimes disrupt relationships between grandchildren and their grandparents, particularly if contact becomes restricted.
Although grandparents do not automatically have the same legal rights as parents in England and Wales, the court recognises the value of maintaining meaningful family relationships where possible.
We can advise grandparents on:
- Applying to spend time with grandchildren
- Seeking permission to apply for a Child Arrangements Order
- Resolving disputes within the wider family
Our approach focuses on preserving relationships that benefit the child while managing sensitive family dynamics.
Speak to our child law solicitors in London
If you need advice about child arrangements, parental responsibility or resolving a dispute involving children, our experienced family law team is here to help.
Contact our solicitors today for legal guidance you can trust.
Hear from our clients:
They’re good people to deal with. Despite the size of firm, I have been pleased that there is still a personal approach to what they do. Obviously it’s important for a solicitor to be professional and flexible and I’ve found that they are, but I’ve always thought that it’s very important that they’re friendly and easy to deal with as well.
Robert Tizzard – Manual Investing Ltd
Extremely professional, knowledgeable and honest advice. Relaxed and approachable service throughout in assisting Us to create our Will. We would highly recommend this Firm.
Hinna Masud
Child matters FAQs
Do parents have to go to court to decide child arrangements?
Many families reach agreements without court involvement through discussion, mediation or solicitor negotiation. Court applications are usually considered when an agreement cannot be reached. The family court requires you to at least attempt an alternative dispute resolution method before it will take on your case.
How does the court decide what is best for a child?
The court considers several factors, including the child’s needs, their relationship with each parent and any risks to their wellbeing. The child’s welfare is always the main priority.
Can a child choose which parent they live with?
A child’s views may be considered depending on their age and maturity. The court still makes the final decision based on what best supports the child’s welfare.
What happens if one parent breaches a child arrangements order?
A Child Arrangements Order is legally binding. Both parents are expected to comply with the terms set out in the court order once it has been issued.
If one parent does not comply with the order without a reasonable explanation, the other parent can apply to the court to enforce it.
The court has a range of powers available depending on the circumstances and the seriousness of the breach.
For example, the court may order the missed time with the child to be made up, require the parent who breached the order to attend a parenting programme, or in some cases, impose financial penalties or unpaid work.
If you believe a Child Arrangements Order has been breached, seeking legal advice can help you understand your options and decide on the most appropriate next steps.
