Child Arrangement Order in the UK
When parents separate, the most crucial question is always the same: what’s best for the child?
A child arrangement order in the UK sets out where your child lives, how much time they spend with each parent, and how parental responsibility is shared.
At Family Law Mediation, we help parents reach clear, practical agreements through mediation, and when needed, guide you in applying to the court.
What Is a Child Arrangement Order?
A child arrangement order (CAO) is a type of court order that defines:
- Where a child is to live
- How they will spend time or otherwise have contact with each parent or guardian
- Any other arrangements for their day-to-day care
This gives parents and children certainty. Unlike an informal parenting agreement, a child arrangement order is legally binding. If a parent fails to comply, the court can enforce it through warnings, fines, or other penalties.
Parenting Plans vs Child Arrangement Orders
A parenting plan is a written agreement between parents that sets out the practical arrangements for their child after separation. Both parents sign the plan and help reduce conflict by making expectations clear. It isn’t legally binding on its own, but if needed, it can be turned into a court-recognised parental agreement plan. Many families start with a parenting agreement plan. This is a written record of how parents will share responsibilities, such as:
- Where the child lives during the week
- Holiday and birthday contact
- Schooling and healthcare decisions
- How parents communicate about their child
A parenting plan is flexible and puts the child’s needs first. But here’s the key point: it isn’t legally binding on its own. If you want your parental agreement plan to be enforceable, you’ll need to apply for a child arrangements order through the court. Read more - What Does a Parenting Plan Include?
How Mediation Helps Parents Reach an Agreement
Before applying to court, most parents are required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This meeting helps you understand whether mediation could resolve your situation without lengthy court proceedings. During mediation, you and the other parent can work through:
- Parenting plans and parental responsibility
- Specific issues such as schooling or healthcare (specific issue orders)
- Preventing actions you disagree with, such as moving abroad (prohibited steps orders)
- Practical decisions about when and where your child spends time with each parent
Mediation is private, quicker than court, and much more affordable. Agreements made here can be turned into a child arrangement order if you choose.
Step-by-Step: Applying for a Child Arrangements Order
Attend a MIAM
Meet with a mediator to assess whether MIAM (Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting) can help.
Mediation Sessions
Work on a parenting agreement plan that prioritises your child’s best interests.
Apply to the Court
If no agreement is reached, you can apply for a Child Arrangements Order. The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) may be involved to assess the child’s situation.
Enforcement
If a parent does not comply, the court can enforce the order through penalties or an enforcement order.
Why Choose Family Law Mediation?
➤ Experienced family law solicitors and mediators with a focus on children’s welfare.
➤ Clear guidance on child arrangements, parenting plans, and parental responsibility.
➤ Affordable mediation (£140 per person per hour) compared with solicitor-only cases that often exceed £5,000.
➤ Support from the first MIAM to the final court order.
We know separation is stressful. Our job is to make sure your child’s emotional and physical needs are protected. Whether you want to create a parenting agreement, apply for a Child Arrangements Order, or need help enforcing an existing order, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. We provide family law mediation services across Leicester, Tamworth, Nottingham, Derby, Coventry, and Birmingham.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Arrangement Order
Who can apply for a Child Arrangements Order?
How does mediation work in the Child Arrangements Order process?
Mediation involves both parties meeting with an impartial mediator to discuss child arrangements. The goal is to reach an agreement that works for the child without going to court. If successful, the agreement can form the basis of a Child Arrangements Order.
What if we can’t agree through mediation?
You can then apply to the court, where a judge decides based on your child’s welfare and best interests.
What Happens at Mediation About Child Arrangements?
After both parents have attended a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), you’ll move on to a mediation session. This can be:
- Joint mediation – both parents in the same room
- Shuttle mediation – parents in separate rooms (or separate screens online)
- Online mediation – attend from anywhere, with the option of joint or shuttle format
At the start, the mediator will agree on the structure with you. Parents usually choose between:
- Setting your own list of topics to cover
- Working through a structured parenting plan provided by the mediator
The goal is simple: to explore options, reduce conflict, and agree on arrangements that put your child’s best interests first.
Do I need a court order if I already have a parenting plan?
Not necessarily. But remember, a parenting agreement plan isn’t legally binding. A court order provides clarity and legal protection if disputes arise.
How long does it take to get a Child Arrangements Order?
When does a child arrangement order end?
Normally, when the child reaches 16, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
How much does it cost to get a Child Arrangements Order through mediation?
Costs vary depending on the number of sessions required. Most cases need two to three sessions, each lasting around an hour. Mediation is usually far cheaper than going through court proceedings.
Is financial support available for mediation costs?
Can the Child Arrangements Order be changed later?
Yes. If both parties agree, the order can be revised through mediation and then formalised by the court. If agreement isn’t possible, a formal court application is required.
Can I Use Mediation to Change an Existing Court Order?
Yes. Mediation is often the first step when parents want to adjust an existing child arrangements order. Any changes you agree to during mediation won’t automatically replace the current court order. Still, you can ask the court to approve the new agreement and issue a fresh order by consent. This makes the updated arrangements legally binding.
Do I need a Child Arrangements Order if I already have an informal agreement?
What happens if one parent doesn’t follow the Child Arrangements Order?
Can we specify holiday arrangements in a Child Arrangements Order?
Is mediation confidential in Child Arrangements Order cases?
What happens if we can’t reach an agreement through mediation?
Contact Family Law Mediation For Child Arrangement Order - Guidance and Support for Parents
Contact Us
"*" indicates required fields
Family Law Mediation Leicester (Head Office)
First Floor
60 Charles Street
Leicester
LE1 1FB
Opening Times
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Weekend appointments are available on request
*We can offer a limited number of pre-arranged mediation sessions outside of office hours subject to agreement and availability. All mediation sessions are held either at our offices or remotely via video conferencing software e.g. Zoom.