Children & Parenting Arrangements

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Children & Parenting Arrangements at Woodstock Legal Services



When parents separate, agreeing where children will live and how much time they’ll spend with each parent can be one of the hardest parts. The court’s priority is always the welfare of the child, and in many cases arrangements can be agreed without a court hearing. Woodstock Legal Services helps parents and families across England and Wales reach practical, child-focused arrangements.


Our family lawyers advise on child arrangements orders, parental responsibility, relocation within the UK and abroad, disputes over schooling, holidays, religion and medical treatment, prohibited steps and specific issue orders, and applications by grandparents and other family members.


You’ll work directly with an experienced lawyer who listens to your concerns, explains how the court approaches decisions about children, and helps you focus on what’s best for your child.


Agreeing Arrangements for Your Children


Wherever possible, it’s better for children if their parents can agree arrangements between themselves. Agreed arrangements tend to work better in practice and avoid the stress and delay of court proceedings.


Our lawyers help you put clear, workable arrangements in place, covering where your children will live, how they’ll spend time with each parent, and how holidays and special occasions will be shared. We advise you through negotiation and mediation and, where appropriate, help formalise the arrangements in a parenting plan or a consent order.


We’ll help you keep communication constructive, so you can focus on your children’s wellbeing during a difficult time.


Court Applications & Disputes


Sometimes agreement isn’t possible, or there are concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing. In these situations, the court may need to decide what’s in the child’s best interests.


Our family lawyers prepare and respond to applications for child arrangements orders, prohibited steps orders and specific issue orders. We guide you through each stage of the court process, including working with Cafcass, preparing statements and attending hearings. Where urgent action is needed, such as preventing a child being removed from the country, we act quickly.


Throughout proceedings, we’ll give you honest advice, explain what to expect and keep the focus firmly on your child’s welfare.

Get in Touch With Our Family Law Team

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Children & Parenting Arrangements FAQs

  • What is a child arrangements order?

    A child arrangements order is a court order that sets out who a child will live with and how much time they’ll spend with each parent or other people. It replaced the older terms “residence” and “contact”. Before applying, you’ll usually need to attend a MIAM to consider whether mediation could resolve the issues.

  • What is parental responsibility?

    Parental responsibility means the legal rights and responsibilities a parent has for a child, including decisions about education, health and religion. Mothers automatically have parental responsibility. Fathers usually have it if they were married to the mother or are named on the birth certificate. Others can acquire it by agreement or through a court order.

  • Can I move away with my child?

    If you want to relocate within the UK, it’s best to agree this with the other parent first, and the court can be asked to decide if you can’t agree. To take a child abroad to live, you’ll need the consent of everyone with parental responsibility or the court’s permission. Removing a child from the UK without consent can be a criminal offence.

  • How does the court decide what’s best for my child?

    The child’s welfare is the court’s paramount consideration. The court considers factors such as the child’s wishes and feelings, in light of their age and understanding, their needs, the impact of any change, and any risk of harm. In most cases, the court presumes that both parents’ involvement is in the child’s best interests, unless there’s evidence otherwise.

  • Can grandparents apply to see their grandchildren?

    Yes, but grandparents usually need the court’s permission before making an application for a child arrangements order. The court considers the grandparent’s connection with the child and whether the application could disrupt the child’s life. Mediation is often a good first step. We can advise grandparents on their options.

Why Choose Woodstock Legal Services?

Low Caseloads: Your Matter Gets Time

As consultants, our family solicitors manage their own caseloads and only work for a handful of clients at any one time. During a divorce or separation, that means your case gets the time, care and attention it deserves.

One Lawyer, From Start to Finish

Our consultancy model means you deal directly with your lawyer, not a rotating team. You won’t have to repeat your story to different people. Your lawyer keeps you informed at every stage and is on hand when you need reassurance.

Calm, Constructive Approach

Wherever possible, we encourage negotiation and family mediation to reduce conflict, cost and stress. We keep your children’s wellbeing at the centre of every decision, while robustly protecting your position if matters go to court.