Arrangements for Children

If you are finding it difficult or impossible to agree on the arrangements for your children, we can help you find the solution.

Family first

Organising the arrangements for your children when you have separated can be difficult to navigate.  It can be hard to communicate with each other and we are here to help find practical solutions tailored to your family and to help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities.

A young boy and girl holding hands and walking through a field of lavendar.

When court is the only option

We always try to avoid Court but sometimes it is the only option. If this is the case, we will ensure you understand the procedure every step of the way, supporting you during any necessary attendance at Court and advising you carefully on the outcome and how it will affect your family. Your children are always our priority when giving advice.

Putting your children’s well-being first

We need to meet with you so we can understand the problems you are experiencing with the arrangements. We need to appreciate your concerns about any risk to the children or your worries about how the situation is impacting their daily lives, school or their overall well-being.  Every family and child is different so we need to spend sufficient time with you to understand the precise nature of the problem.

Once we have the correct information and have checked the facts with you, we will suggest potential solutions. This can include writing to the other parent, referring you to an appropriate expert,  such as a mediator or family counsellor, or suggesting a suitable parenting app.  We will also make sure you understand your duties, rights and responsibilities as a parent and also the other party’s legal position, as well as the role of any other adults involved where appropriate.  Understanding this can help you to communicate and can give you the confidence to suggest solutions.

Sometimes the only option is to apply to the Court for a Child Arrangements Order.  This might be because you cannot agree with whom your children should live or when or how they should spend time with the other parent.  In some circumstances, you might disagree which school the children should attend or one party might wish to take them to live abroad. Sometimes we will need to act urgently if your child is at risk.  In these situations, a Judge will need to make an Order to resolve the disagreement. If this does happen to you, we will support you with sensible advice and a step-by- step approach throughout the Court process.

Our commitments to you

Our team of experienced family solicitors are ready to help you.

We look after you

We always try to avoid Court but sometimes it is the only option. If this is the case, we will ensure you understand the procedure every step of the way, supporting you during any necessary attendance at Court and advising you carefully on the outcome and how it will affect your family. Your children are always our priority when giving advice.

We keep you informed

It can be stressful waiting for information.

We don’t keep you waiting. As soon as we have progress, we let you know straight away.

We help you understand

Legal matters can be complex.

We’ll explain everything to you and guide you through the process so that you know what’s happening.

Fees

  • We offer a free initial telephone or video meeting to discuss your situation and provide a bespoke estimate.

    Our fees vary from case to case and are tailored to your individual circumstances.

  • Child-related matters handled without going to court From £2,100 (including VAT)

    Typical examples:

    Negotiating parenting arrangements

    Mediation support

    Drafting agreements between parents

  • Child-related matters that go through the courts From £4,200 (including VAT)

    Typical examples:

    Child arrangements – who the child lives with and sees

    Parental responsibility disputes – disagreements over key decisions (e.g. school or medical care)

    Prohibited Steps Orders – stops a parent doing something (e.g. taking a child abroad)

Testimonials

I have called upon Rebecca’s expertise a number of times over the years and have done so once again recently. There’s no one else I would recommend in relation to family matters. Her experience, practical advice and just overall confidence and expertise immediately puts you at ease in the knowledge that you’re in very good hands. With many thanks.

AnonymousMarch 2026

I can’t thank Alison enough for her help with my financial settlement. She handled everything professionally and kept me reassured throughout the whole process. Alison was friendly, supportive, and made a complicated situation feel much easier and far less stressful. She dealt with every challenge brilliantly. I’m genuinely grateful for all her work and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her

AnonymousMarch 2026

Donata showed real sensitivity to our situation (testator with chronic illness) and flexibility to visiting different locations, (hospital, home) and at short notices too. This did not go unnoticed and was appreciated.

She also listened to the client well, which swung us to favour Rucklidge’s over the alternative firm that we spoke to; seeking to understand the client’s unique situation, rather than jumping to a proposed solution as soon as possible.

Fee transparency was valued too.

AnonymousMarch 2026
See more tesimonials …

Get in touch.

Book your free 30-minute consultation now.