Family Lawyer for Child Law

Experienced Legal Support for Parenting Disputes and Child Arrangements

Going Through Parenting Disputes and Child Arrangement Issues?

When parents or guardians separate, decisions about children often become the most sensitive and complex part of the process. From who the child lives with to how much time they spend with each parent, these issues need careful handling—and clear legal advice. At Holland Family Law, we help families find practical, workable solutions. Speak to a child law solicitor and book your free 30-minute consultation today.

Service Overview

Child Arrangement Orders (Covering Residence and Contact)

We will support and advise you in all family matters involving children, including disputes over where a child should live (‘residence’ or ‘custody’) and the time they should spend with parents and other relations (‘contact’ or ‘access’).

Consent Orders including support with the C100 Consent Order Process

Emergency applications and C100 emergency court orders. We focus on helping clients understand their legal rights and achieve fair, child-centred outcomes—through agreement where possible and court action when needed.

Mediation Information & Assessment Meetings (MIAMs)

You will be given the option of attending family mediation to discuss the issues surrounding the child, plus we will explain the need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before you can make an application to court. Start with a 30-minute consultation—speak to our family lawyers today.

Responding to CAFCASS Reports including Section 7 Assessments

Guidance on CAFCASS interviews and recommendations. Whether you’re applying for a child arrangement order, responding to a CAFCASS Section 7 report or seeking a consent order to formalise an agreement, we provide honest, calm advice to help you move forward.

Parenting Plans to Outline Agreed Responsibilities

Any agreement reached can then be incorporated into a parenting plan for future reference, should the need arise.

Disputes around Schooling, Health or Travel

We can help you resolve disputes concerning a child’s education, religion, name and relocation.

STEP ONE

Initial Consultation

We begin with a confidential 30-minute session to hear your concerns and explain your options.

STEP TWO

Advice and Strategy

We talk you through possible routes forward—whether mediation, negotiation or a formal child arrangement order—and help you prepare any necessary paperwork, such as a C100 form.

STEP THREE

Ongoing Legal Support

If the issue goes to court, we’ll represent you throughout. We also help you respond to CAFCASS input or proposed recommendations and apply for or formalise arrangements via consent order.

Who We Help

We understand the impact these decisions have on children and always keep their welfare at the centre of what we do. We regularly support:

  1. Parents who want to agree on or formalise living and contact arrangements
  2. Family members seeking court-recognised roles in a child’s life
  3. Individuals involved in parenting disputes, including those needing a child custody lawyer
  4. Anyone responding to a court application or CAFCASS report

Whatever stage you’re at—negotiating a parenting plan, preparing a court application or addressing urgent issues—we can help.

Book your Free No-Obligation 30-minute consultation today – Expert Legal Support is just a call away.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

From the moment I started to talk too Holland Family Law, they made me feel at ease with the possible situation that may be in store for me.  They answered all my questions with exceptional professionalism and clarity and with a sympathetic ear.  Thank you for your help.  I would recommend your firm thank you again.

Mr P, Leicester, December 2024

Holland Family Law have been fantastic on helping me deal with my divorce. They have guided me at every stage and explained the process to me so that I felt empowered throughout the whole process. They have always been at the end of the phone and respond to emails promptly which has put me at ease at such a difficult time. They were brilliant at explaining things in such a way so that I understand and can make informed decisions. I would highly recommend the whole firm.”

Ms BC, Lincs, February 2025

Just cannot thank you enough for all the help and support provided by the HFL Team, not just for me but especially for my daughters too. Thank you so much, it’s all much appreciated.

Mr F, Leicester, July 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

It sets out who a child lives with and spends time with. These orders are made by the family court when parents can’t agree on arrangements.

A Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting is a first step before going to court. It assesses whether mediation might help reach an agreement without court proceedings.

This report provides the court with a view on the child’s welfare. It includes input from the child, both parents and makes recommendations about contact and living arrangements.

A child arrangement order is made by the court after hearing both sides. A consent order formalises an agreement the parents have already reached.

Not always. Many matters are resolved through mediation or mutual agreement. However, if agreement isn’t possible, you may need to apply for a child arrangements order in court.

Grandparents don’t have automatic rights to see their grandchildren. If informal or mediated arrangements fail, they can ask the court for a child arrangements order to request contact.

Court orders are legally binding. If one parent refuses to comply, you can ask your solicitor about enforcement options, including taking the matter back to court to ensure the child’s welfare is upheld.

Child maintenance is calculated using set guidelines that consider income, number of children and custody arrangements. It’s best handled through agreed terms or the Child Maintenance Service, guided by legal advice.

You shouldn’t move with your child without permission. This can require a specific issue order order or a variation to an existing child arrangements order, depending on the circumstances.

If there are concerns, a prohibited steps order can prevent unsafe actions, such as removal or relocation. For more urgent issues, emergency court applications may be required to protect the child’s welfare.

No, changing a child’s surname requires either agreement from both parents with parental responsibility or a court order. Unilateral changes can lead to legal challenges.

Unmarried parents usually have parental responsibility automatically if listed on the birth certificate. Otherwise, legal agreements or court orders are needed to establish these rights.

A prohibited steps order prevents someone (usually a parent) from taking specific actions concerning a child such as relocation, school changes or name changes. It’s used when agreement isn’t possible and the child’s well-being could be affected.

Yes. Family court matters involving children are private. Many details and documents remain sealed to protect the child’s best interests.

Talk to Holland Family Law

If you’re unsure about your rights, dealing with a dispute or need legal support around your child’s arrangements, we’re here to help. Speak to a child law solicitor and book your 30-minute consultation today.

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