Back to basics: What are Child arrangements?

27 July 2026

Often, when parents separate, their main concern is arrangements surrounding their children, for example, how much time they will spend with each parent.

This is known as child arrangements.

What is a Child Arrangements Order?

A Child Arrangement Order is a legally binding Court Order outlining where a child lives and how much time or contact they have with the other parent.

A Child Arrangements Order can also include other Orders such as a Prohibited Steps Order or a Specific Issue Order. In the legal framework of England & Wales, these arrangements are now usually made through a Child Arrangements Order (CAO) under section 8 of the Children Act 1989.

This can be done through the courts or by consent. Oftentimes, parents liaise with one another and discuss their own arrangements for their children, and this is filed with the Court as a Consent Order.

Parents may sort arrangements between themselves. However, this is not legally binding.

If parents cannot come to a decision, they may have to get a Child Arrangements Order from the Court. The Family Court, either a Judge or Magistrate, will decide for the parents and issue a legally binding order detailing who the child lives with and who they spend time with.

Common types of child contact arrangements

There is no one-size-fits-all child arrangement and so each case is tailored to the specific age, needs, wishes and routines of the child or children concerned. The Court may decide that contact with one parent should be limited, supervised or not at all.

Rather than trying to force a model structure, it is best to focus on an approach that works best for your family, some of which include:

• Shared care – This is when the child’s time is split or shared equally between the two parents.
• Lives With and Spends time With – In many cases, one parent is the main carer of the child and the other parent has regular contact but is not the main carer of the child. This Order declares that the child lives with one parent and spends time with the other, also referred to as the “resident parent” and the “non-resident parent”.
•  No Order for contact – where there are serious safeguarding concerns, the Court may Order that one parent has no contact. Other contact arrangements may be limited to indirect contact, such as sending letters, cards and gifts.

Key considerations when setting up contact arrangements

The top consideration when setting up contact arrangements is what is in the best interests of the child. The Court will consider many things before making a Child Arrangement Order, such as the child’s age, developmental stage and wishes, older children may have stronger views about where they live and how they spend time.

Practical considerations such as schooling, routine, extracurricular activities, and the distance between parents’ homes are important, as they affect stability and travel.

Each parent’s working hours and commitments must also be considered to ensure the schedule is realistic, including whether overnight stays are appropriate and how these might be introduced.

Additional factors include any special educational, medical or emotional needs, as well as potential changes in circumstances like relocation or new family members, meaning plans should remain flexible.

Finally, the success of arrangements depends on effective co‑parenting and communication, with the child’s best interest at heart.

How can we help

We know a separation can be hard on both parents and children involved, and that is why we are here to deal with matters swiftly and amicably.

Our talented team of solicitors are here to guide you through the family court processes, deal with necessary paperwork and provide representation at hearings.

If you have any queries to do with child arrangements, get in touch today!