Children Arrangements
Children Arrangements Solicitors
Many marriages and relationships break down every year, but children should still continue to have a good relationship with both parents.
When it comes to children arrangements, Rothera Bray’s expert family solicitors can help you and your partner come to the best agreement for everyone involved.
The subject of child contact can be a contentious one, particularly if a divorce is on the grounds of adultery or unreasonable behaviour.
However, it’s important to consider the short and long-term implications that your decisions will have on your family.
Who can apply for a child arrangements order?
The parents or guardian of a child can apply, as well as anyone who has lived with the child for at least three of the last five years (as long as the application is made within three years of the child no longer living with them), a person in a marriage where children were part of the family, such as a step-parent, and where a child is in care and the local authority agrees to an application being made.
Other individuals can also make an application even if they do not fit into the categories above; the court will take into account the individual’s relationship with the child, the advantages of the order and any risk of harm to the child.
Will I have to go to court for child arrangements?
If you and your former partner can’t agree on child arrangements, there are alternatives to court such as mediation which can help you negotiate and reach an agreement.
The court usually likes to see that you have attempted dispute resolution methods and tried to reach an agreement outside of court before they will hear your case.
However, if you cannot resolve the matter outside of court, you will have to attend court for a judge to hear your case and make a decision for you.
What factors does the court consider when making a child arrangements order?
The court will consider a number of factors when making a child arrangements order, especially taking into account what is in the child’s best interests.
It will consider the wishes and feelings of the child, particularly if they are older, their emotional, physical and educational needs, the impact any significant changes will have on the child and how capable each parent is in meeting the needs of the child.
How much does a child arrangement order cost?
There is a court fee of £232 to pay for the court order.
If you also instruct a solicitor, then your legal costs will vary depending on the complexity of your case and whether an agreement can be reached in the early stages of your case or you need to attend a final hearing in court with a solicitor representing you.
Why use Rothera Bray for children arrangements?
Our family lawyers have extensive experience in dealing with difficult cases of this nature and have the necessary skills and expertise to negotiate child-focused arrangements.
We can help you resolve practical issues over handovers and direct contact, disputes around education, and holiday permissions and relocation.
We approach each child contact and maintenance case on an individual basis, coming up with solutions to suit your specific situation.
If no agreement is reached, we have a wealth of experience in representing both parents and grandparents in the family courts.
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David Berridge
Partner
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Shelby was our solicitor for our mortgage the process was super fast, very shocked to say we was doing a right to buy. The communication was great and we was never sat wondering, all our questions was answered, she made us feel at ease with the whole process and was very kind and approachable and always went the extra mile to make sure we understood everything. We would definitely recommend Shelby to anyone who needs a kind caring professional solicitor.
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Overwhelming gratitude for Sara's handling of our house buying and selling process. During what was a very stressful process with lots of setbacks in the chain, Sara was professional, efficient and friendly through it all. As first time sellers we felt we could ask any questions around the process and if the answer wasn't known she would find out for us, without any suggestion we should already know the answers. Sara was the key communicator in our house buying process, and along with her team kept the whole thing moving in the right direction. We felt prioritised and listened to. Having used Rothera Bray 8 years ago we were pleased to find the quality of service is still second to none.
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Posted 13 May 2025
I recently used Shelby Richardson from Rothera Bray solicitors for my mortgage, and I couldn't be happier with the service. She was incredibly thorough and explained everything clearly, which really helped ease my stress during the whole process. Any questions I had were answered quickly and efficiently. I felt like she really had my best interests at heart and would definitely recommend them to anyone needing a mortgage solicitor!
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Kerry, we just wanted to say thanks so much for all you have done to help us through this process. Your efficiency, professionalism and pragmatism have been much appreciated.
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Carol, Gail, Steph, what a conveyancing team. They get you through all the obstacles the other side throw at you completely unnecessarily when selling a house in 2025. If you are a Landlord in 2025 selling lots of houses, expect torture and pain. Carols' team will at least make it less pain & get the completion over the line.
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We had an excellent experience with Rothera Bray and specifically Carol and Gail. Their efficiency and communication were superb through our very long process (due to issues in the chain). It was great on completion day when they rang to confirm the news and it did bring a tear to my eye. Rothera Bray were good at pursuing other legal teams elsewhere and ensuring we got a fair deal and what we wanted. I would strongly recommend Rothera Bray to other prospective house buyers/sellers.
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A Mullath
Ann-Marie Bowman
Partner & Chairwoman
Ann-Marie Bowman is Partner and Chairwoman of East Midlands-based law firm Rothera Bray Solicitors. Working from our Nottingham and Derby offices, Ann-Marie remains highly committed to her fee-earning work in Family law, dealing with all aspects of children matters.
David Berridge
Partner
David has over 30 years’ experience practicing Family Law. He is one of the most experienced family solicitors in Leicestershire and deals with a wide variety of matters.
Sarah Gill
Partner
Sarah is an experienced matrimonial and family law solicitor, dealing with children matters including Child Care, Financial issues following separation of married couples and divorce. She undertakes court work in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Warwickshire. She is based at our Market Harborough office.
Charley Kelly
Associate Solicitor
Charley is an experienced Family Associate Solicitor who specialises in all areas of Family law. She acts for clients on a wide range of family issues including divorce, financial remedy and children matters. She is based at our Leicester office.
Gurpreet Singh
Associate
Gurpreet Singh is an Associate in Rothera Bray’s Child Care department and is based at our Derby office.
Gabriella Kent
Solicitor
Gabriella Kent is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market and Derby offices.
Emily Sherwood
Solicitor
Emily Sherwood is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market Nottingham and Derby offices.
Skyler Broadhead
Senior Paralegal
Skyler Broadhead is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray Solicitors Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market and Derby offices.
Hannah Lilley
Paralegal
Hannah Lilley is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Child Care team and is based at our Lace Market and Derby offices. Hannah specialises in care proceedings and private children law matters.
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