Child Arrangements Order
When going through divorce or separation sometimes the hardest part is finding suitable arrangements for your children.
Depending on the circumstances, both parents will want to establish a way to see their children on a regular basis and when parents work together, this can be possible.
You will receive expert impartial support from our trained Mediators to help you address and resolve the issues which are important to you.
Book your MIAM
Our Family Mediation team are here to take the worry off your hands. We offer a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to discuss whether ongoing mediation is appropriate for your circumstances.
To ensure we are able to deal with your enquiry efficiently, please contact us for further information via email at enquiries@midlandsdove.co.uk, or you can complete a referral form here.
What is a Child Arrangement Order?
If parents are unable to come to an amicable decision themselves, Child Arrangements Orders can be actioned. This will define certain aspects of the parent – child relationship when parents have separated.
Our child mediation specialists can help you define the following:
- Financial arrangements (child maintenance etc.)
- Where your children will live
- The amount of time your children can spend with the other parent
- Who your children have access to and the time spent with them
- Grandparent’s rights
As child mediation specialists, we have a duty to ensure the welfare of the children involved is considered throughout the process. As children cannot make their own decisions on living arrangements when they are younger than 16, it is important when making child arrangements that every aspect of the children’s lives are considered. It is also paramount that both parents are capable of meeting the needs that are agreed as part of the Child Arrangements Order.
Child Arrangements Orders and MIAM
We understand and appreciate that when children are involved in the parents’ separation, it’s difficult to come to a decision that both parents are 100% happy with. When parents are struggling to come to an agreement, parents are legally required to attend a MIAM (Mediation Information Assessment Meeting) before applying for a Child Arrangements Order.
A MIAM gives parents the chance to discuss their concerns and their wishes when it comes to arrangements for their children. The MIAM process also gives parents the opportunity to consider alternative options to come to an amicable decision and avoid having to go to court.
How long is the Child Arrangements Order process?
The time it takes to make suitable arrangements for your children all depends on how co-operative parents are with each other. In some cases, Child Arrangements Orders can take between 6-12 months (if parents cannot come to an agreement and the court has to become involved).
In cases where parents cannot agree on how their time and access is split between their children, parents can then take the next step of filling out a C100 form.
What is a C100 Form?
A C100 form is an application form used when applying for Child Arrangements Orders. As your mediator, we have access to the form ourselves which we can help you to submit.
As this application will be sent to the courts, it is vital that you supply as much information as possible regarding your situation. This will make the Courts fully aware of your reasoning behind applying for a Child Arrangements Order.
If you are having issues agreeing on child arrangements with your ex-partner, click here for the C100 form. You can also contact our team of child mediation specialists should you require assistance and/or advice regarding Child Arrangements Orders.
How we can help
Our specially trained team of Family Mediators are able to provide impartial support during what may be a difficult and distressing time.
We have experience of helping people at difficult times in their lives and we are committed to delivering to you a professional and confidential service.
Location
Our specially trained mediators are able to provide impartial support across the country, using remote platforms.
In addition we have a network of offices based in: Chesterfield, Nottingham, Mansfield and Derby.
How to make contact
Our team are on hand to help you and can assist wherever you are based. Please email enquiries@midlandsdove.co.uk for further information, or complete a referral form.
