top of page
Search

What is a Child Arrangements Order?

  • Writer: Your Family Time Matters
    Your Family Time Matters
  • Jun 3
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 14

A Child Arrangements Order (CAO) is a court order made under section 8 of the Children Act 1989. It sets out the practical arrangements for:

  • Who a child lives with

  • Where the child will live

  • When and how they will spend time with each parent or other significant individuals in their life


CAOs replaced the former "residence" and "contact" orders to simplify the legal process and keep the child’s welfare as the primary focus.


What Can Be Included in a Child Arrangements Order?

A CAO can specify:

  • Who the child lives with, whether full-time or part-time

  • How time is divided between parents or carers

  • Contact arrangements, including face-to-face time, phone or video calls, and written communication

  • Holiday schedules, schooling, travel plans, and religious or cultural considerations, where relevant


Who Can Apply?

The following people can apply without seeking permission from the court:

  • Parents, guardians or special guardians

  • Anyone with parental responsibility

  • Step-parents who were married to a parent

  • Individuals with an existing residence order

  • Anyone who has lived with the child for three or more years


Others, such as grandparents or extended family members, may need to apply for the court’s permission before proceeding.


The Application Process

  1. Initial Discussions or Parenting Agreements encouraged that parents attempt to agree on arrangements directly or through a parenting plan.

  2. Mediation Before applying to court, most applicants must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), unless exempt (e.g., due to domestic abuse).

  3. Court Application (Form C100)The applicant submits a completed C100 form to the family court. If allegations of harm or abuse are raised, Form C1A must also be submitted.

  4. Court Fee A fee of approximately £263 is payable upon application (subject to change or possible exemption based on financial circumstances).

  5. First Hearing (FHDRA)The court sets a date for a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment, where it may be possible to resolve issues or progress to further directions and hearings.


What the Court Considers

The court is guided by the welfare checklist, which includes:

  • The child’s wishes and feelings (given appropriate weight based on age and understanding)

  • Their emotional, physical and educational needs

  • The likely impact of any change in circumstances

  • The child’s age, sex, background and characteristics

  • Any risk of harm

  • The capability of each parent to meet the child’s needs

  • The range of powers available to the court


All decisions must prioritise the best interests of the child.


Duration and Legal Standing

  • A CAO typically lasts until the child turns 18, unless otherwise specified.

  • It is legally binding.

  • Breaches may result in court sanctions, which could include fines, community work, or other enforcement measures if the order is deliberately disobeyed.


Varying or Enforcing a CAO

  • Enforcement: If one party fails to comply with a CAO, the other party can apply to enforce it using Form C79. Mediation should be considered before escalating to court.

  • Variation: Circumstances may change over time (e.g., moving house, work schedules, or a child’s preferences). Parties can apply to vary the CAO through Form C100 if agreement cannot be reached amicably.


How Your Family Time Matters Can Assist

At Your Family Time Matters, we provide practical, sensitive, and professional support to parents and carers navigating child arrangements. Our services include:

  • Helping you understand your legal options

  • Assisting with parenting plans and negotiations

  • Supporting you through the mediation process

  • Drafting documentation to support your CAO application

  • Helping you prepare for court hearings and liaising with professionals such as CAFCASS


Our aim is always to prioritise the well-being of your child and help you work towards constructive, child-centred arrangements.


In Summary

A Child Arrangements Order provides structure and clarity when parents or carers cannot agree on where a child lives and how time is shared. While mutual agreement is ideal, a CAO offers a legally enforceable solution that puts the child’s best interests first.

For compassionate, informed guidance tailored to your circumstances, Your Family Time Matters is here to help every step of the way.



ree

 
 
bottom of page