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Sorting Out Child Arrangements: Key Points

Family law · Factsheet

What You Need to Sort Out

  • 1. Where the children will live
  • 2. When and how children have time with both parents
  • 3. How you will continue to pay for their needs
  • 4. Consider shared care arrangements if appropriate
  • 5. Agree on rules and routines for both homes

Legal Considerations

  • Court’s priority: Best interests of the child
  • Importance of child’s relationship with both parents
  • Child’s wishes (considered based on age and understanding)
  • Physical, emotional, and educational needs
  • Effect of changes on the child
  • Any harm or risk of harm to the child

Ways to Reach Agreement

  • 1. Agreeing between yourselves
  • 2. Using family mediation services
  • 3. Using solicitors to negotiate
  • 4. Applying to court (as a last resort)
  • Consider legal advice before making big decisions

Common Problems and Solutions

  • Child wants to live with other parent: Discuss reasons, consider trial period
  • Child doesn’t want to see other parent: Find out why, address concerns
  • Other parent blocking access: Try communication, consider mediation
  • Other parent won’t see child: Explain situation to child, maintain possibility
  • Concerns about child being taken abroad: Seek legal advice, consider court order
  • Other parent moving away: Try to agree new arrangements, consider court if needed

Helpful Resources

Reviewed
August 2026
Source
Download this factsheet as a PDF 5-Sorting-Out-Child-Arrangements-Key-Points.pdf · 1 page

The PDF is retained as historical material: it shows a superseded service name (National Domestic Violence Helpline). The service is now the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, 0808 2000 247. Checked against nationaldahelpline.org.uk on 6 August 2026.

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