Private Children Law Solicitors In The South West

When a relationship or marriage ends, one of the most emotionally challenging aspects is deciding on the future arrangements for your children.

Disputes can arise around where children should live, how much time they should spend with each parent, or how specific aspects of their upbringing should be managed.

These types of legal matters relating to children are decided between private individuals, usually the parents or guardians and fall under private children law.  

Our dedicated family law lawyers have extensive experience helping parents navigate these sensitive situations with care, clarity and a focus on what matters most: the welfare of your children.

Child Arrangements Orders

A Child Arrangements Order sets out where a child should live and the contact they should have with each parent or other significant family members. These orders help clarify what the arrangements are for the children and can prevent future conflict.

We can help you resolve matters such as:

• Who the child lives with (residence);
• How much time they spend with the other parent (contact);
• Holiday schedules and special occasions;
• Communication arrangements.

Wherever possible, we encourage reaching an agreement outside of court through mediation. However, if court proceedings become necessary, our experienced lawyers will guide and represent you at every stage.

Prohibited Steps Orders

A Prohibited Steps Order prevents a parent or guardian from carrying out specific actions concerning a child, which they would ordinarily be able to do within the remits of having parental responsibility, without the court’s permission.

A Prohibited Steps Order may be necessary where there is a risk of harm or significant disagreement. Common situations where a Prohibited Steps Order may apply:

• Preventing a parent from taking a child abroad;
• Stopping an unauthorised change of school;
• Preventing a child from being moved locations;
• Decisions to stop medical treatment without consent.

Our team is highly experienced in handling urgent and sensitive applications where protective measures are needed to safeguard a child’s wellbeing.

Specific Issue Orders

A Specific Issue Order helps resolve a particular dispute about how a child is raised. These orders are useful where parents cannot agree on major parenting decisions.

Examples include:

• Which school a child should attend;
• Whether a child should follow a particular religion;
• Authorising or refusing medical treatment;
• Decisions about a child’s surname.

These issues can be complex and emotionally charged. We will work with you to present a strong case and seek the best outcome for your child(ren).

A Child Centred Approach

Our family lawyers are not only legal experts, but they are also highly attuned to the emotional realities of family breakdown. We always prioritise the best interests of the child, and we approach every case with compassion, sensitivity, and a commitment to achieving practical, workable solutions.

We aim to reduce conflict wherever possible, helping families reach agreements that allow children to thrive and maintain meaningful relationships with both parents.

Whether you are facing difficulties around agreeing living arrangements, worried about your child’s safety, or dealing with a specific dispute, we are here to help. Our approachable and skilled lawyers will provide clear advice tailored to your situation.

To speak to a member of our Family team in confidence, call 01392 477983 or complete the form and we will contact you.