Child Arrangements Solicitor in London
When parents separate, it’s normal to feel anxious about time with your child and what the future looks like.
We provide calm, practical advice to help you agree a workable plan — and if agreement isn’t possible, we’ll guide you through the next steps in a clear, child-centred way.
How we can help
We support parents (and, where appropriate, other family members) with:
- Clear advice on child arrangements — sometimes called “child custody” or “child contact”
- Helping you put a practical parenting plan in place (routines, holidays, handovers, communication)
- Advice on mediation and other ways to agree without going to court (where safe and suitable)
- Guidance on court applications if needed (child arrangements / specific issue / prohibited steps) using the C100 process
- Divorce proceedings, if the parents are married
- Other family law matters
- Calm, measured communication to reduce conflict
Appointments by phone or Zoom (face-to-face available if preferred)
What “child arrangements” usually covers
A child arrangements plan (whether agreed or ordered by the court) typically deals with things like:
- Where your child lives
- How time is shared between parents
- Arrangements for school weeks, weekends and h and practical logistics
- How you’ll communicate about your child going forward
The focus is on what supports your child’s wellbeing and stability.
Agreement first (where possible)
How we can help you,
- Shape a workable plan
- Keep wording child-focused and practical
- Reduce misunderstandings that lead to repeat disputes later
If you can’t agree: MIAM and the court route (C100)
If agreement isn’t possible, you may be able to apply to the family court. In many cases, it’s a legal requirement to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before applying — unless a valid exemption applies.
Court applications for child arrangements (and related disputes) are commonly made using Form C100, and you may be able to apply online to avoid delay.
We will explain,
- Whether a MIAM is required in your situation (and what exemptions might apply)
- What the court is likely to need from you
- How to present the issues clearly and calmly, without inflaming matters
Specific issue and prohibited steps applications
Sometimes the dispute is about a specific decision (for example, schooling, holidays, or medical questions), or you need an order preventing a particular step. The C100 process covers:
- Child arrangements orders
- Specific issue orders
- Prohibited steps orders
We’ll help you understand which application fits the problem you’re trying to solve.
Why choose Kearney Legal?
Clients choose us for:
- Direct access to a qualified solicitor
- Calm, plain-English advice and practical next steps
- A constructive approach focused on reducing conflict
- Phone/Zoom appointments available
Our approach: practical and child-focused
- Initial consultation — what’s happening now and what your child needs day-to-day
- Plan + options — agreement first where appropriate; court steps where necessary
- Proposals / paperwork — clear, realistic and child-focused
- Progress matters — negotiation/mediation support, or court guidance if needed
- Outcome — a workable arrangement you can actually follow
Child Arrangements FAQs
Do we have to go to court?
Not always. Many families reach agreement through discussion, mediation or other support. Court is usually a last resort.
What is a MIAM?
A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is a meeting with an authorised mediator to learn about mediation and other options. In many cases it’s a legal requirement before applying to court, unless an exemption applies.
What is the C100 form used for?
It’s used to apply for a child arrangements order, prohibited steps order or specific issue order (and in some cases to vary or discharge an order).