What Is a Child Arrangements Order?
A Child Arrangements Order (CAO) is a court order that decides where a child lives and how much time they spend with each parent or family member. It replaced the old residence and contact orders in 2014. You apply using a C100 form, and the court considers what is in the best interests of the child above all else.
When Do You Need One?
You might need a child arrangements order if you and the other parent cannot agree on where your child lives, how much time they spend with each parent, or specific arrangements like holidays and schooling. This often arises after separation or divorce, or where one parent is preventing contact.
How We Help
At Access Law, we support you through every stage of a child arrangements case. This includes completing and filing your C100 application, drafting your witness statement and position statement, preparing you for CAFCASS interviews and welfare reports, organising your court bundle, and attending all hearings as your McKenzie Friend — in person or remotely.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No. Many parents successfully apply for and obtain child arrangements orders as litigants in person, supported by a McKenzie Friend. We provide the practical support, document preparation and courtroom assistance that makes self-representation effective.
Most cases take between 6 and 12 months from application to final order. Simple cases with limited disagreement may resolve at the first hearing (FHDRA). More complex cases involving CAFCASS reports or welfare concerns may require multiple hearings.
In most cases, yes — you need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before applying. However, you may be exempt if there are domestic abuse concerns, urgency, or the other party is overseas. We can advise on whether an exemption applies.
The court does not favour either parent based on gender. The guiding principle is the welfare of the child. Many fathers successfully obtain shared or primary care arrangements. Read our article on fathers in custody hearings for more detail.