Are you currently dealing with a custody agreement? Perhaps you’ve been hit with a child arrangement order. Without the right know-how, a lot of the legal jargon throughout your custody battle may be difficult to understand. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what a child arrangement order is, what your parental responsibility is, and all of the most commonly asked questions surrounding this subject. If you’re in need of legal assistance for your custody battle in the United Kingdom, keep reading to learn how Zain Legal & Co can help.
Everything You Need to Know About Child Arrangement Orders in the United Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Arrangement Orders
These commonly asked questions might be able to help you gain a more solid understanding of how child arrangement orders work.
What is a Child Arrangement Order?
A child arrangement order is a type of court order that occurs in the United Kingdom under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989. This type of court order determines where a child will live, in what ways they will be taken care of, and how often they will be allowed to see their other parent. Child arrangement orders are typically implemented if two parties (the parents or guardians) cannot effectively agree on how parental responsibilities and care for the child should be split between them.
For parents who are divorcing, child arrangement orders are not usually included in the divorce process. As a result, it is very important to make sure this process is implemented before signing any custody agreements.
Before the child arrangement order process, a mediator will meet with each party to help them reach a decision about how parental responsibilities and custody will be implemented without the need to go to court.
If for whatever reason the mediation doesn’t work, the only available option is to seek out a child arrangement order. Through this, a court will ultimately decide who should be the primary caregiver of the child and just how much access the other parent or guardian will have. In general, one should seek out a legal professional to ensure that the process goes smoothly and within your favor.
[Source: https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/grown-ups/professionals/private-law-cases/]
What is a MIAM?
A Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting or MIAM is a formal meeting with a professional mediator. This meeting usually only takes about an hour. During this hour, you will be able to talk to the mediator about your unique situation and which decisions need to be made. When attending a MIAM, the mediator will help you decide if your situation is ideal for mediation or if you should go directly to court.
A MIAM should not be seen as optional– a professional can significantly help you decide whether or not you have a chance at court, and they can also help both parties come to an agreement without a messy court battle. Just as well, a mediator may be able to connect you with third-party organizations that can help you with counselling and post-divorce parenting classes.
[Source: https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/family-mediation/assessment-meeting-miam/]
What is a C100 Form?
A C100 form is a document needed to request a court hearing for a child arrangement order. You can easily download a court order application and a C100 form to fill out via the UK government website. We recommend submitting the filled form online to avoid delays in submission, but you can also submit your C100 application as a print-out to the C100 Applications office in Slough.
What is a Consent Order?
A consent order is an official order made by a UK judge during a divorce hearing. This order is made when both individuals or parties have agreed to their settlement terms and finances without the need for an official court hearing. Typically, a consent order will occur along with a child arrangement order if both parties are agreeable and are actively working towards amicable financial and child-rearing decisions post-marriage.
[Source: https://www.gov.uk/money-property-when-relationship-ends/apply-for-consent-order]
Book a Call with Zain Legal & Co
If you’re in need of help when it comes to a child custody battle or a child arrangement order in the United Kingdom, the team at Zain Legal & Co are here to help. Our team of professional consultants has the expertise, experience, and level of trust that only the best of the best in legal assistance can offer. Get in touch with us today to book a free fifteen-minute consultation. We’re standing by to help you during this difficult time.
How was our guide to how child arrangement orders work? We want to hear what your experience has been like in the comments below.