What is CAFCASS and will they be involved in my case?

CAFCASS is the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. It advises the family court on matters involving children. In most disputed child arrangement cases, CAFCASS carries out safeguarding checks and speaks to the parents and children, where appropriate.

What is a Prohibited Steps Order?

A Prohibited Steps Order prevents a parent from taking a specific action in relation to a child without the court's permission, for example taking the child abroad, changing their school, or changing their name.

What is a Specific Issue Order?

A Specific Issue Order is a mechanism for resolving a particular issue regarding a child's upbringing, for example which school they attend.

Child arrangements solicitors | Ansons Solicitors

Keeping children at the centre of every decision

Decisions about where children live, who they spend time with, and how the big decisions about their upbringing are made are among the most important any parent can face. They are also among the most emotional.

Wherever possible, these arrangements are best made between parents directly, or with the help of a mediator, without the need for court.

But when that is not possible, or when there are welfare concerns, the family court can make orders to resolve the dispute.

Our family law team helps parents across Staffordshire and the West Midlands reach practical, workable arrangements for their children, always with the children's welfare at the centre of the advice we give.

Make an enquiry

What we can help with

Parenting plans, setting out day-to-day arrangements clearly

Parental responsibility: who has it and how to obtain it

Child Arrangements Orders

Prohibited Steps Orders

Specific Issue Orders (schooling, medical treatment, religion)

Urgent applications, child abduction, relocation

Grandparent applications

Advice on CAFCASS involvement and Social Services and court ordered reports

The process for resolving children's arrangements

Court should always be the last resort

Going to court over children is expensive, slow, and damaging to the co-parenting relationship. Most arrangements can be agreed through direct negotiation or mediation. We always explore every alternative before recommending court proceedings.

NDCR

Parties must consider non court dispute resolution (NCDR). This often involves attendance at a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)

Negotiation

We help you negotiate practical arrangements directly with the other parent, or through a mediator, wherever possible.

Parenting plan

Agreed arrangements are documented in a written parenting plan, covering where the children live, contact arrangements, and key decisions about their upbringing.

Court (if needed)

If agreement cannot be reached, we apply for a Child Arrangements Order. The court applies the welfare checklist and the child's welfare is the paramount consideration.

Understanding parental responsibility and Children Act orders

Parental responsibility (PR) is the legal authority to make decisions about a child's upbringing. Not every parent automatically has it, and understanding who has PR and what it means is an important first step.

Key things you should know

Mothers automatically have parental responsibility.
Fathers have PR if they are married to the mother, or named on the birth certificate for births registered after 1 December 2003.
Unmarried fathers not on the birth certificate can acquire PR through a Parental Responsibility Agreement or court order.
A Child Arrangements Order specifies where a child lives and who they spend time with. The court applies the welfare checklist in Section 1 of the Children Act 1989.
CAFCASS carries out safeguarding checks and speaks to the parents and children, where appropriate, in most contested cases and may prepare a Child Impact Report with recommendations for the court.

You and your Family are in safe hands.

Children's welfare first, always

Every piece of advice we give is framed around what is best for the children, not just what the parent wants.

Negotiated outcomes where possible

Going to court over children can be expensive and stressful. We help parents reach an agreement without court wherever we can.

MIAM and mediation support

We advise on the MIAM requirement and can refer you to accredited mediators where mediation is appropriate.

Urgent and emergency applications

Where a child's safety is at risk, we can make emergency applications to the court, sometimes the same day.

Expertise in complex cases

Relocation applications, cases involving CAFCASS and welfare concerns.

Clear, honest advice

We will tell you what the court is likely to think, not just what you want to hear.

Frequently asked questions

If you are unsure where to start, the FAQs below cover the questions we hear most often. Our Family Law team is on hand if you want to talk through anything specific.

Simply give us a call on 0121 716 3716

Do I need a court order to agree arrangements for my children?

No. Most parents reach arrangements informally between themselves or with the help of mediation. A formal court order is only needed if parents cannot agree, or if one parent wants to formalise an arrangement in a legally binding way.

What is a Child Arrangements Order?

A Child Arrangements Order is a court order made under the Children Act 1989. It sets out where a child lives and who they spend time with. Previously these were called residence orders and contact orders.

How does the court decide what is best for the children?

The court applies the welfare checklist in Section 1 of the Children Act 1989. This includes the child's wishes and feelings according to their age, their physical, emotional, and educational needs, the likely effect of any change, and any risk of harm. The child's welfare is the court's paramount consideration.

Your Family Law Experts

Our Family Law team is here for people, not just cases. Approachable, compassionate, and focused on securing the best possible outcomes for you and your loved ones. Combining specialist expertise with clear, practical advice, they guide you through life's most challenging moments with sensitivity, integrity, and unwavering professionalism.

Joanne Vernon

LL.B. (Hons)

Associate Director, Head of Family Law

Sara Anderson

LL.B. (Hons)

Associate Director

Maisie Watts

LL.B. (Hons), LL.M.

Solicitor

Aisha Quereshi

LLB (Hons)

Solicitor

Latest Insights.

Explore Ansons Insights for the latest legal updates, case reviews, and practical advice from our team across commercial, property, family, and private client law.

Probate

Inheritance Disputes on the Rise | Protect Your Family | Ansons Law

Inheritance disputes are becoming more common across the UK. Our wills and probate solicitors explain what you can do now to protect your family and avoid conflict later.

Deeds

APR and BPR changes from April 2026: what it means for farms and family businesses | Ansons

From 6 April 2026, APR and BPR inheritance tax reliefs are capped. Learn what is changing, what it could mean for your estate, and what steps to take now.

Family Law

Divorce process in 2026: key stages, timings and financial pitfalls

Mike Vale explains the 2026 divorce process, key timings and why sorting finances matters. Clear, practical guidance from Ansons Solicitors.

Family Law

Conduct and its considerations within matrimonial proceedings – Unpacking the Dmitry Tsvetkov v Elsina Khayrova ruling

Learn how the Tsvetkov v Khayrova case reshaped the role of conduct in divorce settlements and what evidence is needed to affect financial outcomes.

Wills

Did you know… you can appoint a guardian for your children to act whilst you are still alive?

Learn how to appoint a guardian in your Will and how the court can put arrangements in place while you’re alive. Practical steps for parents and carers.

Ownership

Don’t be left short following a short marriage

Short, childless marriage? Learn when courts depart from 50:50, how Miller and Sharp apply, and the steps to protect your position. Get clear family law advice.

Serving clients across Staffordshire and the West Midlands

Ansons has offices in Lichfield, Cannock, Sutton Coldfield and Dudley. All four cover family law. Choose an office below for local contact details, or read more about our family law service in each town.

Our head office is at St Mary's Chambers on Breadmarket Street, in the centre of the city. We advise clients across Lichfield, Burntwood, Shenstone, Alrewas and Fradley.

Family law solicitors in Lichfield

St Mary's Chambers,
5-7 Breadmarket Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6LQ

T: 01543 263 456
E: info@ansons.law

Commerce House is on Ridings Park, just off Eastern Way, with free parking on site. We advise clients across Cannock, Hednesford, Heath Hayes, Norton Canes and Rugeley.

Family law solicitors in Cannock

Commerce House, Ridings Park, Eastern Way, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 7FJ

T: 01543 466 660
E: info@ansons.law

Our office is on Lichfield Road at Mere Green, within reach of Four Oaks, Little Aston, Streetly, Boldmere and the north Birmingham suburbs. Appointments in person or by video.

Family law solicitors in Sutton Coldfield

316-318 Lichfield Road, Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B74 2UG

T: 0121 716 3716
E: info@ansons.law

Castle Court is on Castlegate Way, just off the ring road. We advise clients across Dudley, Netherton, Sedgley, Brierley Hill, Kingswinford, Halesowen and Stourbridge.

Family law solicitors in Dudley

Unit 10, Castle Court 2, Castlegate Way, Dudley, DY1 4RH

T: 0121 550 0010
E: info@ansons.law