When parents separate, the focus should be on what works for the children, not winning an argument.
herever 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.
Negotiating parenting arrangements between separated parents
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, emergency protection
International child abduction and cross-border disputes
Grandparent applications
Advice on CAFCASS involvement and section 7 reports
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.
Agreed arrangements are documented in a written parenting plan, covering where the children live, contact arrangements, and key decisions about their upbringing.
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.
Every piece of advice we give is framed around what is best for the children, not just what the parent wants.
Going to court over children is expensive and stressful. We help parents reach agreement without court wherever we can.
We advise on the MIAM requirement and can refer you to accredited mediators where mediation is appropriate.
Where a child's safety is at risk, we can make emergency applications to the court, sometimes the same day.
Including international disputes, relocation applications, and cases involving CAFCASS and welfare concerns.
We will tell you what the court is likely to think, not just what you want to hear.
Talk to our family law team. We will help you find the most practical route forward for you and your children.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Specific Issue Order is a mechanism for resolving a particular issue regarding a child's upbringing, for example which school they attend.
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.
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Ansons has offices in Lichfield, Cannock, Dudley, and Sutton Coldfield. All four offices cover family law matters, and our team regularly supports clients across the wider region, including Tamworth, Burntwood, Rugeley, Walsall, Birmingham, and surrounding areas.
Our Lichfield family law team advises parents on child arrangements, parenting plans, and court applications across the city and into Staffordshire. We work to keep things out of court wherever possible and focus on what works for the children.
St Mary's Chambers,
5-7 Breadmarket Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6LQ
T: 01543 263 456
E: info@ansons.law
Clients across Cannock and the surrounding area can access our family law team for advice on parental responsibility, child arrangements orders, and mediation. We handle urgent applications where the circumstances require it.
T: 01543 466 660
E: info@ansons.law
Our Sutton Coldfield family law solicitors help parents across the Royal Town and into Birmingham navigate child arrangements, from informal parenting plans through to contested court proceedings.
316-318 Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B74 2UG
T: 0121 716 3716
E: info@ansons.law
Our Dudley office serves clients across the Black Country on all aspects of children law, parental responsibility, child arrangements orders, and urgent applications where a child's welfare is at immediate risk.
Unit 10, Castle Court 2, Castlegate Way, Dudley, DY1 4RH
T: 0121 550 0010
E: info@ansons.law