What is a Child Arrangements Order (CAO) and when are they necessary?

A child arrangements order is a Court Order determining where a child shall live, with whom they will spend time and how often they will have contact with each parent or other significant people in their life.

The paramount concern of the Court when making CAOs is the welfare of the child and ensuring that any order is in the best interests of the child.

A CAO is usually necessary when parents cannot agree on the living and contact arrangements for their child after separation or divorce. It can be applied for by either parent, a guardian, or any person with parental responsibility for the child. In some cases, grandparents or other relatives may also seek a CAO if they have been involved in the child’s upbringing.

While it is generally encouraged for parents to reach an agreement between themselves, a CAO becomes essential when disputes arise that cannot be resolved without legal intervention.

Our family law solicitors offer an initial free consultation, which you can book by emailing us at family@mincoffs.co.uk, or call our expert team on 0191 281 6151 today.