A Child Arrangement Order settles with whom a child or children should live. It is rare for the Court to separate siblings but if it is in the children’s best interest they will do so. The Court looks at each child individually. It is becoming increasingly common for Courts to make arrangements whereby the child or children effectively share their time between 2 homes.

A Child Arrangements Order can set out exactly when each child lives in each home. It can set it out in general terms or be silent as to that aspect if the Court is confident that both parties can agree. The Child Arrangement Order also settles how and when a child should have contact with a person other than the person they live with. This may mean seeing that person face to face but can include letter writing, e mails, telephone contact etc. Where there are concerns about the care that a person may afford the child or children the Court may order a period of supervision ie another adult being present to ensure the child or children do not come to any harm.