Family Custody & Child Arrangement Solicitors
✓ Expert Child Custody Lawyers.
✓ Quality legal representation and support throughout.
✓ Child access, Child law, & Child arrangements
Child Arrangement Order Solicitors Burnley
At Farnworth Rose, our Child Arrangement Order Solicitors provide clear and compassionate legal advice to help you agree to safe and workable arrangements for your children.
We understand how difficult it can be when parents separate and can’t agree on where a child should live or how often they see the other parent. These are sensitive and often stressful decisions, but with the right legal support it is possible to reach a solution that puts your child’s welfare first and helps everyone move forward with confidence.
Our Child Custody Lawyers offer clear and supportive advice to help you make safe and lasting arrangements for your child. If you are trying to put something in writing, apply for an order or understand your options after a dispute, we will give you straightforward guidance from the start.
With over 35 years of combined legal experience, our team is known across Lancashire for being honest, approachable and focused on getting the right outcome for your child. We take the time to understand your concerns and explain everything in a way that feels manageable. From your first conversation with us, you will have direct contact with a solicitor who will keep you updated and help you stay in control.
We can help you with living arrangements, child contact, court applications and any changes to an existing order. If things feel uncertain right now, we will help you make a plan that works for you and supports your child’s welfare.
To speak with one of our experienced Child Arrangement Order Solicitors in Burnley, call 01282 695 400 or complete the enquiry form below.
Why Choose Farnworth Rose for Child Arrangements?
Choosing the right solicitor can make a difficult situation feel more manageable. At Farnworth Rose, our Child Arrangement Order Solicitors are here to support you with calm advice and steady guidance from start to finish.
We know how important it is to feel heard when decisions about your children are being made. Our Child Law Solicitors will take the time to listen, understand your concerns and help you focus on what is best for your child. Every step is explained in plain language, with regular updates so you are never left wondering what happened next. Clients choose us because:
You will speak directly with a family solicitor who understands child arrangements
We give advice that is practical, realistic and focused on your goals
You will have a clear understanding of the legal process at every stage
We respond quickly and keep you informed throughout
Our pricing is transparent and agreed with you in advance
When you instruct Farnworth Rose, you will have someone by your side who genuinely cares about helping you find the right outcome for your child. We are here to provide reassurance, protect your rights and guide you through each step with clarity and care.
Meet the Team
What is a Child Arrangement Order?
A Child Arrangement Order is a type of court order that sets out who a child lives with, when they spend time with the other parent and how contact should take place. It is designed to give clarity and structure when parents or carers cannot agree on the arrangements themselves.
These orders were introduced under the Children Act 1989 and have replaced the older terms "residence orders" and "contact orders." The focus is now on the child’s day-to-day routine and making sure that both parents understand their responsibilities and rights.
A Child Arrangement Order can be made by agreement between parents or imposed by the court where necessary. It may cover:
Where the child will live
How often the child sees the other parent
What happens during school holidays and birthdays
How handovers and communication are managed
The court’s main concern is always the welfare of the child. Before making an order, the court will look at a number of factors, including the child’s emotional needs, their wishes (if they are old enough), and any risks to their wellbeing.
Our Child Contact Solicitors can help you apply for a new order, respond to an existing application, or vary an order that no longer reflects your circumstances. If you're unsure about your rights or what the court might decide, we will talk you through it and help you plan your next steps with confidence.
How We Can Help with your Child Arrangements
Child arrangements can quickly become difficult when trust has broken down or communication stops. At Farnworth Rose, we help parents and carers take a steady and sensible approach — even when things feel personal or stuck.
You may be dealing with missed contact, uncertainty about handovers, or worries about your child’s welfare. In some cases, arrangements are already part of court proceedings, and you may be waiting for a CAFCASS report or a first hearing. Whatever stage you are at, we will guide you through it with steady advice and a clear plan. Our Family Lawyers regularly help clients with:
Making or responding to a Child Arrangement Order application
Advice and support during CAFCASS interviews and safeguarding checks
Preparing for the first court hearing (FHDRA) and later review dates
Dealing with contact that is not happening as agreed
Asking the court to vary an existing order if your circumstances have changed
Urgent advice where there are concerns about your child’s safety or wellbeing
We understand how difficult these situations can be, especially when emotions are high or progress feels slow. We will take the time to explain the process, help you prepare for each step, and speak on your behalf when you need someone who understands both the law and your position.
Frequently Asked Questions for Child Arrangement Orders
+ What Does a Child Arrangement Order Legally Cover?
A Child Arrangement Order is a court order that sets out practical arrangements for a child after parents separate. It usually covers who the child lives with, how often they see the other parent, and how contact will work during weekends, holidays or special occasions.
The court can also include conditions about communication, handovers, and any other arrangements that support the child’s routine and wellbeing. The aim is to reduce conflict and provide structure for both parents and the child.
If you need advice on what can be included in your case, our Child Arrangement Order Solicitors in Burnley can help you understand your position and what the court will take into account.
+ Do I Have to Go to Court to Agree Child Arrangements?
No. Many parents are able to reach a suitable agreement without going to court. In most cases, it’s better to resolve things through discussion, negotiation or mediation. If an agreement is reached, it can often be written into a consent order, which the court can approve without a formal hearing.
You will usually need to try mediation first before making a court application unless your situation involves safeguarding concerns or domestic abuse.
Our Child Custody Lawyers in Burnley can help you explore all the options available and make sure any agreement is workable, fair and focused on your child’s best interests.
+ Do I Need a Solicitor to Apply for a Child Arrangement Order?
You are allowed to apply to the court without a solicitor, but getting legal advice can make a big difference. A solicitor can help you prepare the application properly, explain what to expect at each stage, and present your case clearly to the court.
If the other parent is contesting the application or the situation is already difficult, having legal support can help reduce stress and avoid mistakes that might affect the outcome.
Our experienced Child Access Solicitors can guide you through the entire process and help you work towards an outcome that supports your child.
+ Will CAFCASS Be Involved in My Case?
CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) is involved in most court applications relating to child arrangements. A CAFCASS officer will carry out initial safeguarding checks and may speak with both parents before the first court hearing.
If the court needs more information about the child’s needs or wishes, CAFCASS may be asked to prepare a more detailed report. Their input helps the court make decisions that reflect the child’s welfare.
Our Child Arrangement Order Solicitors will explain what to expect from CAFCASS involvement and help you prepare for any interviews or assessments.
+ How Long Does It Take to Get a Child Arrangement Order?
The time it takes can vary depending on whether the case is agreed or contested. If both parents reach an agreement early on, a consent order can often be approved by the court within a few weeks. If the case goes to a full hearing, it can take several months, especially if CAFCASS are preparing reports or if more than one hearing is needed.
Delays can also happen if the court is dealing with urgent matters like safeguarding. The key is to be well-prepared and clear about your concerns from the start.
Our Child Arrangement Order Solicitors in Burnley can help you understand the likely timescales based on your specific situation and guide you through each step.
+ Will the Court Listen to What My Child Wants?
Yes. The court will consider your child’s wishes and feelings if they are old enough to express them. This is usually done through a CAFCASS officer, who may speak with the child and include their views in a report. However, the court will always balance those wishes with the child’s overall welfare and best interests.
Age, maturity and emotional understanding all play a part in how much weight the court gives to a child’s views.
Our Child Custody Lawyers can explain how your child’s voice may be included in the process and what this means for your case.
+ Can I Ask for a Specific Contact Schedule in the Order?
Yes. A Child Arrangement Order can include a detailed contact schedule that sets out when your child will spend time with each parent. This can include school holidays, weekends, midweek visits and special occasions such as birthdays or Christmas. The more specific the order, the easier it can be to avoid confusion or disagreement in the future.
If both parents agree, the court is likely to approve the proposed schedule. If there’s a dispute, the court will decide based on what is best for the child.
Our Child Contact Solicitors can help you put together a clear and practical contact plan that suits your child’s needs.
+ Can a Child Arrangement Order Be Changed Later?
Yes. If your circumstances change after the order is made, you can apply to the court to have it varied. This might be necessary if one parent moves to a new area, if the child’s routine has changed, or if contact is no longer working as originally planned.
The court will always consider whether the changes are in the child’s best interests. If both parents agree, the variation can often be approved without a hearing.
Our Child Arrangement Solicitors can advise you on whether a variation is likely to be accepted and help you make a strong application.
+ What Happens if the Other Parent Doesn’t Follow the Order?
If one parent breaches the order without a good reason, the other parent can apply to the court to enforce it. The court will expect both parties to comply with the arrangements and may take action if the order is being ignored.
In some cases, the court can impose penalties or change the terms of the order to prevent future issues. The focus is always on encouraging cooperation and protecting the child’s routine.
Our Child Arrangement Order Solicitors can help you take the right steps to address a breach and protect your child’s time with both parents.
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Contact our Child Arrangement Order Solicitors in Burnley
Making arrangements for your child after a separation or dispute can be one of the most emotionally challenging experiences a parent will face. It’s not always easy to know what steps to take, especially when communication has broken down or court proceedings have already started. Our team is here to support you with calm, compassionate and experienced legal advice.
Our experienced Child Arrangement Order Solicitors in Lancashire are based in Nelson, near Burnley. We’re committed to helping parents and carers put clear, workable arrangements in place that support their child’s wellbeing and provide peace of mind for the future.
With over 35 years of combined legal experience, Farnworth Rose is trusted by families across the region to advise on contact, living arrangements, enforcement and everything in between. You will have direct access to one of our dedicated Child Law Solicitors, who will take time to understand your concerns, explain your options clearly and guide you towards the outcome that is right for you and your child.
As a full-service firm of Solicitors in Burnley & Nelson, we can support you with every aspect of family law — from applying for a Child Arrangement Order to advising on CAFCASS Involvement, variation applications and court representation if needed. We’re here to reduce the pressure and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Our award-winning family law team is known across the Northwest for being approachable, honest and responsive. We regularly support clients with Child Arrangements in Preston, Manchester, Blackburn, Rochdale and Bolton, as well as across the Pennines in Leeds, Huddersfield, Skipton, Keighley and beyond.
Wherever you are in England or Wales, our team is here to provide practical legal advice that puts your child’s best interests first. We’ll work with you to find a way forward that feels safe, fair and realistic for everyone involved.
To speak with one of our specialist Child Custody Lawyers at Farnworth Rose, call us now on 01282 695 400 or complete the form below, and we’ll be in touch.