Child Access

Our expert child arrangement solicitors are ready to advise you on your rights and responsibilities when it comes to maintaining a relationship with a child following separation.

"Access" is an old term now replaced with child arrangements and arrangement orders.

You don’t have to go to court to agree on child access (when, where, and how often you and your partner see your child).

But if you can’t agree on an arrangement (alone or through mediation), we can help you reach a resolution through the courts.

The best interests of the child are the absolute priority. The court recognises the importance of both parents in a child’s life, so it’s unusual for a parent to get sole custody or residence, unless there’s a question of the child’s safety.

The court must consider all factors listed in the welfare checklist in Section 1 of the Children Act, including:

• Any harm or risk of harm to the child
• Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs
• The likely effects of any change in circumstances
• The child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs
• The child’s age, sex, background, and any other relevant characteristics
• The child’s wishes and feelings (bearing in mind their age and understanding).

The court also recognises the benefits to children of spending time with extended family.

If you are a stepparent, grandparent, civil partner, or other close relative, we may be able to help you with access.