Child Arrangements

Finding the Right Arrangements for your Family

Putting your child's needs at the centre

Child arrangements deal with the practical decisions that need to be made when parents separate, including where a child will live, how much time they will spend with each parent and how contact will take place. These arrangements can often be agreed between parents, sometimes with professional guidance, mediation or through a Parenting Plan that can be reviewed as a child’s needs change. Where agreement is not possible, the court can make a Child Arrangements Order, with the child’s welfare remaining the central focus throughout.

How I Can Help

When a relationship comes to an end, deciding what arrangements should be made for your children can feel overwhelming. Whilst every family is different, most parents share the same goal – ensuring their children feel secure, supported and able to maintain meaningful relationships with those who are important to them.

I can provide practical, straightforward advice to help you understand your options and work towards sensible, child-focused arrangements without unnecessary conflict.

I assist with:

Advising on the arrangements that may be appropriate for your children.
Explaining your legal position and helping you understand your rights and responsibilities as a parent.
Writing to the other parent or their solicitor in an effort to resolve matters constructively.
Supporting you throughout mediation by advising you before, during and after the process.
Drafting Parenting Plans that provide a clear framework for future arrangements.
Helping to negotiate agreements that place your children's welfare at the heart of every decision.

A Considered Approach

My practice is dedicated primarily to financial issues arising from separation and divorce. For that reason, if it becomes necessary to issue court proceedings or you require representation throughout contested child arrangements proceedings, I will usually recommend one of my trusted specialist colleagues who focuses exclusively on children matters. I work closely with a network of experienced family lawyers and can help ensure your case is referred to someone whose expertise is best suited to your circumstances.

Many families are able to reach workable arrangements without the need for contested court proceedings. By providing early advice, constructive correspondence and ongoing support alongside mediation, I aim to help parents find practical solutions that reduce conflict and allow them to move forward with confidence.

Above all, my focus is on helping parents make informed decisions that promote stability for their children while preserving constructive co-parenting relationships wherever possible.

Discuss Your Situation

If you would like to explore whether a child arrangement is appropriate for your circumstances, an introductory discussion can be arranged.

What is a Parenting Plan?

When parents separate, one of the most important priorities is making arrangements that work for their children. This article describes more in-depth what that might entail.

What Should a Parenting Plan Include?

Every family is different and every child arrangement plan will look slightly different. In this article I discuss what might be included in your plan.

What Happens if You Can't Agree?

Not every separating couple is able to reach an agreement immediately. Where agreement isn't possible, legal advice can help you understand the options available.

Elizabeth Stocker - Consultant Solicitor

Elizabeth is a highly experienced family law solicitor with over 17 years’ expertise in pre & post nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements, separation, divorce, civil partnership, child arrangements and financial matters. She provides clear, practical advice with a calm and supportive approach, helping clients navigate what can sometimes be complex situations with confidence. Elizabeth focuses on achieving constructive outcomes that reflect each client’s unique circumstances.

Learn more...

Where financial arrangements arising from relationships are not clearly defined, uncertainty follows.

Relationship agreements and financial arrangements often need more than a general conversation. They require careful legal consideration, clear documentation, and an understanding of the financial position behind the relationship. Elizabeth assists clients who need structured legal advice where assets, property, income, pensions and future provision need to be properly addressed.

Whether the matter concerns planning ahead, formalising an agreement, or resolving financial arrangements during a family law process, the right guidance can help create clarity from the outset.

If you would like to discuss your situation, please complete the form to request an introductory appointment.