What is a Child Arrangements Order?
A Child Arrangements Order (CAO) is a court order that establishes arrangements for a child or children, specifically regarding:
- With whom the child will live, spend time, or otherwise have contact
- When the child will live, spend time, or otherwise have contact with any person
"Contact" refers to the time a child spends with an adult, which may take several forms:
- Direct contact: Face-to-face time with the person named in the order
- Overnight contact: Extended or overnight visits
- Telephone or video contact: Facetime, skype, phone calls.
- Supervised contact: Visits monitored by an approved supervisor
- Indirect contact: Communication through letters, cards, or other indirect means
The court may also decide to order no contact if it is deemed necessary.
Applying for a Child Arrangements Order
If difficulties arise in arranging contact for children, you need to explore mediation first unless exempt. Mediation offers an excellent alternative to court, promoting cooperative discussion. However, if mediation fails and positions remain fixed, a court application is often the next appropriate option to provide a formal resolution. There is a £255 court fee for applying and you use a C100 form to apply.
Free guide to complete the C100 Form.
Who Can Apply for a Child Arrangements Order
The child’s parent, a step-parent, guardian, or anyone the child has lived with for at least three out of the last five years (including the last three months) may apply for a CAO. Others may apply if they have the consent of all individuals with parental responsibility or the court’s permission.
More Details on Child Arrangements Orders
A CAO can specify which person a child will live with, though it does not always determine a specific location.
- Living Arrangements: A CAO can allow a child to live with one parent or both parents. If the order specifies both parents, it does not mean the child spends equal time in each home. Instead, it acknowledges both parents as having equal legal status. The order typically includes a detailed schedule, even if the time spent with each parent is unequal.
- Duration of the Order: A CAO deciding where a child lives usually remains in effect until the child turns 18. For orders concerning contact with another person, they typically last until the child is 16 but may extend to 18 in special circumstances.
