The expert family solicitors at Jordan Williams Law Ltd., are based in Corfe Mullen, Wimborne and Ferndown, Dorset and can advise you on resolving disputes in respect of arrangements for your children on separation and divorce. Contact David Williams or Sarah Jordan now for an initial free consultation to discuss your individual needs.

Information can be found at the following links:

• The Sorting Out Separation site
• CAFCASS
• The Citizens Advice Bureau
• The Parent Connection

Parents can consider a parenting plan if they attend mediation or another dispute resolution service. For more information on parenting plans, the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (CAFCASS) have produced a guide “Putting your children first: a guide for separated parents” which is available here.

If you intend to apply to the court for an order in respect of children you will have to attend a MIAM (mediation information and assessment meeting) with a mediator before the court will accept your application unless an exemption applies (link to read more). The Applicant has to provide confirmation from a mediator that the Applicant has attended the MIAM. A prospective Respondent does not have to attend but is encouraged to do so.

Child Arrangements Orders now replace Residence, (formerly known as custody and contact). The child arrangements order regulates:

It is assumed that a child will benefit from having both parents involved in its life, unless there is evidence that involvement would put a child at risk of suffering harm whatever the form of the involvement. Involvement does not mean equal sharing or even necessarily direct involvement.

The court can order parents during the case to attend a MIAM, to attend separating parents information program or dispute resolution service.

The court will only make a child arrangements order if it is in the interests of the child to do so.