Overview
When a relationship breaks down and there are children involved, reaching sensible, stable arrangements for where they live and how they spend time with each parent is the most important thing either parent can do for them.
The law in England and Wales is clear: the welfare of the child is paramount. Arrangements should be child-focused — not shaped by adult grievances or used as leverage in financial or other disputes.
Marsl Sharifi advises separated parents on child arrangements, from negotiated agreements and formal parenting plans through to contested child arrangements order proceedings. He takes a calm, grounded approach — prioritising practical outcomes that work for the children — and he advises his clients honestly when a particular approach is unlikely to serve their child's best interests.
Who this service is for
- You are separating or divorcing and need to agree where your children will live and how they will spend time with both parents.
- You and your co-parent cannot agree on arrangements and are considering court proceedings.
- You have existing arrangements that are breaking down — for example, because one parent is not facilitating contact, or because circumstances have changed.
- You want to formalise an existing informal agreement in a child arrangements order.
- You are concerned about a child's safety or welfare in the care of the other parent.
- One parent is seeking to move to another city or country with the children.
What you'll need
- Statements from each parent setting out the arrangements they propose and why they are in the child's best interests.
- Evidence of the current arrangements and each parent's involvement in the child's life.
- A CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) report — a court-commissioned welfare report prepared by an independent officer.
- Any relevant documentation about the child's welfare, medical needs, school attendance, or emotional wellbeing.
- Evidence relevant to specific concerns — for example, evidence of domestic abuse, substance misuse, or other welfare risks.
- For agreed arrangements formalised in a consent order: the proposed terms of the order and a brief summary of the arrangements.
Fees
Marsl's professional fees for a child arrangements matter are £2,400 + VAT. Fees depend on whether the matter is agreed or contested and the stage at which work is required. The court application fee for a child arrangements order is currently £232. In accordance with the SRA Transparency Rules, full fee information is set out in your client care letter.
The process, step by step
- Step 1
Advice and MIAM
Marsl advises on your options and, where court proceedings are being considered, ensures you attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). In some cases (for example, where there are safety concerns), there is an exemption from the MIAM requirement.
- Step 2
Negotiation and mediation
Where possible, Marsl will help you reach an agreement through negotiation with the other parent's solicitor, or through mediation, without the need for court proceedings.
- Step 3
Consent order (if agreed)
If an agreement is reached, it can be recorded in a consent order filed with the court, giving it legal force.
- Step 4
Court application (if not agreed)
If agreement cannot be reached, Marsl will help you apply to the Family Court for a child arrangements order. The proceedings involve several hearings, including a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA), and often a CAFCASS welfare report.
- Step 5
Final Hearing (if necessary)
If the case is not resolved at an interim stage, a final hearing takes place where the judge makes an order. Marsl will prepare your case thoroughly and will instruct a family barrister for advocacy at the final hearing where appropriate. Agreed arrangements recorded in a consent order can be formalised relatively quickly. Contested proceedings in the Family Court currently take between twelve and twenty-four months on average, though urgent matters can be expedited.