Supporting you through the most delicate of family matters

You can now contact our family and divorce team direct on 07593549864 during our office hours. If you have an out of hours query you can send us a text or WhatsApp message requesting a call back and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Alternatively, you can email rebecca@sweeneymiller.co.uk or charlie@sweeneymiller.co.uk to arrange a telephone consultation.

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KNOW MORE ABOUT CHILD CUSTODY LAWYERS SERVICE

Child arrangement order

It is important, as parents, to agree as far as possible on the day to day arrangements for the children (previously called child residence, contact or custody). If an agreement cannot be reached, then mediation may be a way to break the deadlock. Research shows that families who can sit down and talk through their children’s care and reach an agreement will have a better long-term relationship – helping them adjust to the change in the family dynamic.

If mediation is unsuccessful, proceedings can be started in the Family Court, leading to a legally binding Child Arrangement Order. The Family Courts are child-focused and put the children’s best interests first. Depending on the age of the children, their wishes and feelings may carry a lot of weight in what the Court decides, something that can be difficult for parents to accept. Specific issues, such as where a child should be educated or how they get medical treatment can also be covered in the Order.

How can our Child Custody Solicitors help?

The specialist Family Law Solicitors at Sweeney Miller can advise on all issues involving children, including going on holiday, relocation, step-parents’ rights and grandparents’ rights. We also recognise that family circumstances change as the children get older and so we are experienced in the process of adapting and revising previous Child Arrangement Orders.


With offices in Sunderland and Newcastle, our divorce solicitors work with clients across the North East. For a no-obligation first discussion please get in touch using the phone numbers below or by emailing enquiries@sweeneymiller.co.uk or using our contact form.