Child Arrangement Orders UK: The Complete 2026 Guide for Parents

What is a Child Arrangement Order?

A Child Arrangement Order (CAO) is a court order that sets out arrangements for:

Who a child lives with (previously called a "residence order")

When a child spends time with each parent (previously called a "contact order")

Child Arrangement Orders replaced the old residence and contact orders in 2014.

Who Can Apply?

• Parents (biological or adoptive)
• Guardians
• Step-parents with parental responsibility
• Anyone the child has lived with for at least 3 years
• Others with court permission

When Might You Need One?

A Child Arrangement Order becomes necessary when:

• Parents cannot agree on where children should live
• Parents cannot agree on how much time children spend with each parent
• One parent is preventing the other from seeing the children
• There are safety concerns that need court oversight

Before Court: The MIAM Requirement

Before you can apply to court, you must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).

MIAM Exemptions

You do not need to attend a MIAM if:

• There is evidence of domestic abuse
• There are child protection concerns
• The application is urgent
• You cannot contact the other parent
• The other parent lives abroad

The Application Process

Step 1: Complete the C100 Form

The C100 is the main application form. You will need to provide:

• Details of both parents
• Details of all children
• What orders you are asking for
• Reasons for your application
• Any safety concerns

Step 2: Pay the Court Fee

The current fee (2026) is 255 pounds. Fee remission available for low incomes.

Step 3: Safeguarding Checks

Cafcass will conduct initial safeguarding checks:

• Police records checks on both parents
• Local authority checks
• Brief telephone interviews

Step 4: First Hearing

The court will schedule a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) within 4-6 weeks.

The Court Process

First Hearing (FHDRA)

The First Hearing aims to:

• Identify what issues are in dispute
• See if agreement can be reached
• Set directions for the case if not
• Make interim arrangements if needed

Who attends: Both parents, Cafcass officer, judge, legal representatives if any

Possible outcomes:

• Agreement reached - order made by consent
• Partial agreement - some issues resolved
• No agreement - directions given for next steps

Section 7 Report

The court may order Cafcass to prepare a detailed welfare report investigating:

• The children's wishes and feelings
• Each parent's proposals
• Parenting capability
• Risk factors
• Recommendations

This typically takes 12-16 weeks.

Final Hearing

If agreement is not reached, a final hearing will determine:

• Both sides present their case
• Witnesses may be called
• The judge makes a decision

What the Court Considers

The court must treat the child's welfare as the paramount consideration. The welfare checklist includes:

The child's wishes and feelings

The child's physical, emotional and educational needs

The likely effect of any change in circumstances

The child's age and background

Any harm the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering

How capable each parent is of meeting the child's needs

The range of powers available to the court

Presumption of Parental Involvement

Unless there is evidence of harm, the court presumes that involvement of both parents will further the child's welfare.

Costs and Timescales

Court Fees

• Application fee: 255 pounds
• Enforcement application: 215 pounds
• Variation application: 215 pounds

Legal Costs (if using solicitor)

| Stage | Typical Cost Range |

|-------|-------------------|

| Initial advice and MIAM | 200-500 pounds |

| C100 application | 500-1,500 pounds |

| First hearing preparation | 1,000-2,500 pounds |

| Final hearing | 2,500-7,500 pounds |

| Total (contested) | 6,000-15,000 pounds |

Timescales

| Stage | Typical Timeframe |

|-------|-------------------|

| MIAM | 1-2 weeks |

| Application to first hearing | 4-8 weeks |

| Section 7 report | 12-16 weeks |

| First hearing to final hearing | 8-16 weeks |

| Total (contested case) | 6-18 months |

Representing Yourself

Many parents represent themselves in family court. Tips for self-representation:

• Prepare thoroughly
• Stay focused on the children
• Be organised
• Be respectful to all parties
• Ask if unsure - judges expect litigants in person to need guidance

After the Order is Made

Enforcement

If one parent does not comply with the order, the other can apply for enforcement. The court can:

• Require unpaid work
• Order compensation for missed contact
• Transfer residence
• Impose fines or imprisonment in serious cases

Variation

If circumstances change, either parent can apply to vary the order.

Practical Tips

Keep Communication Records

Using a co-parenting app like Graham creates automatic timestamped records of all messages.

Focus on Your Children

Courts are highly attuned to parents who put their own grievances above children's needs.

Do Not Involve the Children

Never discuss court proceedings with children or ask them to choose between parents.

Key Takeaways

MIAM first - You must attend before applying to court

Child's welfare is paramount

Both parents presumed involved unless evidence of harm

Court is expensive and slow - budget 6,000-15,000 pounds and 6-18 months

Most cases settle before final hearing

Self-representation is possible

Keep records of all communication

Focus on children throughout the process

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This article provides general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific situations, please consult a family law solicitor.