Shared Care Arrangements & Children Act Orders: A Guide for Parents

Shared Care Arrangements & Children Act Orders: A Guide for Parents

When parents separate, deciding on child care arrangements can be challenging. Understanding Shared Care Arrangements and Children Act Orders is crucial to ensuring the best interests of the child. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Are Shared Care Arrangements?

Shared care, also known as joint custody or shared parenting, means both parents share responsibility for raising the child. This does not always mean a 50/50 split but ensures that the child maintains a strong relationship with both parents.

Key Benefits of Shared Care:

✔ Stability and emotional support for the child.
✔ Equal parental involvement in upbringing.
✔ Flexibility in child arrangements based on circumstances.
✔ Less parental conflict when agreements are clear.

Challenges of Shared Care:

✖ Requires strong communication between parents.
✖ May involve complex logistics, such as schooling and travel.
✖ Not always suitable in high-conflict situations.

Children Act Orders Explained

If parents cannot agree on child arrangements, the court may issue orders under the Children Act 1989 to protect the child's welfare.

1. Child Arrangements Order (CAO)

Determines who the child lives with and how they spend time with the other parent. Replaces the old Residence Orders and Contact Orders.

2. Specific Issue Order

Resolves disputes on key parenting decisions, such as:

School selection.

Medical treatment.

Holidays and international relocation.

3. Prohibited Steps Order

Prevents a parent from making unilateral decisions about the child’s life, including:

Moving the child abroad.

Changing schools without consent.

Introducing a new partner in specific cases.

Legal Considerations for Parents

✔ Courts prioritise the child’s best interests over parental disputes.
✔ Mediation is encouraged before taking legal action.
✔ Both parents retain parental responsibility, regardless of who the child lives with.

If you’re dealing with child custody issues, seeking legal advice from a family law solicitor can help ensure the best outcome for you and your child.

Contact us for more information:

Offices in Redditch and Bromsgrove

Tel: 01527 892949