Child Law

At Brindley Twist Tafft & James, our child law solicitors understand that legal issues involving children can be particularly sensitive and emotionally challenging. When decisions need to be made about a child’s care, living arrangements or future, you need clear, practical advice from professionals you can trust.

Our experienced and approachable team provides supportive guidance across all aspects of child law, always focusing on what is in your child’s best interests. We take the time to listen carefully to your concerns, explain your options clearly, and help you make informed decisions.

Wherever possible, we work constructively to resolve matters through discussion and agreement, helping to minimise conflict and uncertainty for families. When court involvement is necessary, we provide steady support and robust representation throughout the process, ensuring you feel informed and prepared at every stage.

Contact our child law solicitors in Coventry, Warwick and Southam

If you require supportive advice or guidance from our expert children law solicitors, then please get in touch with one of our offices in Coventry, Warwick, Southam and Balsall Common, or email one of our solicitors below to see how we can help.

For more information, see our family law solicitors page.

Our child law services

Child arrangements

Child arrangements set out where a child will live and how they will spend time with each parent following separation. These arrangements are intended to provide stability and clarity, while ensuring a child’s welfare remains the priority.

Discussions can sometimes be difficult, particularly where communication has broken down or circumstances have changed.

Our child access solicitors provide clear, practical guidance, helping you explore appropriate options and, where possible, reach workable agreements. If court involvement is required, we offer steady support and representation throughout the process.

Prohibited steps order

A prohibited steps order is used to prevent specific actions from being taken in relation to a child without the court’s consent, such as changing schools or removing a child from the country.

These orders can help protect a child from sudden or harmful decisions and provide reassurance to those involved. Our child arrangement solicitors can advise on whether a prohibited steps order is appropriate, explain the application process clearly and provide supportive guidance to help safeguard your child’s welfare.

Specific issue order

A specific issue order can be used where parents cannot agree on an important decision relating to a child’s upbringing, such as education, medical treatment or religious matters. The court will consider the child’s welfare when making its decision and aim to provide clarity and stability.

Our child law solicitors explain your options in plain terms, prepare applications where needed and offer practical representation focused on achieving a balanced outcome for your child.

Child relocation

Child relocation involves moving a child to a different area of the UK or abroad and usually requires the consent of everyone with parental responsibility or approval from the court.

These cases can be complex, as the court must carefully consider the impact on the child and their relationships.

Our solicitors provide clear advice on the legal requirements, help you prepare your case and work sensitively to achieve solutions that prioritise your child’s wellbeing.

Parental responsibility

Parental responsibility refers to the legal rights and duties involved in making decisions about a child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare and living arrangements.

Not all parents automatically have parental responsibility, and issues can arise when responsibilities are unclear or disputed.

Our solicitors can help you understand your position, apply for parental responsibility where appropriate, or respond to an application, offering balanced and practical guidance throughout.

Financial provision for the children

Financial provision for children covers child maintenance and other financial arrangements needed to meet a child’s everyday and long-term needs.

Ensuring appropriate support is in place can help provide security and stability following separation.

Our solicitors advise on the options available, explain the relevant processes clearly and support you through negotiations or applications, helping you work towards fair and practical arrangements for your child.

Adoption

Adoption is a legal process that permanently transfers parental responsibility to the adoptive parents, creating lifelong legal ties.

It involves careful assessment and strict legal requirements to ensure a child’s welfare is protected.

Our adoption solicitors offer clear, compassionate guidance throughout the adoption process, helping you understand each stage and ensuring all legal steps are completed correctly.

Social services

Social services may become involved with a family where there are concerns about a child’s welfare, which can feel overwhelming and unsettling. Their role is to assess situations and take steps to protect children where necessary.

Our child law solicitors provide calm, clear advice, help you understand the process and represent you in dealings with local authorities and the court, supporting you at every stage.

Child law FAQs

How long does a child arrangement order last?

A child arrangement order usually lasts until a child reaches the age of 16. In limited circumstances, the court may allow the order to continue until the child is 18. The order can also be varied or brought to an end earlier if circumstances change.

What factors does the court consider when deciding on a child arrangement order?

The court’s main consideration is the child’s welfare. It will assess a range of factors, including the child’s needs, age, wishes and feelings, family circumstances, and each parent’s ability to meet the child’s emotional and practical needs.

What rights and duties are included under the term parental responsibility?

Parental responsibility covers the legal rights and duties involved in raising a child. This includes decisions about education, medical treatment, religious upbringing, living arrangements and day-to-day care, ensuring those responsible act in the child’s best interests.

Can a parent with parental responsibility prevent the other parent from taking the child out of the country?

A parent with parental responsibility can object to a child being taken abroad. Unless everyone with parental responsibility agrees, court permission may be required, particularly for permanent relocation or extended trips outside the UK.

How do I legally arrange time for my child to see their other parent?

Time with a child can be arranged by agreement between parents or formally set out in a child arrangement order. A court order provides clarity and structure where agreement is difficult, helping to reduce uncertainty and conflict.

Does the court deal with child maintenance payments?

Child maintenance is usually dealt with by the Child Maintenance Service rather than the court. However, the court can make certain financial orders, such as school fees or top-up maintenance, in specific and limited circumstances.

What steps must I take if I want to move house with my child within the UK?

If all those with parental responsibility agree, you can usually relocate within the UK. Where agreement cannot be reached, it is important to seek legal advice and, if necessary, apply to the court before moving.

What happens if social services decide to take a child into care?

If social services believe a child is at risk, they may apply to the court for a care order. Parents are entitled to legal advice and representation, and the court will carefully consider what arrangements best protect the child’s welfare.

How long does the adoption process take?

The adoption process varies depending on individual circumstances, assessments and court timetables. It often takes many months to complete, as thorough checks are required to ensure adoption is in the child’s long-term best interests.

Contact our child law solicitors in Coventry, Warwick and Southam

If you require supportive advice or guidance from our expert child solicitors, then please get in touch with one of our offices in Coventry, Warwick, Southam and Balsall Common, or email one of our solicitors below to see how we can help.

For more information, see our family law solicitors page.