How to apply for a child arrangements order without a lawyer

Summary

Understand how to go to court about child arrangements without a lawyer. If you're a parent and you disagree with your child’s other parent (or other family members) about where your child lives, who they live with, and how often they see the parent they don’t live with most of the time, then this guide is for you. Some people call this child custody or residence and contact (and talk about joint custody or sole custody) but that isn't what the law calls them anymore. 1 Getting started 2 Things you need to know 3 Legal aid 4 Getting some legal advice early on to find out where you stand 5 What the court takes into account when it makes a decision 6 Sorting out arrangements for your children by agreement 7 What to do when the other parent wants to change the arrangements 8 Before you can go to court 9 The process 10 Going to court - the basics 11 Applying for a child arrangements order 12 What do I do if my case is urgent? 13 What to do if you have received court papers and are the respondent 14 The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service 15 The First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment 16 The Dispute Resolution Appointment 17 What evidence do you need to support.

Key information

• •who they live with and when,
• •how often they see the parent they don’t live with most of the time, and
• •What a Child Arrangements Order is.
• •All the things you need to understand about the process.
• •The steps you need to take before you can apply to the court.
• •How to fill out the right forms (the C100).
• •What to expect at your first court hearing.
• •What evidence you will need.
• •How to prepare for the final hearing and what to expect.
• •How to write a statement and produce a bundle.
• •Where to find more help and support.
• •Easy to follow, step by step help through the whole process from start to finish.

Practical guidance

• •Source: [How to apply for a child arrangements order without a lawyer](https://www.advicenow.org.uk/get-help/family-and-children/child-arrangements/apply-child-arrangements-order-without-lawyer)

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