Arrangements for Children After Separation
When parents separate, the arrangements for the children are usually what matters most and what causes the most worry. Where they will live, how time is shared, and how the two of you will make decisions together going forward.
Most parents reach these arrangements between themselves, and that is nearly always the better outcome. Kenton Solicitors helps you get there — and where agreement genuinely is not possible, we advise on applying to the court and represent you throughout.
Everything you tell us is confidential and a first conversation commits you to nothing. Appointments are available at our Kenton Road office in person, by telephone, or by video call, Monday to Saturday.
Free Consultation — 020 8907 2444Our Child Arrangements Services
We advise on all arrangements for children following separation, from agreed plans to contested matters.
Where the Children Live
Whether the children live mainly with one parent or split their time between both homes, and how that is arranged in practice around school and work.
Time With the Other Parent
Weekends, weekdays, holidays, and special occasions. We help set out arrangements that are workable and clear enough to avoid repeated arguments.
Decisions About the Children
Schooling, medical treatment, religion, and changing a child's surname. Where parents cannot agree on an important decision, we advise on resolving it.
Moving Away With Children
Where one parent wants to move to another part of the country or abroad, the other parent's agreement or the court's permission is usually needed.
Grandparents & Wider Family
Grandparents who have lost contact with a grandchild after a separation can often apply to re-establish it. We advise on the position.
Where There Are Concerns
Where you have genuine worries about a child's safety or wellbeing with the other parent, we advise on the steps available and can act urgently.
Resolving Arrangements — Step by Step
The court is a last resort. Most families never need to get that far.
Free Consultation
We listen to the situation, explain how these arrangements are usually approached, and give you a realistic view.
Working Towards Agreement
We correspond with the other parent or their solicitor to try to reach a workable arrangement without escalating matters.
Mediation
Where direct discussion has stalled, mediation often helps. In most cases it must be considered before any application is made.
Court, If Necessary
Where agreement genuinely cannot be reached, we make the application and represent you through to a decision.
How These Decisions Are Approached
Where parents cannot agree and a court becomes involved, the question asked is not what either parent wants or what either parent feels they deserve. It is what is best for the child.
That surprises people, and it is worth understanding early. Arguments about fairness between parents, or about who behaved badly during the relationship, carry far less weight than most people expect. What matters is the child's welfare, their relationship with both parents, and the practical reality of their life — school, routine, and stability.
The starting point is that children generally benefit from a relationship with both parents, unless there is a genuine reason otherwise. We advise on that basis, which usually means working towards a sensible arrangement rather than a fight.
Speak to a SolicitorThere Is No Automatic Split
Time is not divided equally by default, and there is no presumption that children live with their mother. Arrangements depend on the family's circumstances, not a fixed rule.
Agreement Is Usually Better
Arrangements parents work out themselves tend to last longer and adapt more easily than ones imposed after a contested hearing. It is also far less distressing for the children.
Children's Views Are Considered
Older children's wishes carry real weight, though they are not the only factor. Children are never asked to choose between parents.
Arrangements Change Over Time
What works for a toddler will not work for a teenager. Build in some flexibility, and expect to revisit things as the children grow up.
Parents and Families We Advise
Recently Separated Parents
Those working out arrangements for the first time and wanting to set something up that works for everyone from the start.
Parents Being Kept From Children
Where contact has stopped or is being restricted without good reason, and direct discussion has not resolved it.
Where Arrangements Have Broken Down
Where something was agreed but is no longer being followed, or circumstances have changed and it no longer works.
Unmarried Parents
Parents who were never married. The position on arrangements for children is the same, though other aspects differ.
Grandparents
Grandparents who have lost contact with a grandchild following a separation or family disagreement.
Parents With Safety Concerns
Where there are genuine worries about a child's welfare in the other parent's care. We advise on this urgently.
Child Arrangements Solicitors Serving Harrow
We advise parents and wider family members across Harrow and the surrounding areas of north-west London. A good number of our clients come through recommendation, which in this area of work matters more than most.
Being local helps. You can come in and talk things through in private, face to face, rather than trying to explain a difficult situation over email — and if arrangements need revisiting in a year or two, we are still here.
Get in Touch
A first conversation commits you to nothing and everything discussed is confidential. Contact our team for a free initial consultation.
020 8907 2444or email info@kentonsolicitors.co.uk
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 10am – 6pm
Saturday: 10am – 6pm
Walk-ins welcome. Telephone and video appointments available.
Child Arrangements FAQs
Speak to a Child Arrangements Solicitor in Harrow
Free initial consultation. Completely confidential. Based in Harrow.
