Child arrangements are not fixed. As children grow, their needs, routines and preferences change. This blog explores when and why arrangements should be reviewed to support a child’s wellbeing.
The recent judgment in Re Y (2026) highlights important developments in the family court’s approach to allegations of parental alienation and the use of expert evidence. The decision emphasises the need for courts to carefully consider domestic abuse allegations and raises concerns about reliance on unregulated experts in family proceedings.
Is the other parent breaking a Child Arrangements Order? Learn your legal options, enforcement steps and when to return to family court.
Worried your child won’t see their other parent? Learn the reasons why, how to respond and when to seek legal advice.
Family disputes can be emotionally draining and expensive. Whether it’s working out child arrangements or sorting out your finances on divorce or separation, finding a solution that works for everyone is often challenging. Family mediation offers a constructive alternative to lengthy court battles, helping separated couples to resolve conflicts amicably and efficiently. What Is Family … Read more
If your child has Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), they have legal rights under the Children and Families Act 2014. Your local authority must carry out an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment if your child may have SEND requiring an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). If an EHCP is issued, the … Read more
The Family Justice system in England and Wales. The Family Justice system is facing growing criticism for failing children and families who depend on it. Private law cases (disputes between parents about the care of their children) are taking an average of 41 weeks to conclude. This crisis worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, when rising … Read more
Expanding Our Legal Support to More Families Children in the Middle’s family law barristers North of England and Midlands team, now support more families than ever. As demand for reliable family law representation grows, we’ve expanded our team of direct access barristers. This ensures families across the country can receive expert guidance from experienced family … Read more
Attending a final hearing about child arrangements can feel stressful for any parent. Understanding what happens during this stage helps you prepare and focus on your child’s wellbeing. A final hearing is when the family court makes a final decision about the long-term care arrangements for your child. This decision may cover where your child … Read more
The legal world is increasingly engaging with artificial intelligence (AI), but a recent case has highlighted the risks of relying on AI for legal research. In two notable incidents, a solicitor and a barrister used generative AI tools to cite case law—only to discover the citations were fabricated. In The Ayinde and The Al-Haroun case … Read more
When parents separate, nesting arrangements for separated parents can help maintain stability and consistency for children. This approach allows children to stay in their family home while parents rotate in and out according to an agreed schedule. In a nesting arrangement, the children stay in one place, usually their original home, while each parent takes … Read more
In the Family Court, rebuilding your relationship with your child often follows the ‘ladder of contact’ process. This step-by-step approach, now referred to as “spending time with your child,” helps parents safely re-establish contact under structured guidance. If you currently have no contact with your child, the court may create a clear plan to support … Read more