Child Contact Agreement
Expert Child Custody Solicitors in London
Our specialist child law team provides sensitive legal support for all matters involving children after relationship breakdown. We prioritize children’s best interests while protecting your parental rights through negotiation or court proceedings. Contact us today: 0203 909 8399 | Book a Consultation
What Is a Child Contact Agreement?
A child contact agreement establishes arrangements for children following parental separation or divorce. It covers where children will live, contact schedules with each parent, financial support, and important decisions about their upbringing. These agreements can be informal between parents or formalized through court orders.
When Do You Need a Child Contact Agreement?
You may need a child contact agreement when:
- Parents are separating or divorcing
- Current informal arrangements aren’t working
- Disputes arise over child contact
- One parent plans to relocate
- Child support arrangements need formalizing
Child Custody Matters We Handle
Parenting Arrangements
- Residence decisions (where children live)
- Contact schedules and visitation
- Holiday and special occasion arrangements
- Shared care agreements
- Handover logistics
Financial Provisions
- Child maintenance calculations
- School fees and education costs
- Medical and healthcare expenses
- Extracurricular activities funding
- University support planning
Decision Making
- Educational choices
- Medical treatment consent
- Religious upbringing
- Name changes
- Passport applications
Types of Child Arrangements
Informal Agreements
- Flexible arrangements between parents
- No court involvement
- Can be modified by mutual consent
- Relies on parental cooperation
Child Arrangement Orders
- Legally binding court orders
- Enforceable by law
- Clear structure and expectations
- Modification requires court approval
Special Guardianship
- Alternative to adoption
- Often used for grandparents
- Provides parental responsibility
- Birth parents retain some rights
Benefits of Private Child Maintenance Agreements
- Flexibility – Adjust payment amounts and schedules by mutual agreement
- Cordial Relations – Helps maintain positive co-parenting relationship
- Immediate Changes – Modify arrangements when circumstances change
- Payment Options – Can include non-cash support like uniforms or equipment
- No Government Fees – Avoid Child Maintenance Service charges
International Child Matters
Relocation Issues
- Taking children abroad permanently
- International travel permissions
- Hague Convention applications
- Cross-border enforcement
International Families
- Jurisdiction disputes
- Cultural considerations
- International child abduction prevention
- Foreign court order recognition
Complex Child Law Issues
Non-Traditional Families
- Surrogacy arrangements
- Parental orders
- Same-sex parent rights
- Step-parent adoptions
- Assisted reproduction matters
Extended Family Rights
- Grandparent contact
- Sibling relationships
- Extended family involvement
- Kinship care arrangements
Our Approach to Child Matters
Negotiation First
We prioritize amicable solutions through:
- Direct parent negotiations
- Mediation services
- Collaborative law process
- Round-table meetings
Court Proceedings
When necessary, we provide:
- Expert court representation
- Children Act applications
- Emergency order requests
- Appeal proceedings
Why Choose Connaught Law
- Specialist child law solicitors
- Child-focused approach
- Experienced family mediators
- Strong negotiation skills
- Sensitive handling of emotional matters
Our Child Law Services
- Initial consultation and advice
- Drafting parenting agreements
- Court application support
- Mediation representation
- Enforcement proceedings
- Variation applications
Protecting Children’s Best Interests
- Age-appropriate arrangements
- Maintaining stability
- Preserving family relationships
- Supporting education continuity
- Considering children’s wishes
Next Steps
Put your children’s welfare first with expert legal guidance. Our experienced child custody solicitors work to achieve the best outcomes for your family while minimizing conflict and stress. Call 0203 909 8399 or Book Online for a confidential consultation about your child arrangements.