Everything You Need To Know About Child Arrangements Orders Stourbridge
Divorce and separation can be difficult and stressful for any family, especially when children are involved. In these situations, parents often have disagreements about where their children will live, who will have custody and access, and other time-sharing arrangements. This can create undue stress and tension for both the parents and the children. Fortunately, a child arrangements order (CAO) can help alleviate some of these issues.
What Is A Child Arrangements Order?
A Child Arrangements Order (CAO) is a legal document that outlines the living arrangements for a child after the parents’ divorce or separation. It specifies where the child will live, who they will live with, and when they will spend time with the other parent. The order typically governs the following:
The child’s living arrangements, such as where they will live and with whom
The child’s contact with each parent, including how often they will see each parent and for how long
Specific issues, such as how the child will spend holidays, birthdays, and special occasions
MIAMS Benefits Of Using A Child Arrangements Order
There are several benefits to using a child arrangements order to settle disputes about child custody and access:
- It prioritises the child’s best interests: A CAO is always made with the child’s best interests in mind, taking into account their welfare, needs, and wishes.
- It provides certainty: A CAO provides clear guidelines for parents on how to share parenting responsibilities and helps prevent disputes from arising in the future.
- It can be flexible: While a CAO is a legal document, it can still be modified if the parents’ circumstances change, or if the child’s needs change as they grow.
- It can avoid the need for court proceedings: A CAO can be agreed upon through mediation, in which case the parents can avoid costly and time-consuming court battles.
How MIAMS Stourbridge Family Mediation Can Help
MIAMS Stourbridge Family Mediation is a family mediation service that specialises in helping parents resolve disputes related to child custody and access. Our trained mediators can help parents reach an agreement on a CAO that works for everyone involved. Mediation is a voluntary process that involves an impartial third party facilitator who helps parents communicate and negotiate their differences. Some benefits of using MIAMS Family Mediation for your mediation include:
- It saves time and money: Mediation can be a quicker and less expensive alternative to court proceedings.
- It reduces stress: Mediation is typically less stressful and confrontational than going to court, which can be particularly beneficial for children.
- It prioritises the child’s best interests: Our mediators are trained to focus on the child’s best interests and help parents come up with mutually beneficial solutions.
- It is flexible: Mediation can be scheduled at a time and place that is convenient for all parties involved.
Contact MIAMS Stourbridge Family Mediation
A Child Arrangements Order can provide clarity and guidance to parents looking to settle disputes about child custody and access. By prioritising the child’s best interests, it can help prevent future disputes and provide a stable environment for the child.
MIAMS Family Mediation can help parents reach an agreement on a CAO through our mediation services, which are less stressful, quicker, and less expensive than going to court. If you’re going through a divorce or separation and need guidance on a CAO or mediation services, contact MIAMS Family Mediation Stourbridge today.