Child Arrangements Barristers
Expert court representation for child contact and custody disputes. Direct access to specialist family barristers who understand what is at stake.
Takes about 2 minutes. No obligation.
When parents cannot agree on arrangements for their children, the family court provides a framework to resolve disputes. Whether you are seeking contact with your children, defending against an application to change arrangements, or dealing with a relocation case, having expert legal representation is crucial.
Through Direct Access, you can instruct a specialist children law Barrister directly. They provide powerful court advocacy while you manage the administrative side.
What Child Arrangements Barristers Do
Court Advocacy
Your Barrister can represent you at:
- •FHDRA hearings
- •Dispute Resolution Appointments
- •Fact-finding hearings
- •Final hearings
- •Enforcement hearings
- •Appeal hearings
Legal Advice
Expert guidance on:
- •Welfare checklist factors
- •Contact arrangements
- •Relocation applications
- •Parental responsibility
- •Section 7 reports
- •Cafcass involvement
Document Drafting
Barristers can draft:
- •C100 applications
- •Position statements
- •Witness statements
- •Skeleton arguments
- •Draft child arrangements orders
- •Appeal notices
Your Barrister drafts these documents. You file them at court and serve them on the other parent.
What You Handle
With Direct Access:
- •Filing C100 at court
- •Serving documents on other parent
- •Attending Cafcass interviews
- •Gathering evidence
- •Court bundle preparation
- •Court fee payments
How Direct Access Works
- 1
Initial Consultation
Review your situation. Advise on legal position and prospects. Discuss what arrangements are realistic.
- 2
Application
Barrister drafts C100 if needed. You file at court and serve on the other parent.
- 3
FHDRA
First Hearing and Dispute Resolution Appointment. Barrister represents you, explores agreement.
- 4
Cafcass Stage
You attend Cafcass interviews. Barrister advises on Section 7 report and next steps.
- 5
Final Hearing
If no agreement, Barrister presents your case at final hearing. Cross-examines witnesses.
Does your case qualify for Direct Access?
Tell us about your matter and we'll confirm whether you can instruct a Barrister directly, then match you with the right specialist.
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 302 9921. Lines open 8am to 8pm, same-day callback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Barrister for a child contact dispute?
Yes. Direct Access Barristers regularly represent parents in child arrangements proceedings. They can attend all hearings from FHDRA to final hearing.
What is an FHDRA?
A First Hearing and Dispute Resolution Appointment is the first court hearing in children proceedings. A Cafcass officer attends and the court explores whether agreement can be reached. Your Barrister presents your position and negotiates.
How much does a child arrangements Barrister cost?
Fixed fees, agreed up front. Advice starts from £250 and court representation from £850, with a clear quote before any work begins.
What if there are domestic abuse allegations?
Your Barrister can represent you at fact-finding hearings and advise on Practice Direction 12J. They handle cross-examination and ensure your case is presented effectively.
What are specific issue orders and prohibited steps orders?
A specific issue order resolves a particular dispute about a child's upbringing, such as which school they attend, medical treatment, or religious upbringing. A prohibited steps order prevents a parent from taking a specific action, such as removing a child from the country, without the court's permission. Your Barrister can advise on and apply for either order.
Can my Barrister speak to Cafcass?
Your Barrister can address Cafcass at court hearings and make submissions about their recommendations. Between hearings, you deal with Cafcass directly.
How long do child arrangements cases take?
Simple cases may resolve at FHDRA (3-4 months from application). Contested cases with fact-finding can take 9-18 months. Your Barrister will give you a realistic timeline.
Protect Your Relationship With Your Children
Get expert court representation from specialist children law Barristers.
Or call us: 0800 302 9921. Lines open 8am to 8pm, same-day callback.