London Child Arrangements Solicitors
When family relationships change, decisions involving children can be some of the most emotional and complex issues parents and carers face. We focus on safeguarding a child’s welfare while helping families put workable arrangements in place for the future.
Understanding child(ren) arrangements
Our London children solicitors advise on all aspects of children law, including where a child should live, how much time they spend with each parent, parental responsibility, schooling, relocation and issues involving international jurisdictions. We provide calm, measured advice that keeps the child’s best interests firmly at the heart of everything we do.
Specialists in child arrangements, parental responsibility, relocation and cross-border children disputes
Over 1,300 lawyers across nationwide offices
Ranked in Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2025, The Legal 500 and ePrivateclient for family law
London office in Mayfair, with in-person and remote consultations to suit you
Get in touch for an initial consultation with our London children's solicitors.
What you need to know about children law matters
Children disputes are governed primarily by the Children Act 1989, which places the child’s welfare as the court’s paramount consideration. While court proceedings are sometimes necessary, many children matters can be resolved through negotiation, mediation or other non court processes, which can reduce conflict and stress for everyone involved.
We help clients understand:
their rights and responsibilities as parents or carers
the options available for resolving disputes
how the court approaches decisions affecting children; and
how to protect children from conflict wherever possible
Every case is different, so our child law solicitors offer advice is shaped around your circumstances, with a clear focus on practical, child-focused solutions that hold up now and in the years ahead.
Key contact
Contact our family team
How we help potential clients
Clear, practical advice explained in plain English
A child focused approach aligned with the principles of the Children Act
Strategic guidance on negotiation, mediation and court proceedings
Support in urgent or emotionally challenging situations
Experience in complex, high value and international children cases
Transparent discussions about costs and likely outcomes
Access to Freeths’ wider expertise, including tax, trusts, property and international law
We begin with an initial consultation to understand your situation thoroughly before putting together the most appropriate legal team to support you.
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Key legal points to consider
The child’s welfare is always the court’s paramount consideration
Parental responsibility determines who can make key decisions about a child
Child arrangements can cover living arrangements, time spent with each parent and indirect contact
Relocation within the UK or overseas requires careful legal consideration
International and cross-border children dispute cases can involve complex jurisdiction and enforcement issues
Court proceedings are not always necessary and alternative resolution methods may be encouraged
Child law FAQs
Whilst it is not legally required, specialist advice can help you understand your options and avoid costly mistakes, especially where disagreements or complex issues arise. Further, it is important to ensure that any arrangements are properly recorded and formalised and a child law solicitor can assist you with the process to ensure this has been carried out correctly.
The court considers the child’s welfare first, including their needs, wishes (depending on age), and the ability of each parent to meet those needs.
Yes. Arrangements can be revisited if there is a significant change in circumstances or if the existing arrangements no longer meet the child’s needs.
Grandparents do not have automatic rights but may apply to the court in certain circumstances, often with the court’s permission. In most cases, grandparents need the court's permission to apply for a child arrangements order, something our child law solicitors can advise on if contact with a grandchild has broken down.
Relocation cases are complex and require careful advice. Whether family court approval is needed depends on the circumstances and the type of move proposed.
Timescales vary depending on complexity, cooperation between parties and whether court proceedings are required. Your child law solicitor in London will give you a realistic indication of timescales at the outset.
Client success stories
Securing a child-focused agreement
We acted for a parent in a highly contentious child arrangements dispute following an international separation. The case involved competing jurisdictions, allegations of parental alienation, and disagreements over schooling and relocation. Through strategic court advocacy and skilled negotiation, we secured arrangements that prioritised the child’s welfare and maintained meaningful family relationships.
The outcome: Child-focused arrangements were agreed, providing long-term stability and enabling our client to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Child arrangement resolved through negotiation
We advised a parent in a complex child arrangements dispute following the breakdown of a long-term relationship. Disagreements over living arrangements, schooling and parenting time had escalated, with court proceedings anticipated. Through pragmatic advice, constructive negotiation and input from specialist professionals, we helped the parties reach agreement without a contested final hearing.
The outcome: A sustainable, child-focused arrangement was secured, reducing conflict, providing stability and enabling both parents to remain meaningfully involved in their children’s lives.
Provided reassurance during a highly distressing time
We acted for a parent with serious concerns about their child’s welfare following changes to contact arrangements. The matter required urgent legal advice, including safeguarding considerations and protective measures. Our team acted swiftly, providing practical guidance, liaising with relevant agencies and preparing emergency court applications where necessary.
The outcome: Interim arrangements were secured to protect the child while concerns were properly assessed, ensuring their welfare remained the central focus and providing reassurance to our client during a highly distressing time.
Arrange an initial consultation with our team
If you are based in or around London, contact the Freeths family team to see how we can help you.
Our child law solicitors in London offer both in person and remote consultations to suit your needs and lifestyle and our office in Mayfair is easily accessible.
Client testimonials
"They offer an excellent client service – with a strong team having knowledge of the law; how to effectively address the issues and good back-up an...
The Legal 500, 2024
“They are knowledgeable and fervently represent their clients but they are also approachable and conciliatory.”
Chambers & Partners 2024
"They are a very high quality yet approachable and accessible specialist family team, with a broad-ranging practice. They don’t just focus on net w...
The Legal 500, 2023
"Freeths is a really well-rounded team who works collaboratively and efficiently to achieve the very best for the clients."
The Legal 500, 2023
"Freeth LLP’s Family Team is distinguished by its client-focused and comprehensive approach to family law, offering a seamless blend of legal exper...
The Legal 500, 2026
"Every member of the team demonstrates a genuine commitment to the service provided and an understanding of the area they advise. The deliver with...
The Legal 500, 2026
"The team are friendly and approachable, capable technically, but above all communicate in an efficient and appropriate manner with clients."
Chambers & Partners, 2026
"The Family practice at Freeths shows great care and compassion to its clients, a feature particularly welcomed as going through a divorce is a dif...
The Legal 500, 2025
"From the minute I spoke to the team at Freeths I knew they were definitely the firm for me. Freeths explained everything to me, what the divorce p...
The Legal 500, 2025
"Freeths is an excellent firm; the team is pragmatic, sensible and outcome-orientated, and will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcom...
The Legal 500, 2025
"I really felt that there was a good balance between the business and the human side. Going through a separation myself, which is a tough moment, i...
The Legal 500, 2025
"The firm is excellent at providing legal advice balanced with an understanding of how families actually work."
Chambers & Partners, 2025
"What distinguishes Freeths is their analytical skill. Their speed and accuracy is so good and exceptional."
Chambers & Partners, 2025
"Freeths is conscious of providing value for their clients, without cutting corners. Fee discussions are always open and realistic and tailored to...
Chambers & Partners, 2025
"They understand complex client needs and are able to assist those clients through a challenging time. They are a brilliant team to work with and t...
Chambers & Partners, 2025
"Freeths' solicitors have an excellent grasp of the law. They are approachable, pragmatic and solution-focused."
Chambers High Net Worth 2025, Band 3
"Freeths' team members are a fantastic mix of approachable, down to earth and practical, while also being very 'in the detail' and up to speed with...
Chambers High Net Worth 2025, Band 3
"Freeths is a very good firm that goes above and beyond for its clients and supports them throughout and beyond the process."
Chambers High Net Worth 2025, Band 3
"They remained professional and effective throughout the case. Their professionalism and calmness helped us as clients to remain calm and focus on...
Chambers High Net Worth 2025, Band 3
"The team are friendly and approachable, capable technically, but above all communicate in an efficient and appropriate manner with clients."
Chambers High Net Worth 2025, Band 3
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