Child Contact Arrangements

When parents or relatives cannot agree on where a child should live, or how much time the child should spend with each parent, the Family Court may be asked to make a decision. These decisions are known as Child Arrangements.


Court proceedings typically follow a structured process, although the number and length of hearings can vary depending on the complexity of the case. Some matters may be resolved within a few months, while others can take considerably longer.



This guide is particularly aimed at individuals whose cases involve domestic abuse, as the process may include additional steps to safeguard both you and your children.

The Child Arrangements Process

The following stages provide a general overview of how cases usually progress. Please note that not all proceedings will follow the same order, and some steps may not apply to every case.

  • Step 1: Mediation

    Before making an application to the court, most people must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). Mediation is intended to help parents resolve disagreements without going to court, where possible.

  • Step 2: Application to Court

    If mediation is unsuccessful or inappropriate, an application can be made to the Family Court. You may either submit this application yourself or be notified that the other parent has made one.

  • Step 3: Safeguarding Checks

    Before the first court hearing, the Child and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) will carry out safeguarding checks. These checks assess whether there are any risks to you or your children.

  • Step 4: First Hearing

    The First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) is usually the initial court hearing. This is where the judge will consider the issues raised and decide how the case should be managed moving forward.

  • Step 5: Fact-Finding Hearing (Domestic Abuse Cases)

    If allegations of domestic abuse have been made and are disputed, the court may hold a Finding of Fact hearing. At this stage, the judge will hear evidence and decide whether the allegations are proven. The outcome of this hearing will influence future decisions about child arrangements.

  • Step 6: Separated Parents Information Programme (SPIP)

    In some cases, the court or Cafcass may direct parents to attend a Separated Parents Information Programme. This is designed to help parents understand the impact of conflict on children and to encourage more constructive approaches to parenting after separation.

  • Step 7: Final Hearing

    At the final hearing, the judge will make a binding decision about where the child will live and what contact they will have with each parent or relative.