Child arrangements orders deal with where a child lives and spends time. Separate section 8 orders can resolve — or prevent — a particular decision, such as a school move, a change of name, or taking a child abroad.
Specific issue orders
These ask the court to decide a discrete question, for example which school a child should attend or whether a particular medical treatment should proceed.
Prohibited steps orders
These stop a parent from taking a step they would otherwise be able to take with parental responsibility — such as removing a child from England and Wales without consent.
Welfare is paramount
The child’s welfare is the court’s paramount consideration. Evidence should focus on the child’s needs, not adult conflict for its own sake.
When to get advice
If a single decision is stuck and negotiation has failed, we can assess whether a section 8 application is proportionate.