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• Updated: 13 December 2015

How to make arrangements for your children if you divorce or separate, mediation and how to apply for a court order if you cannot agree.

• Overview

  You can choose how to make arrangements for looking after your children if…

• Make a child arrangements plan

  You do not have to do any official paperwork if you agree about child…

• Make an agreement through mediation

  You can use a mediator to help you and your ex-partner agree on child…

• Other ways to agree without going to court

  There are other ways to help you agree on child arrangements outside of…

• Apply for a court order

  A court order is a legally binding decision made by the court. It sets out…

• After you apply for a court order

  The court may arrange a ‘directions hearing’ with both parents if you…

• Change or enforce an order

  You can change an existing court order or consent order. You can also ask…

• Updated: 11 September 2023

Check different options for making child arrangements if you divorce or separate, including other ways to agree without going to court.

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