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Children & Child Arrangements

How to See Your Children: Child Arrangements Guide

If arrangements for seeing your children have broken down, the uncertainty can be painful. This guide explains the practical routes available in England and Wales, from safe attempts to agree arrangements through to a Child Arrangements Order. Urgent safeguarding issues or domestic abuse can change the appropriate route, so specialist advice may be needed.

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We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Step-by-step

  1. Start with the child’s needsWrite down the practical arrangement you believe supports the child: days, handovers, school routines, holidays and safe communication.
  2. Explore agreement where safeA calm written proposal or mediation may help. Do not pressure direct contact where domestic abuse, coercive control or immediate risk makes it unsafe.
  3. Check the MIAM positionBefore many C100 applications, an applicant must usually attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting unless a valid exemption applies.
  4. Understand the orderA Child Arrangements Order can decide with whom a child lives, spends time or otherwise has contact.
  5. Prepare a C100 if court is neededUse factual, child-focused information. Identify the order requested and any safeguarding concerns accurately.
  6. After issueThe court serves or arranges service of papers, Cafcass generally carries out safeguarding work, and the case may be listed for a first hearing.
  7. Keep preparingFollow every order, keep a clear record, meet deadlines and focus proposals on welfare rather than adult conflict.

What you will need

  • A short proposed child-focused schedule
  • Key dates and existing orders
  • Mediation or MIAM information
  • Accurate addresses and party details
  • A concise chronology where useful
  • Details of genuine safeguarding concerns

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Treating contact as an adult entitlement instead of focusing on the child
  • Sending hostile or repeated messages
  • Ignoring MIAM requirements or claiming an exemption without evidence
  • Including every disagreement rather than relevant facts
  • Missing directions or filing deadlines

Practical paid support

How I can help

C100 Application Preparation

£199 fixed fee

Practical help turning your information into a clear draft C100 application. You remain responsible for checking, approving and submitting it.

Included

  • Initial questionnaire
  • Draft C100 based on your information
  • One round of revisions
  • Final draft and submission guidance

Not included

  • Court fee
  • Legal advice or representation
  • Filing or serving documents for you
Book a Free 30-Minute ConsultationSend an Email Enquiry

We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Can the court guarantee contact?

No. The court decides each case according to the child’s welfare and may make a different order from the one requested.

What if the situation is urgent?

Urgency, domestic abuse or immediate risk can affect the process and MIAM position. Consider urgent specialist legal advice and safeguarding support.

Official sources

Guidance checked: 1 November 2026. Always check the latest court order and official source before acting.

Important: This page gives general procedural information for England and Wales. The Everyday McKenzie Friend provides independent, non-regulated practical support and is not a solicitor or barrister. I do not provide regulated legal advice, conduct litigation or have an automatic right to address the court. Court decisions and permission for McKenzie Friend assistance remain matters for the court.