Child Lawyers & Child Custody Solicitors

When you’re making decisions about your children’s future, having clear arrangements in place can bring reassurance, stability and a sense of direction for everyone involved.

We understand that decisions about where children will live, how they spend time with each parent and who makes important decisions about their upbringing can be sensitive.

Our solicitors help parents and families reach practical arrangements that put children’s needs first. From agreeing everyday routines and holiday arrangements to resolving questions about schooling, parental responsibility or relocation, we provide clear guidance to help you understand your options.

Where possible, we encourage constructive discussions and agreements without the need for court proceedings. If an agreement cannot be reached, we can explain the legal options available and support you through the Family Court process.
Our team is independently recognised by Chambers UK and Legal 500, reflecting the expertise and experience behind the advice we provide. We combine this knowledge with a personal, supportive approach, helping you understand your options and make informed decisions that put your children’s wellbeing first.

We make it possible to move forward with greater clarity and confidence, helping you put arrangements in place that support your children’s needs, now and in the future.

If you’re concerned about arrangements for your children, get in touch with our family law solicitors. We’ll listen, explain your options and help you understand the next steps.

How Harrison Drury can help

Every family is different, and arrangements that work well for one family may not be appropriate for another. We take the time to understand your circumstances, your concerns and what you want to achieve.
Our solicitors can advise on a range of children’s law matters, including:

Helping parents agree where children will live, how much time they spend with each parent and how arrangements will work. Where agreement is not possible, we can advise on applying for a Child Arrangements Order.

Explaining your legal rights and responsibilities when making important decisions about your child’s upbringing, including applications for parental responsibility where appropriate.

Advising where parents disagree about matters such as schooling, a child’s surname or other significant decisions. We can explain whether a Specific Issue Order or Prohibited Steps Order may be appropriate.

Supporting parents where one wishes to move with a child to another part of the country or overseas, including advice on consent, relevant legal requirements and potential court applications.

Helping families review arrangements when circumstances change, including changes to working patterns, living arrangements or a child’s needs.

Finding the right way forward for your family

We will help you explore whether arrangements can be agreed through direct discussions, solicitor-led negotiations or mediation, where an independent mediator helps parents work towards an agreement.

Sometimes court involvement is necessary, particularly where there are significant disagreements, safeguarding concerns or a need for a legally binding decision. We will explain what the process involves, what information may be needed and the factors the court is likely to consider.

In England and Wales, the child’s welfare is the court’s paramount consideration when making decisions about their upbringing. Our approach reflects that principle, while helping you understand your position and make informed decisions.

Throughout, you’ll have a solicitor who stays close to your matter, communicates clearly and helps you focus on achieving arrangements that are practical and sustainable.

Talk to our children’s law solicitors

Whether you’re separating, reviewing existing arrangements or dealing with a disagreement about your children’s future, our family law solicitors can help you understand your options and find a constructive way forward.

Our family law team is recognised in independent legal directories, including Chambers UK and Legal 500. We take the time to understand your circumstances, explain the legal position and provide practical guidance focused on your children’s wellbeing.

We’ll also explain the likely costs of your matter from the outset, including fixed-fee options where appropriate and any additional expenses, such as court fees. As your matter progresses, we’ll keep you informed of any changes so you can make decisions with confidence and control.

Where your circumstances involve wider financial, property or family matters, we can draw on specialists across the firm to provide joined-up advice.

With offices in Preston, Clitheroe, Garstang, Kendal, Lancaster, Lytham, Manchester, Southport and Stoke, we offer accessible support to families across the North.

Call us or complete the enquiry form below to arrange an initial conversation. We’ll listen to your concerns, explain the next steps and help you move forward with greater clarity and reassurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. Many parents agree arrangements between themselves without involving solicitors or the court. However, legal advice can help if you’re finding it difficult to agree, have concerns about existing arrangements or want to understand your rights and responsibilities. A solicitor can also help you consider whether an agreement should be formalised.

If discussions haven’t resulted in an agreement, mediation or solicitor-led negotiations may help, where appropriate. If these aren’t suitable or don’t resolve the disagreement, it may be necessary to apply to the Family Court for a Child Arrangements Order. We can explain the available routes and help you decide on the most appropriate next step.

A Child Arrangements Order is a court order that sets out where a child will live, who they will spend time with and when or how other contact will take place. It can help provide certainty when parents cannot agree on arrangements themselves. The court will consider the child’s welfare when deciding what arrangements should be made.

Whether a parent can relocate with a child depends on the circumstances, including parental responsibility, any existing court orders and whether the proposed move is within the UK or overseas. If you’re concerned about a proposed move, it’s important to seek advice promptly. We can explain your options, including whether a court application may be appropriate.

Yes. Arrangements may need to change as children grow older or family circumstances develop. Parents can often agree changes themselves, but where there is an existing court order, the legal position needs to be considered carefully. If an agreement cannot be reached, it may be possible to apply to the court to vary the order.