Navigating a child custody dispute can be one of the most emotionally difficult challenges a parent or guardian will ever face. At MWG Solicitors, we specialise in helping families across the UK resolve custody issues with care, clarity, and a firm understanding of both family law and your child’s best interests.
Whether you are going through a divorce, separation, or a breakdown in co-parenting arrangements, our experienced child custody solicitors are here to support you through every step of the process.
Over a decade of experience in family law
Specialist child custody solicitors with deep knowledge of UK law
Child-focused approach — prioritising welfare and long-term stability
Clear, compassionate advice tailored to your situation
Representation in mediation and family court proceedings
Our goal is to protect your parental rights while ensuring the welfare of your children remains central to any outcome.
In the UK, the legal term for child custody is “child arrangements.” These arrangements determine:
Who the child lives with (residence)
Who the child spends time with (contact)
Who has decision-making responsibilities (parental responsibility)
Parents can agree informally, but if disputes arise, you may need legal assistance to reach a formal agreement or apply for a Child Arrangements Order through the family courts.
At MWG Solicitors, we deal with a wide range of custody-related issues, including:
Disputes over who the child should live with
Disagreements about contact and visitation rights
One parent relocating with the child without consent
Denial of access or blocked communication
Parental alienation concerns
Safety concerns such as domestic abuse or neglect
Breach of existing Child Arrangements Orders
Our experienced family law team works with both mothers and fathers, as well as grandparents and guardians, to find fair and legally sound solutions.
There are several ways to resolve a custody issue:
Many parents are able to resolve arrangements without going to court. Our solicitors can help you draft a parenting plan or agreement that is practical and child-focused.
Mediation is often the first recommended step in any custody dispute. We can refer you to a qualified family mediator and provide legal advice during the mediation process.
If no agreement can be reached, either parent can apply to the court for a Child Arrangements Order. This legal order sets out where a child lives, who they spend time with, and any other relevant matters.
Our solicitors provide robust representation throughout the court process, ensuring your voice is heard and your child’s best interests are protected.
Parental responsibility refers to the legal rights, duties, and responsibilities a parent has for their child. Mothers automatically have it, while fathers may need to acquire it depending on their marital status or birth certificate registration.
Having parental responsibility allows you to:
Make decisions about your child’s education and healthcare
Agree or object to travel abroad
Be involved in religious upbringing
Access school and medical records
In custody disputes, it’s important to understand how parental responsibility affects your rights — our family law team can guide you through this.
We take a strategic yet sensitive approach to resolving child custody disputes, always aiming to reduce conflict and protect the emotional wellbeing of the child. Our services include:
Legal advice on your parental rights and responsibilities
Help negotiating parenting plans or agreements
Legal representation in court applications for Child Arrangements Orders
Urgent injunctions in cases involving child abduction or risk of harm
Advice on enforcing existing court orders or dealing with breaches
We are committed to resolving matters as quickly and amicably as possible, but will not hesitate to take decisive legal action when necessary.
Child custody disputes can escalate quickly — which is why it’s essential to seek early legal advice. Delays can lead to:
Damaged parent-child relationships
Missed opportunities for fair agreements
Potential risks to the child going unaddressed
At MWG Solicitors, we respond quickly and strategically to protect your rights and those of your children.
If you are local to Manchester it is highly recommended that you book an appointment and see one of our family solicitors so we can go through your case in full detail. However, in certain circumstances which we find ourselves due to covid-19, our solicitors are also booking remote consultations. We have experience in serving clients nationwide on the full range of relationship issues.
*PLEASE NOTE WE CURRENTLY DO NOT OFFER LEGAL AID*
Our family law solicitors are able to discuss your case in detail at your initial consultation, this can be arranged over the telephone or in person at one of our offices. The initial appointment will last 30 minutes with a dedicated family law solicitor. If you wish to book an appointment with a specialist Divorce lawyer please fill in the form below.
Not always. Many custody issues can be resolved through mediation or solicitor-led negotiation. However, if agreement cannot be reached, the court may be the only way to ensure a fair and enforceable outcome.
UK law does not favour one parent over another. The court’s decision is based on the child’s best interests, not gender or parental roles.
In the event the client is unable to visit us, our team can offer telephone appointments. To find out more please contact us.
You may be able to apply to the court for enforcement of a contact arrangement or to establish a new Child Arrangements Order. We can help you take urgent legal steps.
Currently we are unable to offer legal aid. However we would always encourage you to contact our team to see if we have options available for you.
MWG Solicitors is a limited company registered in England and Wales with number 06899969. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. indefinite Registration number: 519318. All rights reserved.
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