Shared Care Orders: Securing Equal Parenting Time for Your Child’s Well-being
Author – Dafina Morina, Family Law Legal Consultant
As a Legal 500-recognized UK family law firm, we understand that maintaining a close, consistent relationship with both parents can be crucial for a child’s development and well-being. A ‘Shared Care’ Child Arrangements Order, under the Children Act 1989, allows for an arrangement in which both parents play an active, equitable role in their child’s life after a separation or divorce. This order moves beyond traditional arrangements by establishing a balanced parenting structure, ensuring the child benefits from a stable and nurturing relationship with both parents.
What is a Shared Care Order?
Shared care orders are crafted to ensure that both parents share parenting responsibilities, promoting the continuity and stability essential to a child’s upbringing. Unlike traditional custody arrangements, shared care enables each parent to contribute equally to their child’s daily life, which research shows can strengthen emotional bonds and provide a greater sense of security for the child. Courts may establish a shared care order either through mutual consent at the first hearing — if both parents are open to collaborative co-parenting — or through a judicial decision prioritizing the child’s best interests when agreement cannot be reached.
Establishing a Shared Care Agreement Without Court Intervention
Not all shared care arrangements require court involvement. Many parents can establish effective shared care through a written parenting agreement, setting expectations that help reduce future conflicts. Although not legally binding, these agreements offer flexibility and can save both time and expense compared to court proceedings. If the agreement breaks down, however, court intervention may be necessary to formalize the arrangement through a Child Arrangements Order.
At our firm, we specialize in assisting parents to reach shared care agreements that prioritize the child’s best interests while reflecting each parent’s role and responsibilities. Our services include drafting tailored parenting agreements and, if necessary, guiding you through the court process to secure a formal shared child custody order.
What Does a Shared Care Order Mean for Your Family?
A shared care arrangement allows children to live with both parents in a balanced manner that suits the family’s unique needs. Shared care may not mean an exact 50/50 split, but rather a schedule that considers the well-being of the child and the parents’ circumstances. For example, it could mean the child lives with each parent on alternate weeks or divides weekdays and weekends to suit family logistics. Shared care also empowers parents to make joint decisions regarding their child’s education, health, and overall welfare, fostering cooperation and mutual respect.
Reaching a Shared Care Agreement with Our Support
Negotiating a shared care arrangement without court proceedings can provide a smoother, more amicable resolution for families. At our firm, we represent your interests by communicating directly with the other parent to establish a parenting agreement that best serves your child’s needs. Our goal is to create clear, practical arrangements that reflect each parent’s wishes and prioritize the child’s welfare.
Why Choose Our Legal 500 Family Law Team?
Arranging shared care can be emotionally challenging and complex. Our experienced family law team is dedicated to supporting you through every step of the process, whether you’re negotiating a private agreement or pursuing a court order. We ensure that your rights as a parent are upheld and that your child’s best interests remain at the forefront.
Our services include:
- Communicating with the other parent to negotiate shared care arrangements.
- Drafting comprehensive, clear parenting agreements.
- Advising on the legal process if mutual agreement cannot be reached.
- Representing you in court to secure a formal Shared Care Child Arrangements Order.
- If you are considering shared care arrangements or need assistance with any aspect of child arrangements, contact us for expert guidance and unwavering support.
