Skip to content Quick exit

Help is here

Children and child arrangements in the UK

Children who live with abuse are affected even when they are not hurt themselves. There is help for them, and for you as a parent.

This is general information, not legal advice. Each service was checked against its own website on 7 November 2026. Rules change: read what the service itself says before you decide.

Who can help

  • Rights of Women advice lines

    Free, confidential legal advice by phone from women lawyers on domestic abuse, family and child arrangements, criminal law and immigration.

    Who it is for Women in England and Wales.

    First step Call one of their advice lines (family, criminal or immigration and asylum). Lines are busy, so keep trying and read their legal guides.

    Good to know Advice is for the law in England and Wales only. Use their 'Hide Your Tracks' link if needed.

    rightsofwomen.org.uk

  • Child arrangements and court orders (England and Wales)

    How to agree, or ask a family court to decide, where children live and who they spend time with after separating.

    Who it is for In England and Wales: parents, or relatives such as grandparents, who cannot agree child arrangements.

    First step Get legal advice first; with evidence of abuse you may get legal aid. Then apply online or by post for a court order.

    Good to know With evidence of domestic abuse you usually do not have to attend a mediation meeting (MIAM) first. Urgent cases can skip it too.

    gov.uk

  • Cafcass (England)

    Independent family court advisers who tell the court what is safe for children and listen to children and adults who have experienced abuse.

    Who it is for In England: children and families in family court cases about where children live, who they see, care or adoption.

    First step You do not apply to Cafcass. The court asks them to work with your family; tell your Family Court Adviser about the abuse.

    Good to know If a child is in danger now, contact the police; if you are worried about a child's safety, contact the local council.

    cafcass.gov.uk

  • Cafcass Cymru (Wales)

    Makes sure children's voices are heard in family courts in Wales and advises the court on their best interests and safety.

    Who it is for In Wales: children and families in family court cases, for example when parents are separating.

    First step You do not apply to them. Cafcass Cymru only becomes involved in a family law case when the court asks.

    Good to know Cafcass Cymru is not a legal service and cannot give legal advice.

    gov.wales

  • Residence and contact cases in the sheriff court (Scotland)

    The Scottish courts' page on the sheriff court procedure used for family cases, including orders about where a child lives and contact.

    Who it is for In Scotland: anyone asking the sheriff court for an order about a child's residence or contact, or answering one.

    First step Get legal advice before you apply: the court says the procedure is complex.

    Good to know Court staff cannot give legal advice. If you are sent court papers, they explain how to defend the case.

    scotcourts.gov.uk

  • Agreeing arrangements for children, and when it is not safe (Scotland)

    Scottish Government guidance on agreeing where children live and spend time without going to court, and when that may not be safe.

    Who it is for In Scotland: parents who are separating or live apart. It says a Parenting Plan may not suit cases of domestic abuse.

    First step If you are worried about your or your children's safety, speak to a support organisation, a solicitor or social work first.

    Good to know A Parenting Plan is voluntary, so a court cannot enforce it if one parent does not stick to it.

    mygov.scot

  • Residence and contact orders (Northern Ireland)

    How a family court in Northern Ireland can decide where a child lives and when they see the other parent, if parents cannot agree.

    Who it is for In Northern Ireland: parents who have separated or divorced and cannot agree arrangements for their children.

    First step Apply to a family court for a residence or contact order and ask the court to decide.

    Good to know If you are a victim of domestic abuse, legal aid may help you challenge an ex's application about the children.

    nidirect.gov.uk

  • Childline

    Free, confidential counselling for children and young people, including if there is abuse at home or in their own relationship.

    Who it is for Children and young people across the UK, including those affected by abuse that is not aimed at them.

    First step Children can call free, or chat one-to-one online with a Childline counsellor, about anything.

    Good to know Calls to Childline do not show on the phone bill.

    childline.org.uk

Numbers

Ask Askepott

Not sure what fits you? Ask in your own words, or press an example. Nothing you write is stored.

Ask your own question

Other topics