DIY Child Arrangements Order (contact) This step-by-step guide has been designed for grandparents who have lost contact with their grandchildren and are, after trying all other options, considering taking their case to the Family Court to apply for a Child Arrangements Order without using solicitors or other legal professionals. Child Arrangements Orders replaced 'Residence Orders' and 'Contact Orders' in 2014. Residence and contact orders made before 22 April 2014 and applications for residence and contact orders made but not disposed of before 22 April 2014 are deemed to be orders and applications for child arrangements orders. Courts still prefer to place the child with the other parent if possible unless it is not in the child's best interests. If this is not possible or not in the child's best interests, grandparents may be able to gain custody. The child's parents have been deemed unfit to retain custody. Child arrangements orders replaced residence orders and contact orders on 22 April 2014. The child has lived with a grandparent or grandparents for a year or more. Court orders for contact and grandparents 4: 1.1 What is a child arrangements order 4 1.2 The requirement to seek the leave of the court before applying 4 The CAP is designed to assist families to reach safe and child-focused agreements for their child More detailed information will have to be gathered before any advice can be imparted but in general, grandparents in the UK unfortunately, do not have automatic legal rights to apply for a Child Arrangements Order/Contact Order to see their grandchildren when their parents break-up. The childs mother, father or anyone with parental responsibility can apply for a court order. Once permission has been given, the court will decide, without delay, whether a relationship with a grandparent is within the best interests of the child. When a parent who has custody of a child dies, a grandparent may have a better chance of establishing custody. In fact, before issuing an application for an order providing that you can spend time with your grandchildren (called a child arrangements order (CAO)) you are now required by the rules governing these applications to attend a meeting with a mediator to see whether mediation might be suitable, rather than using the court. In all child custody cases, courts attempt to determine what custody arrangement is best for the child. You can ask the court for permission to apply for a court order unfortunately, grandparents dont have the same automatic right to go straight in and apply for a court order in the same way that parents do. A grandparent will need the permission of the court to apply for an Order. 2 Children: child arrangements orders grandparents and court orders for contact with grandchildren (Great Britain) Contents : Summary 3 1. For a grandparent to apply for a Child Arrangements order, the court must give permission before an application is made. The child's parents consent to grandparent custody. You should complete a Form C100 to apply for a Child Arrangements Order. The Child Arrangements Programme (the CAP) applies where a dispute arises between separated parents and/or families about arrangements concerning children. Grandparents Child Arrangements Orders Explained; A Child Arrangements Order is a Childrens Act Application to set in place clearly laid out arrangements for spending time with the grandchildren . OTS Solicitors . Child arrangements order. When making their decision the Court will consider the following; The wishes and feelings of the child. In determining whether permission is granted to advance a case, the court will consider; the nature of the proposed application, the connection of the child to the grandparent and any risks involved.