When a relationship breaks down, parents naturally focus on safeguarding their children’s stability and emotional security. For affluent families, the situation can be even more intricate. International travel, multiple homes, private education, and demanding professional schedules often shape how child arrangements are negotiated. Understanding the legal framework for Child Arrangements Orders is essential for navigating these issues with clarity.

A Child Arrangements Order explained

A Child Arrangements Order, made under the Children Act 1989, sets out where a child will live and how they will spend time with each parent. It offers structure and certainty when informal discussions are proving difficult or when there is a need for clear, enforceable arrangements. The court’s focus is always the child’s welfare rather than the financial status or lifestyle choices of either parent.

Key considerations for affluent families

While every family is different, high net worth households often encounter recurring themes that need early attention. These include:

  • International mobility (especially where children travel regularly);
    • Schooling decisions, including boarding arrangements and continuity within high performing independent schools.
    • Demanding professional commitments that make rigid shared care patterns unrealistic.
    • The need to maintain stability and routine across potentially very different households.
    • Additional security or privacy considerations linked to career, public profile, or family wealth.

These issues do not determine the outcome, but they inform the practical structure of the arrangements and the court’s assessment of what best meets the child’s needs.

How the court makes its decision

The court applies the statutory welfare checklist, taking a broad and balanced approach to the child’s circumstances. It will consider:

  • The child’s wishes and feelings, taking account of age and understanding.
    • Their emotional, educational, and physical needs.
    • The likely impact of any proposed change.
    • Any safeguarding or risk factors.
    • Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s daily requirements.

Although financial resources can influence practical considerations such as housing and education, they do not dictate where a child lives. The decisive question is always which arrangement best promotes the child’s welfare.

Practical steps before issuing proceedings

Parents are expected to take constructive steps before turning to the court. The most effective preparation typically includes:

  • Mediation, which is required in most cases and often resolves issues early.
    • A set of well structured, child centred proposals that show cooperation rather than conflict.
    • Early specialist legal advice, particularly where international elements, complex wealth structures, or public profile considerations are involved.

Why Ison Harrison is well placed to assist

Ison Harrison’s Private Family Law team has extensive experience advising high net worth clients on delicate and often complex child arrangement matters. We combine technical expertise with discretion, empathy, and a practical understanding of the pressures faced by affluent families. Our goal is to protect your position while ensuring the arrangements genuinely support your child’s long-term wellbeing.

Next steps

If you require clarity regarding child arrangements or are facing a dispute that needs prompt guidance, our family law specialists are ready to assist. Please call us on 0113 284 5000 or email family@isonharrison.co.uk.