Jones Myers warmly welcomes Solicitor Laura Sargeant, who brings sixteen years’ expertise to our esteemed Children’s Team.

Passionate about working in family law since her mid-teens, Laura’s specialisms include adoption, child arrangement orders and child protection orders. She finds it rewarding to support clients through a difficult period in their lives and help them to find the best solution for their unique situation.

Based at Jones Myers’ York city centre office, Laura was attracted by the firm’s values and standing in the area of family law.   

Laura said: “I have always had a lot of admiration and respect for Jones Myers and for their excellent reputation in the legal world. Always going above and beyond for their clients, they are also applauded  for their workplace values and culture.

“I know many of the Children’s Team here, having worked with them on various matters over the years.  I’m excited to work with such a lovely and talented group of people and draw on my experience to add value.”  

Jones Myers Partner, Kate Banerjee, who leads the Children’s Department, said: “Laura is a great asset to our talented and committed team which covers every aspect of private and public children law. We wish her continued success in her career with Jones Myers as the firm continues to go from strength to strength as an acknowledged leader in family law.”

Founded in 1992 as one of the first family law firms of its kind in the North of England, Jones Myers has retained a top position in the Legal 500 and Chambers rankings for over three decades.

Legal 500 2026 comments how the ‘fantastic team’ … ‘always managing clients’ expectations’ and describes the child abduction team as ‘a leader for all of Yorkshire.’ The Children’s Department is renowned globally for its expertise in complicated international child abduction cases in both Hague and Non-Hague countries.

Attracting the best lawyers in its field, Jones Myers has its own in-house counsel and operates across  headquarters in Leeds and offices in Harrogate and York.  

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Child Arrangement Orders: All you need to know  

By Jones Myers Partner, Anthony Parrish

As a niche family law firm which always puts children’s best interests first in  relationship breakdowns, we would like to share some insights on the importance of Child Arrangement Orders. 

The orders serve as a framework for promoting the well-being of the children involved, particularly during emotionally challenging times such as separation or divorce, when relationships may be strained.     

What is a Child Arrangement Order?

A legally binding order made by a court to establish who a child should live with and the amount of time they should spend with the non-resident parent or other family members, most notably Grandparents.

If you are a parent you can seek a Child Arrangement Order through the Court. Grandparents can also apply for such an order but firstly require the Court’s permission to do so. Such orders are commonly sought in cases where the parents have separated or when obstacles arise that prevent grandparents from having access to their grandchildren.

Why do I need a Child Arrangement Order?

There are numerous situations that may lead you to consider applying to the court for a Child Arrangement Order. They range from the need to establish specific arrangements for your child’s daily life to resolving disputes related to school holidays. 

It’s important to recognise that each case is family specific, and seeking guidance from a specialist firm such as Jones Myers is strongly recommended to receive appropriate advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

What will a court consider when making a Child Arrangement Order?

When parties are unable to reach a mutual agreement, the court takes several factors into account which include the child’s best interests and considerations such as the child’s wishes and feelings, particularly when they are older. The court also evaluates the child’s physical, emotional, and educational requirements, as well as the potential impact of any substantial changes in their circumstances. 

Additional factors taken into consideration include the child’s age, any known instances of harm or potential risks to the child themselves and the respective abilities of each parent to meet the child’s needs. These elements collectively shape the court’s decision-making process with the ultimate goal of safeguarding the child’s well-being.

How can Jones Myers help?

If you are considering applying to the court for a Child Arrangement Order and need assistance, we can guide you through the process and can provide support with mediation, which is typically required before making an application.

Our acclaimed Children’s Department is consistently described as ‘exceptional’ for our  extensive expertise and for maintaining our outstanding levels client care and service.

For advice on Child Arrangement Orders or any aspect of family law, call us 0113 246 0055 (Leeds),  01423 276104 (Harrogate), or 01904 202550 (York) www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2024

Image by Hai Nguyen Tien from Pixabay

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Recent changes to modernise the law mean that couples now have more power to make these decisions themselves and aims to ensure that both parents are involved in bringing up their children and can agree on who sees them, and when.

So exactly what is involved – and how can you achieve the best outcome for your family?

What are the changes to the law? 

New family laws introduced in April 2014 via the Children and Families Act were designed to encourage divorcing couples to be less confrontational, to avoid going to court where possible – and to put the child’s best interests first.

A key feature of the Act is the introduction of a Child Arrangements Programme which applies when a dispute arises concerning arrangements relating to children.

The programme promotes joint parental responsibility and consensus about where children would live – and how often they would see both parents. If parents are unable to reach an agreement outside of the courts, the programme seeks to resolve a dispute in order to avoid prolonged delays.

How do the changes differ to the previous system?

Prior to the introduction of Child Arrangements Orders, judges used to issue residence and contact orders ruling which parent the child would live with – and how much contact they would have with the other parent.

These residence and contact orders have been replaced with Child Arrangements Orders which encourage both parents to be involved in the decision-making process and to agree on what is best for their child.

Before thinking about a court application, both parents are required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) – a 45 minute meeting with a trained mediator to establish if mediation will be suitable rather than going straight to court.

What if the other party refuses to attend a MIAM? 

If the other party – referred to as the Respondent – refuses to turn up to the meeting a court can order them to attend and can adjourn proceedings until this requirement has been satisfied.

What issues should you consider during the decision-making process?

It is usual to try to keep children settled in the family home wherever possible to minimise disruption to their daily lives.

A constructive approach through the divorce or separation will lay the best foundations for the children to feel settled with the new family relationships. This is exactly why the approach taken by the Jones Myers team will work well for you. Our depth and breadth of experience – coupled with our sensitivity and professionalism – can help you to achieve the very best outcome for the whole family.

What happens after the meeting?

Following a MIAM, some couples may find mediation useful to help them agree on childcare arrangements. If mediation isn’t considered suitable, your case will go to court where a judge will rule on where your child should live.

Who can apply for Child Arrangements Orders?

Anyone with parental responsibility such as the child’s parent or guardian can apply for an order. Grandparents or other family members can apply with the courts permission.

If you have any concerns or queries about Child Arrangement Orders or any matter relating to children and divorce then please call us on 0113 246 0055, leave us a comment below or drop us an e-mail. You can follow us on Twitter at @helpwithdivorce

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