Applying for or responding to a Child Arrangements Order? From CAFCASS calls to court hearings, we help you navigate every stage calmly, clearly, and strategically. Fixed-fee support. Real insight. No guesswork.
Whether you’re at the very start or knee-deep in hearings, we help you make sense of the process – and act strategically at every step. From preparing for CAFCASS interviews to drafting court statements and responding to reports, we work with you all the way to Final Order.
We help you feel less overwhelmed – with structured guidance, real insight into how family court works, and a calm plan for what comes next.
A Child Arrangements Order (CAO) is a legal document issued by the family court. It sets out where your child lives, who they see, and when. For many dads, this is the first step toward rebuilding regular, structured contact with their child — but the process can feel overwhelming.
Getting a CAO isn’t just about filling in a form. It’s about presenting your case clearly, handling CAFCASS interviews strategically, and showing the court that you’re acting in your child’s best interests. That’s where we help.
We guide you through each stage clearly – so you don’t miss key steps or feel overwhelmed by legal terms and expectations.
From the first form to the final order, each stage in the process comes with new pressure, questions, and court expectations. We help you stay calm, get clear on what matters, and move through the process with structure and support.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or already partway through, we tailor our help to your situation.
We’ll walk you through the full CAO process – from MIAM to final order – and help you identify exactly where you are in that journey. Whether you’ve just filed a C100 or are waiting for a hearing, we’ll explain what’s coming next and what to prepare for.
We help you get ready for CAFCASS interviews, draft clear Position Statements, and understand what to expect at court. You’ll feel more confident knowing what to say, how to say it, and what the judge will be looking for at each step.
Court proceedings can drag on – and things often change along the way. We’re by your side throughout, helping you make sense of court paperwork, adapt to new developments, and respond strategically when things get stressful.
Family court is confusing, fast-moving, and full of unfamiliar terms. Most dads feel totally unprepared for the legal jargon, expectations, and pressure to act quickly – especially if things get heated.
We break the process down clearly, guide you through the key moments, and support you with strong, strategic documents that speak to what the court actually needs to hear.
You’re not just filling out forms or showing up to court. You’re navigating a system that can decide how often you see your child – and how you’re perceived as a parent. Most dads don’t realise how crucial each stage is until they’re already behind.
We help you move through the process with confidence – with clear next steps, strategic paperwork, and honest support from someone who’s been there.
We’ve worked inside the system – from CAFCASS interviews to court hearings. We know what judges want to see, what social workers look for, and how to present your side clearly and calmly.
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They broke down each stage and made everything feel manageable. I finally felt like I had someone on my side.”
The court doesn’t have time for rambling or unclear points. We help you write punchy, focused Position Statements, evidence summaries, and replies that show your commitment, clarity, and care.
“ My first statement with Dads’ Consultancy was the turning point in my case.”
With us, you don’t get passed between departments. You’ll have one consistent consultant who understands your case, knows your priorities, and walks you through each step.
“ It was a relief to speak to the same person throughout – someone who actually got it.”
We’ve worked inside the system – from CAFCASS interviews to court hearings. We know what judges want to see, what social workers look for, and how to present your side clearly and calmly.
“ They broke down each stage and made everything feel manageable. I finally felt like I had someone on my side.”
The court doesn’t have time for rambling or unclear points. We help you write punchy, focused Position Statements, evidence summaries, and replies that show your commitment, clarity, and care.
“ My first statement with Dads’ Consultancy was the turning point in my case.”
With us, you don’t get passed between departments. You’ll have one consistent consultant who understands your case, knows your priorities, and walks you through each step.
“ It was a relief to speak to the same person throughout – someone who actually got it.”
Every dad’s journey through child arrangements is different – but the questions, fears, and decisions are often the same. Whether you’re just starting the process, mid-way through hearings, or facing complications like safeguarding concerns or a Section 7 report, we’ll help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Most dads assume they need a solicitor from day one – but that’s not always the best use of your time or money. If you’re self-representing, the real challenge isn’t legal jargon – it’s strategy, preparation, and knowing how to engage with the court and CAFCASS effectively.
That’s exactly what our service is built for. Here’s how we compare:
| Feature | Dads’ Consultancy | Typical Solicitor |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed-Fee, End-to-End Support | ✅ | ❌ Hourly Billing |
| Help With CAFCASS Calls & Reports | ✅ Strategic Prep | ❌ Rarely Covered |
| Position Statement Writing | ✅ Included | ❌ Often Charged Extra |
| Fact-Finding / Section 7 Support | ✅ Tailored Coaching | ❌ Varies Widely |
| Emotional & Strategic Support | ✅ Focused on Fathers | ❌ Legal Advice Only |
| Support With Court Process | ✅ From C100 to Final Order | ❌ Often Limited to Legal Issues |
This isn’t just a one-off call or a template pack. It’s complete, end-to-end guidance – from your first steps in court all the way through to Final Order.
We support you at every stage: CAFCASS interviews, Position Statements, hearings, fact-finding prep, Section 7 responses – and all the paperwork and decisions in between.
Get complete, fixed-fee support for your entire case — from the moment you decide to take action, right through to the final order. We’ll prepare you for CAFCASS safeguarding calls, draft and review your Position Statements, and coach you for fact-finding hearings. You’ll know how to handle a Section 7 interview, respond strategically to concerns, and navigate every stage of the court process with confidence. Along the way, you’ll have ongoing access to an experienced consultant who’s worked inside family court – ready to answer questions, review documents, and keep your case on track.
💬 Please don’t make any payments before speaking to our team. We always begin with a free call to make sure this service is the right fit for your situation.
From their first CAFCASS call to final orders in court, we’ve supported dads through every twist and turn of the child arrangements process. These aren’t just reviews – they’re real accounts from fathers who felt overwhelmed, out of their depth, and unsure where to turn.
Here’s what they said after working with us:
Still figuring out how the court process works – or whether this service is right for your situation? These are the questions we hear most from dads dealing with Child Arrangements Orders. Clear, honest answers below.
A Child Arrangements Order is a legal order made by the family court to decide where a child lives, who they spend time with, and how often. It replaces the old “residence” and “contact” orders, and it’s usually requested when parents can’t agree privately.
You’ll need to fill in a C100 form and usually attend a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) first – unless an exemption applies. Once submitted, the court process begins, and CAFCASS get involved early on to assess safeguarding concerns.
CAFCASS speak to both parents at the start (via a safeguarding call), prepare a Safeguarding Letter for the judge, and may also write a Section 7 report later in the process. Their role is to advise the court on what’s in the child’s best interests.
Most dads need help at three stages: preparing for the CAFCASS call, writing court statements, and responding to reports or allegations. We support you across all three – with clear structure, proven strategy, and practical guidance tailored to your case.
The first hearing is called the FHDRA (First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment). The judge will look at the CAFCASS Safeguarding Letter and see if agreement is possible. If not, they may order a Section 7 report or schedule a fact-finding hearing.
False or exaggerated allegations are sadly common. We help you respond calmly – focusing on your child’s best interests and avoiding defensive language that could backfire in court.
Yes – our team will guide you through writing a clear, persuasive Position Statement tailored to your hearing. We also review court paperwork, explain next steps, and help you avoid common mistakes that dads make when self-representing.
Yes – we support dads across England and Wales. Whether your hearing is in Manchester, Birmingham, London, or a smaller town, we can guide you remotely via phone, email, or video call.
It’s a fixed fee of £800. This includes support through the full process: CAFCASS prep, court statements, report responses, and ongoing help interpreting paperwork and next steps. We also offer interest-free payment plans.
If you’re self-representing and need strategy, prep, and documents written – we’re ideal. If your case involves serious allegations or a Final Hearing with cross-examination, we can help you prepare thoroughly – but in some cases, having legal representation alongside may still be appropriate.
A Child Arrangements Order decides where a child lives and who they see. A Prohibited Steps Order prevents a parent from making specific decisions, like taking a child abroad or changing schools. We help you decide what’s most appropriate for your case.
Yes – in some cases. If you’re not the child’s parent but have played a significant role in their life, you may be able to apply directly or ask the court for permission first. We can guide you through the process.
Yes – you can apply to vary the order if your circumstances change or the current arrangement isn’t working. We help you prepare the right documents and present a clear case for change.
Whether you’re just filing the C100 or already facing your first hearing, you don’t have to do it alone. We help you navigate each step calmly and clearly – from court forms to CAFCASS calls, statements, and beyond.
Our full support package gives you guidance, structure, and clarity throughout the process.
Start with a free discovery call. No pressure. No judgment. Just expert advice grounded in real experience.
