Family Law · Child Arrangements
Child Arrangements Solicitors in Chester
Custody, Contact Orders & Parental Responsibility — Putting Children First
Serving Chester, Cheshire, Ellesmere Port, Wrexham and North Wales. Part of our wider Family Law services
Speak to Martin DiasYour Family Law Journey
Related Steps — What Else You May Need
Where children live, contact arrangements and parental responsibility.
When a relationship breaks down and children are involved, decisions about where they live, who they spend time with, and how parental responsibility is exercised are often the most important — and most emotionally charged — matters to resolve.
At PDA Law, our family law solicitors in Chester provide sensitive, practical advice on all child arrangements matters — always with the child\'s welfare at the centre of everything we do. We serve families across Chester, Cheshire, Wrexham and North Wales.
What We Advise On
Child Arrangements Orders
A child arrangements order is a court order that sets out where a child lives and how they spend time with each parent. Courts make these orders when parents cannot agree — but in many cases, agreement can be reached without court involvement.
We always explore whether agreement is possible before recommending court proceedings. Mediation is often a constructive first step, and we can advise on whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.
Where court proceedings are necessary, we provide clear, firm representation to protect your position and your children\'s welfare.
Parental Responsibility
Parental responsibility is the legal right and duty to make decisions about a child\'s upbringing — including education, medical treatment, religion and where they live.
Mothers: Automatically have parental responsibility from birth.
Fathers (married): Automatically have parental responsibility if married to the mother at the time of birth.
Fathers (unmarried): Acquire parental responsibility if named on the birth certificate (for births registered after 1 December 2003), by entering a parental responsibility agreement, or by court order.
Step-parents & others: Can acquire parental responsibility by agreement or court order in certain circumstances.
If you are unsure whether you have parental responsibility, or if there is a dispute about how it is exercised, we can advise you.
Related Family Law Services
Your Family Law Specialist
Your Family Law Specialist
Martin Dias
Family Law Executive
Martin brings almost 30 years of specialist family law experience to every case — divorce, separation, financial settlements and children matters. Clients value his straight-talking honesty, patience, and genuine emotional support throughout what is often a very difficult time.
Speak to a Child Arrangements Solicitor
If you are facing child arrangements issues, we are here to help. Our priority is always the welfare of the children.
Call for a free initial consultation to discuss your situation.
Client Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
“Martin and the team at PDA Law made an incredibly difficult time much more manageable. Their advice was always clear, compassionate, and practical. I felt fully supported throughout.”
Rebecca H.
Family law client, Chester
* Names changed to protect client confidentiality. Testimonials reflect genuine client experiences.
Get Started
Speak to a Child Arrangements Solicitor
No obligation · Costs explained clearly · Early advice often protects your position
Funding Your Legal Fees
Own a property? You may not need savings to fund your case.
If you jointly own the matrimonial home, a Sears Tooth agreement allows us to secure our fees against your share of the property — meaning no upfront payment is required. Fees are deducted when the property is sold or transferred. This option is particularly suited to non-working spouses or those with limited income.
Explore all funding optionsWe do not accept legal aid cases. PDA Law is a private client practice. All family law matters are funded privately — through direct fees, payment plans, or a Sears Tooth agreement where applicable.
Prefer to speak with us? Call 01244 757352