Costs associated with Child Arrangements Orders?

HurdyGurdy

What expenses should my son anticipate from applying for a Child Arrangements Order, apart from the cost of the Order, which I understand is currently £215? Is that literally just for the Order, or if they go into Court, are there additional fees for this? Is a CAO usually settled (assuming the other parent agrees to it) in one hearing, or are there further hearings, and are they to be paid for also?

I know that the parents would have to do mediation – who pays for that? Is it the applicant or do both parents share the cost?

The two parents live 200 miles apart. Where would medication take place? Would it be in the area where the application is made, or the area where the child lives?

Realistically, is it do-able without employing a solicitor or is he likely to end up facing huge legal costs?

pphillips

Usually, he needs to go through mediation before he can apply for a child arrangements order. This is an extra cost and the parties pay individually (unless they qualify for legal aid).
The applicant normally chooses where the mediation takes place.
If an agreement can't be reached at mediation, the next stage is to go to court.
The £215 court fee will cover the cost of making the application for a child arrangements order and all the court hearings relating to it.
As to whether he is likely to end up with a huge legal costs if he gets a solicitor, it is a possibility. I've know these types of cases go through the courts for up to two years.
The courts will not normally make any award of costs.
If the cost of a solicitor is too much for him, it can be done without one and he might be able to get help form a charity (such as the PSU) who support litigants in person.

middlesis

This is not a question of cost. This is a child,s future.

I understand that money and finances play a big part in our lives, and yes, it does cost money when a
relationship breaks down, even if it is amicable.

However, you do what you have to do because WE are the grown ups, and the children are innocent bystanders in all of this.

I,m sure that you and your son want the best outcome for your grandchild, and I don,t think you can put a price on that.

Family courts are emotional, difficult, and bl##dy hard work - I know I,ve been there.

Whatever it may cost, the child in the middle of all this is more than just "expenses"

Not a very practical reply, i,m afraid, just speaking from the heart.