GOV.UK has a service called "Find ways to make your child arrangements", dated 14 May 2026, that helps separating parents find options for child arrangements, including ways to agree without going to court.
Key facts
- Who: Parents who are separating or have separated from their child's other parent
- From: 14 May 2026
- Source: Find ways to make your child arrangements, GOV.UK
The service, "Find ways to make your child arrangements", is for people who are separating, or have separated, from their child's other parent. It covers options for making child arrangements, including ways to agree without going to court.
GOV.UK notes that child arrangements are sometimes known as "child custody" or "child contact".
Users are asked questions about their circumstances, including their current relationship with their ex-partner. They are not asked for any personal details. Answers are not saved or shared with anyone, and the service takes about 10 minutes to use.
Every page has an "Exit this page" button for anyone who needs to leave quickly. It takes the user to BBC Weather. The service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
There are limits. The service cannot be used to make financial arrangements, and GOV.UK points users to the Child Maintenance Service for that. It also states that what a person can do is different in Scotland and in Northern Ireland.
What this means for separating parents
The service gives separating parents a way to look at the options for making child arrangements, including those that do not involve going to court.
It asks about your circumstances, including your current relationship with your ex-partner, but does not ask for personal details, and your answers are not saved or shared with anyone.
Money matters are not covered. For financial arrangements, GOV.UK refers users to the Child Maintenance Service.
If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, what you can do is different there.
Sources
- GOV.UK, Find ways to make your child arrangements, 14 May 2026