Child Arrangements Proposal Letter

Formal proposal to the other parent setting out proposed arrangements for where children will live and when they will spend time with each parent.

When to use this template

Use this letter to make a clear, written proposal for child arrangements before commencing court proceedings. Courts strongly encourage parties to reach agreement without litigation. Sending a reasoned proposal demonstrates good faith and may be referred to by the court. Use it at the outset of a dispute or in response to an unreasonable position from the other parent.

When NOT to use this template

Do not use this letter where there are safeguarding concerns — allegations of abuse or domestic violence should be dealt with through a formal C100 application to the court or a referral to the police and social services. Do not use it where a Child Arrangements Order is already in force; apply to vary that order instead.

Legal Basis

Children Act 1989, s.1 (the welfare of the child is the court's paramount consideration); s.8 (child arrangements orders); s.1(3) (welfare checklist). The presumption of parental involvement (s.1(2A)) means that both parents' involvement is presumed to be in the child's interests unless there is a risk of harm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗Framing proposals as demands rather than genuine offers — courts prefer cooperative parents
✗Not addressing how arrangements will work during school holidays and special occasions
✗Failing to propose a communication method between the parents
✗Not referencing the children's own wishes, where appropriate to their age and understanding

Build Your Letter

Fill in your details

Complete the fields below. Required fields are marked with *.

Your full name*

Your address*

Date of letter*

Other parent's full name*

Child(ren)'s name(s)*

Your proposed arrangements (be specific)*

Optional fields

Proposed communication method between parents

Letter preview

[YOUR FULL NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]

[DATE OF LETTER]

[OTHER PARENT'S FULL NAME]

---

Dear [OTHER PARENT'S FULL NAME],

**PROPOSED CHILD ARRANGEMENTS FOR [CHILD(REN)'S NAME(S)]**

I am writing to set out my proposals for the arrangements for [CHILD(REN)'S NAME(S)] going forward. I hope that we can reach agreement without the need for court proceedings, and I write in that spirit.

**My proposals**

I propose the following arrangements:

[YOUR PROPOSED ARRANGEMENTS (BE SPECIFIC)]

**Basis of my proposals**

My proposals are guided throughout by the welfare and best interests of [CHILD(REN)'S NAME(S)], which I regard as the most important consideration. I believe the arrangements I have proposed will provide stability, continuity, and meaningful relationships with both of us, as envisaged by the Children Act 1989.

I have taken into account the children's current routines, their schooling, and their wishes and feelings as I understand them at this stage.

**Communication**

I propose that we communicate with each other about matters concerning the children by [PROPOSED COMMUNICATION METHOD BETWEEN PARENTS], and that we aim to respond to routine matters within 48 hours. Urgent matters should be dealt with by telephone.

**Next steps**

I invite you to consider these proposals and respond within 21 days of the date of this letter. If you wish to discuss them, I am willing to attend mediation. I would ask that we use a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) before considering any application to the court.

I hope we can resolve this in the best interests of our children.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR FULL NAME]

Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.