Children Act 1989: Primary legislation governing children's welfare in England and Wales. Key sections include: Section 1 (welfare principle), Sections 2-4 (parental responsibility), and Section 8 (child arrangement orders)
Family Law Act 1996: Legislation covering domestic arrangements and family homes, providing framework for family living arrangements and property considerations in parenting plans
Children and Families Act 2014: Updates to children's law including amendments to Children Act 1989, emphasis on mediation before court proceedings, and introduction of child arrangement orders
Human Rights Act 1998: Particularly Article 8 which protects the right to respect for private and family life, must be considered in parenting arrangements
Equality Act 2010: Provides protection against discrimination and must be considered in ensuring fair and equal treatment in parenting arrangements
Best Interests Principle: Legal principle stating that the child's welfare must be the paramount consideration in any decisions affecting them
Parental Responsibility: Legal rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority that a parent has in relation to the child and their property
Safeguarding Requirements: Legal obligations to ensure the safety and protection of children in any parenting arrangements
Educational Provisions: Legal requirements regarding children's education that must be addressed in parenting plans
Healthcare Provisions: Legal requirements regarding children's healthcare and medical decisions that must be addressed in parenting plans
