Children Act 1989: Fundamental legislation for child arrangements in England and Wales. Establishes the 'welfare principle' making child's best interests paramount, defines parental responsibility, and sets framework for court orders related to children.
Family Law Act 1996: Framework legislation for family proceedings, dealing with domestic arrangements and protection measures in family context.
Child Arrangements Programme 2014: Updates legal terminology from 'custody' and 'access' to 'child arrangements' and provides comprehensive guidance on handling disputes about arrangements for children.
Adoption and Children Act 2002: Modifies aspects of Children Act 1989, particularly relevant for parental responsibility provisions and adoption matters.
Human Rights Act 1998: Incorporates Article 8 on the right to respect for private and family life, which must be considered in child arrangement cases.
Children and Families Act 2014: Emphasizes importance of both parents in children's lives and introduces child arrangement orders as current legal framework.
Welfare Checklist: Section 1(3) Children Act 1989 checklist including child's wishes, physical/emotional needs, effect of circumstances changes, age/sex/background considerations, harm risks, parental capability, and available court powers.
