Short answer
Prepare the proposed relocation plan, current child arrangements, school and housing details, travel proposals, contact proposals, safeguarding evidence and any court orders or hearing dates.
Quick checklist
Start with these
Best order
How to organise the first pack
- Put any existing order, application, directions and hearing date first.
- Summarise the current care pattern and the proposed move.
- Add school, housing, travel, work and support-network evidence.
- Explain the contact proposal and any objection in practical terms.
Explain The Proposed Move
A child relocation enquiry should say whether the move is proposed within England and Wales, elsewhere in the UK or internationally. It should identify who proposes the move, who objects, the child's current arrangements and whether there are existing orders.
A barrister may advise on evidence, drafting, negotiation, position statements or representation at a suitable family court hearing. The court's focus is the child's welfare, and no outcome can be promised.
Evidence To Gather
The first pack should let the barrister understand the child's current life, the proposed change and the practical contact options.
- Existing child arrangements order, prohibited steps order, specific issue order or undertakings.
- Current weekly care pattern, school routine, holidays, handovers and indirect contact.
- Proposed destination, housing, school, childcare, work, family support and healthcare information.
- Travel costs, travel time, passport or visa issues, handover proposals and remote contact options.
- Safeguarding documents, police or local authority involvement and any Cafcass correspondence.
- Application, response, statements, court directions, hearing notice and MIAM or mediation documents where relevant.
Questions A Barrister May Consider
The advice request may ask what evidence is missing, how to present the relocation or objection, what interim arrangements may be needed and how to prepare for a directions or final hearing.
If there is an immediate risk of a child being removed without agreement or order, include the timing, passport position and any safeguarding information when requesting help. This page is general information, not emergency legal advice.
Review Notes For Family Procedure
Family procedure, safeguarding requirements, mediation expectations and international issues can be sensitive and fast-moving. Current GOV.UK, HMCTS and Family Procedure Rule materials should be checked before publication.
Avoid delays
What not to send first
- Leaving out current orders, hearing dates or court directions.
- Describing the dispute without a practical contact proposal.
- Omitting safeguarding, school or travel evidence.
- Assuming relocation cases follow a fixed outcome pattern.
Source/review note: child relocation, safeguarding, MIAM and family court procedure wording should be checked by a family law specialist before publication.
Editorial status: source and legal review required. No completed legal review is claimed.
Child Relocation Barrister Evidence Checklist FAQs
Can a barrister help with child relocation?
A family barrister may advise on evidence, drafting, negotiation and suitable hearings where the work can be scoped through Direct Access.
What should a relocation plan include?
It should usually address housing, school, healthcare, travel, costs, contact, support networks and the timing of the move.
Can this guide tell me whether the court will allow the move?
No. Relocation decisions are fact-specific and welfare-focused. This guide only explains preparation for a quote request.
Ask For A Barrister Quote
Barristers4U helps clients request a quote from a suitable Direct Access barrister. The information on this page is general information only, not legal advice about your individual circumstances.
If your matter is urgent, include hearing dates, court deadlines, orders and any documents you already have when you submit your enquiry.
