The Ministry of Justice confirmed in October 2026 that the Children (Terminology) Bill will rename "child arrangements orders" as "parenting orders" when it comes into force in early 2027. The change in language is designed to move the focus from parental rights to parental responsibility and the child's welfare — reinforcing the principle established in the Children Act 1989, s.1 that the child's welfare is the court's paramount consideration.
Existing child arrangements orders will automatically be treated as parenting orders without any need for parties to apply for new orders. The terminology change follows a recommendation of the Family Justice Board, which found that the phrase "arrangements" was too passive and failed to communicate that breaching the order can lead to enforcement proceedings including committal to prison for contempt of court.
Alongside the terminology change, the Bill introduces a new standard form "parenting plan" that separating parents are encouraged to complete before applying to court. The plan covers: where the child lives; when each parent has time with the child; how decisions about education, health and religion are made; and how disputes between parents will be resolved. Completing a plan does not require a court order — it is a voluntary agreement. Cafcass and Resolution have both published template parenting plans. Citizens Advice provides plain-language guidance on current child arrangements orders for those navigating the existing system.