How long does a parenting
order last?

This depends on the type of order that is made. The Family Court can make two types of parenting orders; interim parenting orders and final parenting orders.

Interim parenting orders in the Family Court

An interim parenting order lasts until a particular date or until a particular thing happens - for example the Family Court making a final order, or until the Family Court says the order stops.

If the interim parenting order gives each parent either day-to-day care of a child or contact with the child, the order automatically ends after one year, unless it has already ended before then. However, either parent can ask the Family Court to reduce or extend the interim parenting order, provided they ask before the year is up. The parents must take all reasonable steps to obtain a final parenting order as soon as they can.

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Final parenting orders in the Family Court

Final parenting orders are usually made at the end of proceedings. A final parenting order lasts until a child turns 16 (unless it's a special case and the Family Court has decided that the parenting order should continue after that.

Care of Children Act 2004