A child arrangements order (CAO) is one made within private proceedings under section 8 of the Children Act 1989, setting out, primarily, who the child, or children, will live with and the contact arrangements with the other parent. This order will remain in force until a time specified within the order itself. If a party wishes to vary the order at any stage before it is supposed to end, then they can make a formal application to do so, which will then be listed for a directions hearing, whereby the parties will have an opportunity to reach an agreement and directions will be given. If an application is made to vary the CAO, the judge has the discretion to vary the order in any way they see fit, so they do not necessarily