Children Act 1989: Primary legislation for child custody matters, establishing the welfare principle (child's best interests are paramount), defining parental responsibility, and providing framework for Child Arrangement Orders (formerly residence and contact orders)

Family Law Act 1996: Legislation governing domestic circumstances and living arrangements in family situations, relevant for establishing custody arrangements

Children and Families Act 2014: Modern updates to child arrangement provisions, including requirements for mediation and specific provisions for parental involvement in children's lives

Human Rights Act 1998: Incorporates Article 8 (Right to family life) and Article 6 (Right to fair hearing) which must be considered in custody arrangements

Child Abduction and Custody Act 1985: Legislation dealing with international aspects of child custody and prevention of child abduction across borders

Welfare Checklist: Section 1(3) Children Act 1989 checklist including child's wishes, physical/emotional needs, effect of circumstances changes, age considerations, potential harm risks, and parental capability assessment

Custody Case Law Precedents: Established legal precedents regarding shared care arrangements, relocation cases, and definition of reasonable access in custody situations