A "residence order" is a legal decision that determines where a child should live. It is usually made by a court when parents are separated or divorced. The order stipulates which parent the child should live with and for how long. Full definition
In that case, two fathers had applied for their applications for residence orders in respect of their sons to be heard in public. (newlawjournal.co.uk)
Dipper v Dipper [1980] 1 FLR 286, CA: (Rights of parties over upbringing of children following one - parent residence order). (stjohnsbuildings.com)
In Mabon v Mabon (above) parents of six children were engaged in residence order proceedings relating to the three older, boys aged 17, 15 and 13. (newlawjournal.co.uk)