One of the most difficult and emotional aspects of a separation is discussing and resolving issues in relation to the children of the family.
Whether you are divorcing, separating or you have separated some time ago and there exists difficulty in agreeing the arrangements in respect to your child or children, we will do our best to achieve an amicable outcome for you.
We have an experienced team of family solicitors with vast experience in children law, including Children Panel members and collaborative lawyers.
A collaborative lawyer will engage in a procedure whereby each parent can have a meeting with the other and have their solicitors present to represent them at these meetings. The purpose of the meeting is to reach an early and sensible conclusion to any children’s issues without the need to go to court.
We also encourage the use of mediation between separating couples as does the court. The mediation process involves the parents concerned sitting with an independent mediator in order to reach an agreement and to save any uncontested issues being dealt with by the court.
If your case cannot be settled by the above means we will fully represent your interests in any court proceedings issued.
The paramount concern of the court is always the best interests of the child. We appreciate that for parents this will be their primary concern. We will therefore guide you through the negotiations and any court process with a view to minimising any distress for the children concerned and yourself.
The Judge will always prefer it when separated parents agree between themselves the arrangements for their children. From the 22nd April 2014 the Children’s and Families Act came into force which allows parents to obtain Child Arrangement Orders for their children.
However in the event that the parties are unable to agree on the arrangements for their children or other issues such as: the child’s surname, paternity, where the child goes to school, and all the way up to abduction, preventing the child from being removed from the jurisdiction, and ‘delivery up orders’ (where one parent has failed to return the child), we have a dedicated team of experts at hand to offer you the best possible representation.
We understand your need to ensure the stability and well-being of those you hold most dear.
As from April 2013 Legal aid is only available in a few exceptional circumstances. Please contact our team for more information.