Children

How we can help

The breakdown of a relationship can lead to disputes regarding many issues, one of the most emotionally charged being child contact with couples having to deal with where children will live and how their time is going to be shared between their parents. Our experienced team recognise the emotions involved and deal with all such matters sensitively, to try and reduce acrimony and to ensure that the focus is on the child’s welfare.

If a couple were to separate, a parent would be involved in the important decisions in a child’s life if they have parental responsibility. Parental responsibility is the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authorities which by law a parent of a child has relating to that child. Parental responsibility can become an issue when decisions have to be made regarding, for example; where a child will live, schooling, medical treatment of religion.

It is hoped that parents will work together to make decisions in the best interests of the child, but on occasion, that cannot be achieved. In those instances, legal advice should be sought. We will provide tailored advice to allow you to make an informed decision as to what is right for you, in your particular circumstances. This may include attending mediation to negotiate an agreement or applying to court to seek an Order to define issues such as; where a child should live, when they should spend time with a parent or more specific issues such as whether they should be allowed to change their name or to move abroad. Our team will be with you every step of the way to make sure that the best possible outcome is achieved.