Disputes regarding children

As a parent, whether you are married, single, in a civil partnership or living together, you need to feel confident that your children’s welfare will be safeguarded.

Even when you are in a happy, stable relationship you should consider seeking advice on:

• Appointing a guardian for your children in the event of your death
• Parental Responsibility
• Making a Will

Children and Separation

As parents if you are able to decide and agree arrangements for your children following your separation then this is always the best option, though sadly it is not possible in all cases.

At Andersons Solicitors our specialist family lawyers are here to help you. They will always try to avoid conflict and aim to assist you to reach amicable solutions through negotiations. If this is not possible you may need to seek a Court Order to resolve the issue. The Court’s most important consideration will always be the welfare of the child or children concerned.

If an application to Court becomes necessary our experienced family lawyers will prepare the paperwork, attend Court alongside you, put your case to the Court and advise you at every step in the proceedings.

Some of the Orders the Court can make are:

• Residence Order – where a child is to live
• Contact Order – when and how a child is to spend time with the non-resident parent
• Parental Responsibility – giving a person legal status as a parent
• Prohibited Steps Order – restricting how a parent exercises their Parental Responsibility
• Specific Issue Order – deals with a specific aspect of a child’s welfare e.g. their schooling, medical treatment or consent to move abroad
• Special Guardianship Orders – permanently placing a child with someone who is not their parent and giving that person Parental Responsibility
• Financial provision – for the benefit of a child. This can be maintenance, a lump sum or property
• Adoption – of a child whether placed with you by social services, or the child of your partner or a child from overseas

Grandparents

Our specialist family lawyers are also able to help and advise grandparents who are not seeing their grandchildren and are considering making their own application to the Court.