Children and relationship breakdown

We understand that, as a parent, you will want to resolve matters relating to your children as soon as possible and in their best interests.  Our family law solicitors have a wealth of experience in dealing with a wide range of legal issues relating to children; no matter what the problem, we can help. 

Sometimes when parents separate disputes arise about the arrangements for their children following the separation.  It is usually best for all involved, especially the children, if matters can be resolved, as far as possible, by agreement.   Family Mediation may be of some assistance in helping parents reach an agreement. Unfortunately, in some cases it is not possible for parents to reach agreement and in those cases it becomes necessary for one parent to make an application to the court for resolution of the dispute between them.

Court Proceedings

When making a decision the court must have the welfare of each child as their paramount consideration.  The court has the power to make the following orders:

Parental Responsibility Orders

A Parental Responsibility Order can be made by the court to give a father or stepparent Parental Responsibility.  No important decision concerning the child's upbringing should be made without reference to any other person who has Parental Responsibility.

Residence Order

A Residence Order is an Order which settles the arrangements to be made as to the person with whom a child is to live.  This may exceptionally be someone other than a parent usually a relative.  The court can make a Residence Order which provides for the child's living arrangements to be shared between more than one person.

Contact Order

This is an order made by the court which requires the person with whom the child lives to allow the child to have contact with someone else.  This can include sending letters, making telephone calls and spending time together. 

Prohibited Steps Order

This prevents a parent or other person from doing something which is specified in the order. This could include preventing a parent from taking children out of the country.

Specific Issue Order

Sometimes a dispute arises in relation to a particular aspect of the child's upbringing between the people who have Parental Responsibility for the child.  If they cannot agree then the court can determine that particular dispute by making a Specific Issue Order. 

Do you need advice?

If any of the issues covered here are affecting you, you may want to take legal advice. Our family lawyers are specialists in helping clients with issues relating to children. Call our family law team on freephone 0800 422 0243, or complete our contact form and we will call you back to discuss how we may assist you with issues relating to your children.