Children
One of the most important aspects of managing any separation, whether you are married, cohabiting or simply in a relationship is keeping the impact upon your children to a minimum.
Recognising this is a highly sensitive problem, wherever possible and appropriate, we seek to encourage parents to agree matters outside of Court using alternative resolution methods such as mediation or a collaborative approach.
Mediation
Both parents agree to attend mediation. Here you would attend a meeting with a trained mediator who would help you both to come to an agreement in relation to your children. While we don’t offer this service we can recommend trusted mediators.
Collaborative law
We understand that as parents when you make the hard decision to separate, you want to reach a solution that puts your children needs and interests first. Experience has shown us, that for a child the best outcome is when their parents work together to ensure contact with both parents is maintained and Court avoided.
Court proceedings
Only as a last resort would we recommend the assistance of the Court to enable you to reach an agreement regarding your children. Under the Children Act 1989 it is possible to bring a variety of applications.
Residence and Contact - Formerly known as Custody and Access, are best used when you cannot decide where your children should live or how much time they should spend with the other parent.
Specific Issue Order or Prohibited Steps Order – For specific issues which you cannot agree on such as schooling, medical treatment or perhaps holidays abroad then these orders can prevent a certain act or event from taking place.
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