When your relationship comes to an end, it is always best if you can make arrangements between yourselves in respect of the children. If you are not able to do so, we can help with negotiations and, if necessary, refer you to mediation.
Applications to court
In some cases you will need to make an application to court and we can guide you through that process from start to finish.
We can assist you in applying for Child Arrangement Orders, for example:
- contact
- residence or custody
Specific Issue Orders, for example:
- changing a child’s names
- changing a child’s school
- moving to a different area of the country
- moving to a different country
- authorising a specific medical treatment
- bringing a child up within a specific religion
- obtaining a passport for a child
Prohibited Steps Orders, for example:
- preventing the removal of a child from your care
- preventing a change in a child’s school
- preventing the removal of a child from the country
Whenever the court considers any of the above applications it has to apply the Welfare Checklist in order to determine what is in the child’s best interests.
In many cases, the court will not have enough information to make a decision and so will appoint an expert from the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) to conduct further investigations. These could include meeting both parents (separately), seeing the children with their parents, seeing the children on their own in a neutral venue, considering any relevant material such as social services and GP records, and discussing the issues with the children’s school or any other person or organisation working with the children/family.
Whatever the issue, our experienced child law solicitors are here to help you achieve workable solutions. We will always try to resolve matters initially through discussions, negotiations or referring you to family mediation. If court proceedings are unavoidable, we are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for you and your children.