Arrangements for Children

A divorce or separation is a difficult time for everyone. Your first concern is likely to be about your children. After a separation, you will both continue to be parents. A co-operative, constructive approach to sorting out the arrangements for them will lay the best foundations for the children to feel settled with the new family arrangements.

In most cases, parents can reach an agreement about what is best for their children. They should always share major discussions; for example, where their child will live, which school they will go to, health issues or religious upbringing choices. If not, we can advise on the arrangements and options for successfully resolving a family dispute. Agreements reached together are more likely to work in the long term, and there is no need for the stress of court.

• We are ranked in the top tier by both the Legal 500 and Chambers for family law advice
• Our nationally renowned family lawyers can advise on all issues relating to divorce, separation and children issues
• You can trust our team to take a sensitive, empathetic approach to your personal situation
• We offer advice and a constructive approach to trying to reach an agreement for you without the need to go to court dispute resolution, resolving issues without going to court
• We have a wealth of experience in dealing with court applications, should this become necessary

Call our friendly, professional family team to find out how we can help you.

Parents are encouraged to try and agree future arrangements for their children between themselves, rather than the old method of custody and access orders from court.

Many divorcing or separating parents can now attend mediaton if they have a family dispute, or if they need some help to create a Co-Parenting Plan together.

If arrangements cannot be agreed through mediation or another alternative dispute resolution option, our family lawyers can advise on court applications that may be necessary and assist you through the process.

The Children Act 1989 is the main piece of legislation dealing with family disputes about children. This legislation states that the child’s welfare is paramount. The court will also consider the child’s wishes and feelings, their physical, emotional and educational needs, the likely effect of any change in their circumstances, their age, sex and background, any harm that they have suffered, and how capable each parent is of meeting their needs.