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Leeds Child Arrangements Orders & Private Children Disputes

Why Choose our Leeds Family and Children Solicitors

  • Freeths Family team is 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 private law children disputes, relationship breakdown and separation. Our team have years of experience in these areas and we have accredited specialists recognised for their particular expertise in children law matters;
  • You can trust our team to manage your case sensitively, with empathy and compassion. We will always listen to you and tailor our advice to ensure it is appropriate based on your personal situation and particular circumstances;
  • We offer advice and provide a constructive approach. Where suitable, we will always explore whether a negotiated agreement can be reached without the need to go to court;
  • We have a wealth of experience within children act proceedings if a court application is needed.

Our expertise

Our highly regarded family and children lawyers are recognised as leading specialists in their field, with extensive experience acting in complex and intractable Children Act disputes. Mark Heppinstall, who leads our Family Law team in Leeds, has attained specialist Resolution accreditation in private children law work and our team has years of experience in this area.

Relationship breakdown is a difficult time for everyone but can be particularly challenging where children are involved. Inevitably your first concern is likely to be the welfare of your children. Following separation you may well be finding your feet within a new family dynamic and learning to adjust to life as co-parents. Unfortunately from time to time it can be difficult to agree care or other arrangements for children and in cases where disputes arise we can help guide you towards a solution.

A co-operative, constructive approach to resolving arrangements for children can help lay the best foundations for them to feel settled within new or changing family dynamics.

In many cases, parents are able to reach agreement about what is best for their children directly, though this is not always possible or appropriate despite best efforts. Where possible, parents should try to share major decisions about their children; to include things like where they will live, how their time is split between each household, which school they go to, how any health needs should be met and which religion or belief system they are to be raised within.

If you find you are unable to reach agreement around such matters, or if there are broader concerns that arise on separation, we can advise on your options and help you work towards a successful resolution of your dispute.

Although agreements reached together are generally encouraged in the first instance this is not always possible and sometimes court proceedings are appropriate or necessary. There are also occasions where there may be no reasonable alternative. If needed, we can represent and guide you through this process where you can be assured your case will be managed sensitively but firmly.

Key contact

Contact our family team

How can mediation help?

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

If arrangements cannot be agreed through mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution our family lawyers will be happy to advise on court applications and guide you through the process.

The Children Act 1989 is the main piece of legislation which governs family disputes for children. This legislation states that the child’s welfare is paramount. When determining any application, the court will also consider the welfare checklist. This includes 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.

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

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