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Children
Putting children first when couples separate
Separation and divorce is particularly challenging when children are involved, and we recognise the stress this creates for families. Our priority is to help you find a resolution that prioritises the wellbeing of your children.
We will always seek to help you find a resolution with your partner and use the courts process only as a last resort.
We will always seek to help you find a resolution with your partner and use the courts process only as a last resort.
Navigating child arrangements
Legal language has evolved. Instead of ‘custody’, ‘residence’, ‘access’ and ‘contact’, we now talk about ‘lives with’ and ‘spends time with’. But don’t worry, we’ll guide you through the terminology and the process, helping you develop a practical plan that prioritises your children’s wellbeing and addresses where they live and how they spend time with both parents.
If you can come to an agreement, then there is no need to formalise this in court.
When child arrangements are challenging
If you are finding it hard to agree or to communicate with one another, we may signpost you towards family therapy services.
Finding common ground is better for everyone, especially for your children, and can help you avoid the stress and uncertainty of court proceedings. However, in the event arrangements cannot be agreed, we can apply to the court for a Child Arrangements Order, formalising the ‘lives with’ and ‘spends time with’ arrangements for your children.
Finding common ground is better for everyone, especially for your children, and can help you avoid the stress and uncertainty of court proceedings. However, in the event arrangements cannot be agreed, we can apply to the court for a Child Arrangements Order, formalising the ‘lives with’ and ‘spends time with’ arrangements for your children.
Child arrangements and extended family members
We understand that family matters may extend beyond parents. If you’re a grandparent, aunt, adult sibling, or another relative interested in discussing child arrangements, we’d be pleased to offer our support. We can guide you through your options and represent you if you choose to take a case forward.
When child arrangements need to change
Child arrangements often need to evolve as children grow up. We can help you navigate these changes, whether it’s through collaborative discussions with your partner’s solicitor to amend a Child Arrangements Order, or through court representation if an agreement cannot be reached.
Applying for parental responsibility
Mothers automatically have parental responsibility but if you are the father, and you haven’t been named on the birth certificate, and you weren’t married to the child’s mother when your child was born, you don’t have this right.
If you’re a father in this position, and you want contact with your child and to have an equal say in decision-making, we can work with you to apply to the court for parental responsibility, then help you establish an arrangement for spending regular time with them.
If you’re a father in this position, and you want contact with your child and to have an equal say in decision-making, we can work with you to apply to the court for parental responsibility, then help you establish an arrangement for spending regular time with them.
Intervening in your partner’s actions
If you believe your partner might take steps you disagree with, we can help you by applying to the court for a Prohibited Steps Order.
This is a court order issued to prevent one of the parents from taking a certain action, for example removing a child from school, taking a child abroad, or relocating.
If the court order is breached, the court can act but this is a last resort. We’ll always help you work towards an amicable solution.
This is a court order issued to prevent one of the parents from taking a certain action, for example removing a child from school, taking a child abroad, or relocating.
If the court order is breached, the court can act but this is a last resort. We’ll always help you work towards an amicable solution.
When you can’t agree on critical decisions
When couples with shared parental responsibility disagree on critical decisions like schooling, holidays, or vaccinations, a Specific Issue Order can provide a resolution. We can help you apply to the court, which will then make a binding decision on the matter.
If the order is ignored, we can help you resolve the issue, but the court also has options to take action.
If the order is ignored, we can help you resolve the issue, but the court also has options to take action.
Get in touch
If you need help with child arrangements, because you and your partner cannot agree, and you would like expert legal guidance, please contact our legal team today.
For a free initial appointment
contact us at info@ktfamilysolicitors.co.uk or call 01793 852800.
Compassionate, expert legal support
tailored to your specific needs.
Expert legal advice throughout your journey, while being mindful that for you, this is one of the most stressful times in your life.