Arrangements & Orders For Children

We advise and act for married and unmarried parents who wish to sort out the arrangements for their children upon separation or divorce or at any time after. If the arrangements cannot be agreed then either parent can ask the court to intervene. We can act for you throughout the court process and advise you upon the orders you need and the implications. We also advise grandparents. The arrangements or orders might include:

· The child`s day to day living arrangements

· Taking the child abroad to live

· Specific matters relating to the child`s upbringing, for example schooling

· Residence - deciding who the child should live with

· Contact – formerly known as access

· Preventing or prohibiting one parent from acting without the other parent`s consent

· Parental responsibility for unmarried parents, step parents, grandparents or other family members

· Change of surname

More often than not it is better if the parents can agree about the arrangements for their child. If you wish, we can refer you to mediation agencies who are able to help parents reach the right decision for their children.

However sometimes it is necessary to ask the court to intervene, particularly where action is needed to protect the child or safeguard their well-being. We can deal with this for you.

It is essential to bear in mind that in some matters timing is crucial. For example, if you want to take your child to live permanently abroad, or object to the other parent doing so, you need to act in good time. The court tends to give priority to children`s cases but resources are not unlimited and the process can take months before a decision is made