Following a family breakdown, clients’ first concern is often what will happen to their children as a result of the divorce or separation. We advise our clients on the options available to them and help them to resolve any contested issues in relation to their children, in particular issues around residence and contact.
When to Pursue Court Action?
In cases involving children, court action should be used as a last resort and the welfare of the children will remain the paramount consideration.
When Court Proceedings are necessary, we use our experience to guide you through the process and ensure you have a robust representation. At Harper & Odell we endeavour to achieve the best outcome for you & your family.
We can assist with obtaining the following Court Orders in relation to children:
- Child Arrangements Order, they decide who the children should live with and/or with whom the child will spend time with and when;
- Specific Issue Orders (such as what school the child should attend)
- Prohibited Steps Orders (an order preventing something such as removing the child from the country)
Parental Responsibility Issues
Another important area of law regarding children is that of ‘parental responsibility’. It is important for every parent to know what legal rights & responsibilities they have in relation to their children and this can become particularly important when parents separate.
When a parent has Parental Responsibility for a child they have the right and responsibility to be involved in the important decisions that relate to that child. For example, education, religion and medical care.
At Harper & Odell we can assist with applications for parental responsibility and we can represent parents who have issues in relation to exercising the rights that they have.
Relocation/Leave to Remove applications
It is now increasingly common for one parent to want to take their child to live abroad with them either at the time of separation or later on. But choosing this significantly separate path to your ex-spouse can be complicated when children are involved.
If the dispute escalates and is taken to Court, the person seeking to relocate would need to provide legitimate reasons as to why they wanted the child to be taken abroad and for the parent at risk of being left behind, why the child should stay put. The Court will base its decision on the best interests of the child.
With knowledge and familiarity with issues regarding relocation we can advise you of the best way to pursue your case, both for your good and the good of your child. We can provide you with robust court representation in the event that Court action is appropriate.
We can act for either party in such cases.
Contact Our Child Law Solicitors Today.
To speak to one of our lawyers about your child law issues, call us today on 020 7490 0500 or complete our online enquiry form and we will get back to you right away.