Child law solicitors

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When a relationship breaks down it can be difficult for everyone involved. The legal focus is on protecting the rights of the child, which includes concerns for their safety and well-being and their right to have a relationship with both parents.

I need legal representation

If parents cannot agree on arrangements in relation to where a child will live and when the child will see or visit the other parent, the Courts may have to be asked to make a decision – often our solicitors are able to help before things get that far.

As specialists in child law, we know that every case requires a carefully tailored solution. We will provide straightforward legal advice that is sensitive to your circumstances and carefully explain all of the options available to you, ensuring your child’s best interests are at the forefront of every decision.

Our family and child law solicitors offer advice on:

• Spending time with children (previously referred to as ‘Contact’)
• Child arrangement orders (including orders about specific issues or prohibited steps)
• Where children should live (previously referred to as ‘Custody’)
• Breach of child arrangement orders
• Grandparents’ rights

Speak to an experienced child law solicitor today

Take advantage of a free 30-minute telephone appointment to talk through your situation. We will explain your options and how we can help. You will find our child law solicitors are friendly, approachable and knowledgeable.

At Woolley & Co, we provide child law advice based on an understanding of the needs and preferences of both you and your children.

We also offer a detailed case assessment for £600+VAT, including time to discuss your child law case with an experienced lawyer and receive advice on the options open to you – you can find out more about this here.

For a free 30-minute initial chat with one of our child law solicitors, call Woolley & Co on 0800 321 3832 or complete our online form.

Child law services we offer

Our family law solicitors can help with:

Contact

Children are entitled to spend time with both parents following a separation. If you want to have a relationship with your child but are being denied access by your ex-partner, there are several steps you can take, which our children law solicitors will be able to explain in detail.

Child arrangements orders

If you are not able to agree on living and contact arrangements for your children or have specific issues about their upbringing that you cannot resolve with the other parent, it may be necessary to apply for a child arrangements order. Our child law solicitors can support you with every step involved in making an application for a child arrangements order, ensuring that you have the right agreements in place.

Custody

‘Custody’ is an outdated legal term which is no longer used. However, we understand that many parents will still refer to ‘custody’ when they are discussing arrangements for their children and where they will live. As such, we can support you in making decisions for your children and where they will live, which may include applying for a child arrangements order.

Breach of a child arrangements order

If you have a child arrangements order in place but this is being breached by your former partner, you may be able to ask the court to enforce the order. We can assess your situation and explain the enforcement options that are likely to be available to you.

Safeguarding or welfare concerns

The safety and wellbeing of your children is paramount. If you have any concerns that your child is at risk, several steps can be taken to put protective measures in place and, if required, prevent contact with a parent taking place until it is safe to do so, which our child law solicitors can support you with.

Grandparents’ rights

Grandparents have no automatic legal rights to see their grandchildren but can apply through the courts if an agreement cannot be reached amicably with the grandchildren’s parents. If you need any clarification on your position, we can work alongside you to make sure that you understand the options that may be available to you.

5 steps you can take to keep things amicable

1. TRY TO REMEMBER that you are still both parents of the children even if you are separating and that the children need you both. “What is best for the children in this situation” might be a useful guide to remember when perhaps tempted to respond to a former partner who might be doing everything that they know that annoys you.

2. TALK to each other and especially to your children (in an age-appropriate way). Your family lawyer will be able to help you find a specialist counsellor for any children’s issues that arise. But they will also have had years of experience in just this very situation and can often be very helpful with suggestions.

3. DIARY. Keep a diary which you both can access (maybe keep it online?) where agreed dates for children being places can be kept and also who collects, when, how, where are they going and how to contact in emergency are all stored. If communication is really difficult there are apps available to help manage arrangements and share information. This will really help keep avoidable problems to a minimum.

4. ACCEPT that there will be problems and misunderstandings but try to keep the “end goal” in sight of having the children grow up with a solid foundation of parents who care about them and who they can see can face and resolve problems in life.

5. DON’T go to Court unless you have to. It is expensive and tends to be a very blunt instrument for dealing with these issues. Naturally, we’d all be in Court immediately in the cases where our children need protection but in most cases discussion, mediation and restrained negotiation with expert support are best.

Common questions around child law

What cases do family and child law solicitors handle?

Our family and child law solicitors handle the full spectrum of legal issues that can affect both you and your children. This means we are well-equipped to support you with everything from relatively straightforward arrangements following a divorce or separation, to more complicated or urgent problems.

How do family and child law solicitors support families?

The type of support and child law advice you might receive from our team will depend on your circumstances and the nature of your enquiry. Our team can deliver straightforward advice or explain what sort of options may be available to you, or they could step in to offer comprehensive representation if the courts become involved in your case.

Our child law solicitors offer a 30-minute consultation which will provide us with the opportunity to understand what your case involves and explain what actions we can take to support you.

How can child law solicitors help with ‘custody’ disputes?

It is important to note that the term ‘custody’ is no longer used in a formal legal context. ‘Child arrangements’ is now more commonly used.

Child arrangement disputes are not uncommon, but they can be resolved with the support of our child law solicitors. If a dispute concerning child arrangements arises, our solicitors can support you with any negotiations and mediation sessions, helping you come to an agreement which can then be converted into a parenting agreement or a legally binding child arrangements order.

When should you consult family and child law solicitors?

It can often be difficult to recognise when you might need the assistance of a specialist child law solicitor, especially as it is common for separating couples to disagree on the finer details of the arrangements they want to make for their children.

If you are having any difficulties coming to an agreement over your children, you are concerned about your child’s welfare, or you believe that your parental rights are being restricted, it is always in your best interests to seek out specialist child law advice so you can get a better understanding of where you stand.

Our child law solicitors are here for you

Dealing with child law matters can be understandably overwhelming, but with the right legal support, it is possible to find a positive way forward, no matter your situation. Our team are on hand to advise and represent you, making child law easier.

To take advantage of your free 30-minute consultation with an expert local child law solicitor, call 0800 321 3832 or complete our quick online form.