For separated fathers, overnight stays are often the part of contact that causes the most disagreement, especially when children are very young. You may be wondering whether you have a right to have your child overnight, at what age it can start, or what to do if the other parent…
When a family court makes an order during divorce or separation, many people assume the terms are permanent. However, some court orders, particularly those relating to children, can sometimes be adjusted without going back to court if both parties agree to the new arrangements. In these situations, parents may decide…
The Pathfinder Process (child-focused model) is a new approach in family courts in England and Wales designed to resolve child arrangements disputes more quickly, safely, and with a stronger focus on children’s wellbeing. It works by gathering key information at the very start of a case, particularly around child welfare…
In brief Preparing for divorce is about more than paperwork, it means looking after your emotional wellbeing, understanding your financial position, and learning how the legal process works before you take the first formal step. This guide walks you through a practical checklist for divorce preparation in the UK, covering…
When parents separate, the traditional idea of co-parenting, working closely together to raise a child, can sometimes be unrealistic. High conflict, tension, or communication breakdowns can make collaborative parenting difficult. That’s where parallel parenting comes in. Parallel parenting is a structured approach to raising children that allows parents to remain…
A Section 7 report is an independent welfare report ordered by a family court under Section 7 of the Children Act 1989. It helps judges decide what’s in a child’s best interests when parents cannot agree on arrangements, such as where the child lives or how much contact they have…
Mediation in a divorce can take as little as a few hours but varies from case to case. How long mediation takes varies and depends on several factors. Some people can come to an agreement after just one mediation session. For others, it may take longer. This blog will answer…
Getting started with mediation is a straightforward process. You can begin mediation at any time in the divorce, including before submitting your application, while your application is being processed by the court, during the 20-week reflection period, or even after your divorce has been finalised to help address any ongoing…
Mediation is a method of dispute resolution sometimes used during the divorce process. Mediators focus on resolving family disagreements and can help provide a means of communication between you and your spouse. A mediator can help you to reach an agreement about issues such as childcare and the division of…
The term “custody” is considered an outdated term and is now referred to as child arrangements. Child arrangements can be a contentious and emotionally charged issue, especially during the breakdown of a relationship. In divorce proceedings, determining where and with whom a child will live is one of the most…
Child custody is an outdated legal term. However, plenty of parents will still refer to child custody when talking about who their children will live with following a divorce or civil partnership dissolution. Parents who cannot agree about where their children will live and how they will each spend time…
When a marriage comes to an end, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is how to proceed with the separation. Separating couples are expected to explore mediation or other non-court dispute resolution methods before initiating court proceedings. Even if litigation becomes necessary, it is still encouraged to seek agreement…
