Family

Children

The emotional stakes are always high in disputes concerning children.  As members of Resolution we keep these matters entirely separate from financial issues that may also be in dispute between the parents, urging clients to consider the best interests of their children.  We may refer clients to counselling or mediation and encourage them to find ways to resolve issues without applying to court if possible.

We offer specialist advice on:

• Parental responsibility – the rights and responsibilities of parents
• Residence – with whom a child should live
• Contact arrangements – with the parent with whom the child does not live
• Child support – monthly payments made by the absent parent
• Removal of a child from the jurisdiction (England and Wales) – prevention or permission
• Prevention of other steps involving children – for instance attendance at a particular religious organisation
• Specific issues – for instance change of a child’s name, change of school, payment of school fees
• Financial provision for the benefit of children under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 – most commonly used by unmarried parents whose claims would otherwise be limited to property and trust principles

Our specialist in this area is Sally Orme, who is accredited by Resolution as a specialist in children law disputes between parents or relatives.