Children
The most important issue for most people is the welfare of the children of the family. After divorce / separation you will both remain parents and you will need to make arrangements for co-parenting in the future.
Research has shown that children normally cope with divorce better if the parents are able to co-operate and if the children maintain a good ongoing relationship with both parents. Above all, children need reassurance that both parents love and care for them and will always be there for them.
We do everything possible to help clients reach agreement on the issues that may arise which can include:
- Residence /shared residence (where the children should live).
- Contact (the amount of time the children spend with each parent including holiday arrangements and arrangements for handovers).
- Financial support for the children.
- Specific issues such as schooling, medical treatment and taking the child out of the country.
We encourage parents to use Mediation or Collaborative law in appropriate cases, although sometimes, and as a last resort, it will be necessary to involve the Courts, particularly if an emergency has arisen.
In all cases, the Children Act requires that the welfare of the children should be the paramount consideration. We will focus on the interests of the children and we will provide you with practical and legal advice in a calm and constructive way.
