Obtaining the best expert advice is extremely important in matters involving children.
Obtaining the best expert advice is extremely important in matters involving children.
The breakdown of a relationship is believed to be amongst the most stressful experiences a person will go through in their life.
The situation can be further complicated, becoming even more emotional, in cases where children are involved.
Parents will understandably want to clarify where they stand legally regarding child arrangements, along with the position of other family members, such as grandparents.
If parents are able to reach their own agreement, it is not usually necessary for the courts to interfere in the arrangements that they have made.
Unfortunately, there are often occasions where parents are unable to agree on the best way forward.
In these cases, it is initially necessary for parents to consider the use of mediation as a way to help them discuss the issues and hopefully to help them reach an agreement, without the need to involve the courts in their family lives.
Where is it not possible for parents to reach their own decisions regarding the current and future arrangements for their children, the matter can be dealt with at the local Family court. At court, a Judge of the Family court is able to make a decision in the best interests of the child(ren). An order of the court is legally binding and both parents must comply with it.
The most important piece of legislation in cases of this kind is the Children Act. The laws involved are complicated and given the emotionally-charged nature of these matters, it is important that you seek expert legal advice at the earliest opportunity.
For further information please contact Simon Nellar on 01904 528383 or email sfn@hethertons.co.uk.
