Deciding and agreeing arrangements for a child can be complicated. As parents, you have a responsibility to promote your child’s well-being and it should reassure you that clear guidance is set out within the law to protect the rights of your child.
It is important to seek legal advice in relation to all matters concerning children. This is an area that Jemma has specialist knowledge and experience and is a real passion for her.
Jemma can help you with the following family law children matters:
- Being able to see your child if the other parent is stopping you from doing so.
- Agreeing with the other parent where your child should live in both the short term and the long term.
- Advice on Parental Responsibility in terms of what it means to you and how you should be involved in your child’s decision making.
- School or religious disagreements regarding a child, in particular if an educational setting cannot be agreed between all those that have Parental Responsibility.
- Holiday arrangements to ensure that there is clarity for all annual school holidays to save future disputes or disagreements.
- Obtaining permission to leave the jurisdiction with a child so that you have all required permissions or the necessary Court Order where need be.
- Special Guardianship applications in cases where the Local Authority are involved with the family or not.
- Advice and representation to wider family members for obtaining Court orders and seeking the Court’s permission to make applications for a child.
This list is not exhaustive and Jemma can advise and assist in all cases where there is a dispute in relation to a child.
It can all feel very overwhelming trying to agree on matters concerning your children, especially if you are struggling to communicate with your ex-partner or they are refusing contact altogether. This is where Jemma will come in, to open the lines pf communication to ensure that agreements can be reached as amicably and as swiftly as possible.
In the unfortunate circumstances where agreements cannot be reached, you must attempt mediation unless there are particular exemptions applicable to you. This can be very useful way to resolve disputes in a cost-effective way and you must demonstrate that you have attempted mediation before you can apply to Court for a child arrangement order.
Both parents will need to attend a MIAM (Mediation information and assessment meeting) to assess whether the case is appropriate for mediation.
Child Arrangements Order
You can apply for child arrangement order through the Court if an agreement cannot be reached through solicitor’s negotiation or mediation. An application to the Court under the Children Act 1989 is seen as the final resort to resolve all matters that remain in dispute.
Court proceedings can feel overwhelming and daunting and should only be issued if there is an unavoidable necessity to do so.
Jemma fully appreciates that this can be an emotional and stressful time and she is fully able to assist you through this difficult time, whether it’s guiding you through the process, preparing any required documentation or representing you at Court.
Other Family Law Services:
Please call Jemma on 07534 175310 for further advice on family law children matters.