Children are all too often the innocent victims of a relationship breakdown. From the difficulties of separating and arguing parents, through to issues over who children live with and the financial arrangements, we can help you to make this process as painless as possible.
Areas that you may need to consider include:
- Parental responsibility – What does it mean? Which parent has it? What if you can’t agree about a specific issue affecting the children, for example, schooling? Which parent has the final say?
- Living arrangements for children including contact and residence - How often should children see each parent; what if the arrangements need to change?
- General Parenting issues including change of name, education and medical treatment - Issues around children continue after a divorce. As circumstances change, you may need to revisit arrangements when you disagree with your ex-partner over how you children are educated or treated if sick.
- International relocation - Increasing numbers of children are born to parents who may come from different cultures and countries. The legal issues relating to children being taken from one country to another can be difficult and complex; prompt legal advice can stop problems developing and the removal of children to another country can be prevented or even reviewed.
- Foreign travel - Concerns over whether a child will be returned to the UK following a holiday or from visiting family overseas can call for prompt action.
- Child abduction and kidnapping - When such extreme situations arise, you need an experienced team of lawyers able to work with you to bring your children home. Liz Saunders has successfully used the Hague Convention to recover children.
- Grandparents’ rights - The strong links between grandparents and their grandchildren can often be one of the first causalities of a relationship break down. Regular contact with grandchildren can disappear and grandparents can feel they are being punished for the breakdown between the parents.
- Emergency orders - Once a relationship begins to break down, circumstances can change very quickly. If you feel there is a situation which requires a fast response, we may be able to apply for an emergency order to help. Contact us as soon as you become concerned and we will work with the court system to protect your legal position and links with your children.
