When a relationship breaks down it is a stressful time especially if children are involved. Many parents are able to reach agreement on arrangements for their children but what happens when agreement cannot be reached? If you are involved in a dispute over a child then Fisher Meredith can help.
Relationship breakdown
The breakdown of a relationship can be hard enough but issues of contact and residence with your children can be further complicated. Disputes over children arise when there is hostility between the parties, for example, if one parent wants to move away or abroad, or there are allegations of domestic violence or risk to children.
When parents are in disagreement then grandparents and other relatives may find themselves drawn into the dispute and they may suddenly lose contact with the child.
We have prepared a factsheet on disputes over children. Please click here for more information.
Court Action
If no agreement can be reached then an application to the family courts may be necessary. The Court can make orders deciding who the child should live with and the frequency and type of contact. It can also make orders where parents do not agree on issues such as religion, education, or the child’s name.
The Court can also make orders prohibiting a parent from doing something, such as removing a child from the other parent’s care or taking them outside the country. The main consideration is what is in the child’s best interest and their welfare is paramount.
We have prepared a factsheet on restricted contact with children. Please click here for more information.
Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs)
If you wish to make an application to the Court in respect of a child, you will usually need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) with a trained Mediator. Fisher Meredith are able to offer this service. For more information, please click here.
Important things to consider
It is in the child’s best interest if their parents can agree on arrangements for them. If this can be achieved without solicitors, or with the help of a trained mediator, then this would be an important first step. It has also become a requirement in most circumstances before any Court proceedings are considered.
However, unfortunately there will be circumstances where agreement is not going to be possible and in the meantime your children are in limbo. So before the problem continues and becomes the status quo, it would be important to speak to a solicitor to discuss your options.
Why use Fisher Meredith?
Fisher Meredith is an award winning London law firm with offices in Richmond, Surrey and Kennington, London. Our Children’s Law solicitors have a strong reputation for having a robust commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients. We are all solicitor advocates, with strong negotiation skills in and out of the Court arena.
For 35 years, Fisher Meredith has developed a reputation for being approachable and “going the extra mile” for its clients whilst maintaining ethical and socially responsible standards.
Our Children’s Law Department believes in developing a cooperative working relationship with our clients, listening to your aims and striving for a long term solution for you. We understand the stress disagreements over your children can cause and seek to minimise this for you. We believe in negotiation but we will not hesitate to take urgent action when required.
What should I do now?
If you have a dispute over your children and have reached a dead end in discussions, being informed of your legal options is the first step to reaching a solution.
For initial advice or to arrange a meeting with one of our Children Law solicitors, please contact our helpline on 0800 014 7445.
