Child matters FAQs

After separation, parents should continue to communicate with each other openly about all issues involving or affecting their children. It may be difficult but it is essential. Showing a united front and providing reassurance to your children is so important. Make sure they know that, although their parents may no longer be together, they each love them and will continue to be there for them.

Parental Responsibility is a legal concept. It governs who is able to make important decisions about children. Mothers always have Parental Responsibility, but that is not necessarily the case with fathers. If a father does not have Parental Responsibility, he can obtain it, either with the mother’s agreement or by a court order.

Emotion and practicality don’t mix well, but where children’s welfare is concerned, it is important to be as level-headed as possible about the post-separation arrangements. The most pressing issue to decide is where and with whom the children will live, and the arrangements for the children to see the other parent. Children have a right to see both parents and this should be the starting point for the discussion.

Where there are issues which cannot be easily resolved between parents, consider asking an independent mediator to step in. Mediators are specially trained in working with parents to encourage helpful conversations about the children and to see if practical proposals can be agreed. It is not about getting you and your partner back together, it is purely about helping you sort out important arrangements for your family.

Mediation is a voluntary process, but in most situations it needs to at least be explored before you can apply to the family court to resolve any issues.

The idea of having a judge look into your family life may be unsettling. But it is helpful to think of the court as a fair third party which has your children’s best interests at heart. When parents cannot agree on where the child will live, with whom they will spend time and when, the court can make a Child Arrangements Order. The court has wide powers when making this type of order, including the power to order a parent to complete a specific activity, such as attending a parenting course.

In some cases, during the separation and divorce process one parent will attempt to take control over their children. They may make decisions and act without obtaining the other parent’s consent (which should be obtained). One such example is a parent taking the children out of the country without the other’s consent.

If you are worried that your partner may act in such a way, then it is important to discuss it with your solicitor straight away. You may be able to apply to the family court for a Prohibited Steps Order which puts a legal stop on certain things happening. Courts will sometimes process these applications on an emergency basis without the other party being present (a “Without Notice” Order).

The courts are not just on hand to help establish routine arrangements following separation. They can also assist at any time when parents cannot reach an agreement on a particular issue concerning the children. One such example is parents being unable to agree upon the school that the children should attend. In such cases, a parent can apply for a Specific Issue Order, allowing the Court to decide the issue in the children’s best interests. Where necessary such an application can also be made on a “Without Notice” basis.

Parents should try and resolve the financial issue of child maintenance between themselves if possible. If they cannot, it is possible to apply to the Child Maintenance Service for help.

Arrangements about where your children should live and their contact with each parent should never be influenced by whether or not a parent is paying maintenance. They are entirely separate issues. Even if your partner is not paying maintenance at all, or has defaulted on payments, they are still entitled to see their children as arranged.

Children remember what they see, hear and feel, and they have a knack of being in earshot when you least expect them to be.

We have worked with plenty of clients who are embroiled in bitter break-ups. We always advise them to do everything they can to protect their children from the negativity of separation. That means setting aside issues while you are in your children’s company and avoiding getting into arguments with a partner while children are in earshot. However strongly you feel, never pass on your true feelings about your partner to your children.

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We used Eric Robinsons conveyancing department for the sale of our house and purchase of a new property. Our Solicitor was Samantha Gilby from the Bitterne office. Samantha was amazing. She was constantly on the ball, always contactable and reacted to queries very quickly. She was clear and concise with all the information. Buying and selling a property is very stressful and there is a lot of information that needs to be understood. Samantha made the whole process flawless, smooth and easy. There were no doubts from us whatsoever with the work that Samantha did for us. She made the whole process easy to understand and we totally trusted that she would get the job done. It’s obvious that she works very hard and has her clients interests as her priority. I have nothing but praise for Samantha. She is a credit to your company and I do hope her work is recognised and duly rewarded.


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I used the Chandlerford branch of Eric Robinson, and delighted to say they offered a superb service from start to finish, they kept me informed on proceedings with the property sale every step of the way, best Solicitor firm I have ever dealt with, and would have no hesitation in using again or recommending. Many Thanks to Terry, Kristen, Emma and Megan ***** Service


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Absolutely amazing service Emma and…

Absolutely amazing service Emma and Megan were an amazing duo ,nothing was to trouble they were polite, professional and needed loads of patience dealing with me . Once again many thanks for your Sterling work Glenn and Linda


A7910289
02 Mar 2026

Impressive Service from Michelle and the Team for House Buying and Selling

We have bought and sold through Michelle & the team at Eric Robinson in the last 6 months, and we have repeatedly been impressed at their diligence, persistence, attention to detail and positivity. On a number of occasions we feel Michelle went the extra mile in finding solutions to the hurdles we faced. They communicated brilliantly with us, and with the estate agents. And the result is that house buying and selling was a positive and not-too-stressful process. We would highly recommend.


Sera Rumble
28 Feb 2026

House move

Hazzra Huxford has been helping us with our house move. She has been beyond outstanding throughout the entire process; professional, very efficient, trustworthy, supportive… I could go on! Thank you for everything Hazzra, you have helped us so much.


Katharine Hamer
23 Feb 2026

Emma & Megan were brilliant throughout…

Emma & Megan were brilliant throughout our sell and purchase, responsive and diligent they ensured everything stayed on track. Would highly recommend Eric Robinson for your conveyancing needs.


Chris Gunningham
18 Feb 2026

Samantha Gilby – the best solicitor in town!!

We used Eric Robinsons conveyancing department for the sale of our house and purchase of a new property. Our Solicitor was Samantha Gilby from the Bitterne office. Samantha was amazing. She was constantly on the ball, always contactable and reacted to queries very quickly. She was clear and concise with all the information. Buying and selling a property is very stressful and there is a lot of information that needs to be understood. Samantha made the whole process flawless, smooth and easy. There were no doubts from us whatsoever with the work that Samantha did for us. She made the whole process easy to understand and we totally trusted that she would get the job done. It’s obvious that she works very hard and has her clients interests as her priority. I have nothing but praise for Samantha. She is a credit to your company and I do hope her work is recognised and duly rewarded.


Greg Macfarlane
09 Feb 2026

Superb service from start to finish

I used the Chandlerford branch of Eric Robinson, and delighted to say they offered a superb service from start to finish, they kept me informed on proceedings with the property sale every step of the way, best Solicitor firm I have ever dealt with, and would have no hesitation in using again or recommending. Many Thanks to Terry, Kristen, Emma and Megan ***** Service


Mr Ged Magee
31 Jan 2026

Absolutely amazing service Emma and…

Absolutely amazing service Emma and Megan were an amazing duo ,nothing was to trouble they were polite, professional and needed loads of patience dealing with me . Once again many thanks for your Sterling work Glenn and Linda


A7910289
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