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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Highly recommend Chantelle at Eric Robinson Solicitors. She was brilliant throughout our whole process. Her communication was amazing, she reassured us that no question was too silly and was very efficient with replying to emails and answering the phone. Our process would not have gone through as quickly if it wasn’t for her. We are extremely grateful for her hard work and commitment to our case.


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Eric Robertson has been my family solicitors since I was a little boy (I am in my 50s). We have always used them as their dedication to help knows no bounds. Recently I dealt with Jodi, Sarah and Charlie in regards to a complicated house sale and they were amazing. I cannot recommend Eric Robertsons enough. 10 stars! (out of five)


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17 Apr 2025

Samantha at Eric Robinson was attentive…

Samantha at Eric Robinson was attentive and made the whole house buying process feel not stressful! I cannot thank them enough!


Joelle Salje
15 Apr 2025

Would happily recommend!

Chantelle supported us fantastically well during the recent purchase of my wife & I buying our 1st home! Her advice was clear & she was persistent in her efforts to move at pace in line with our ambitious completion date by the end of March. Thank you so much for your help & support that made a potentially stressful situation turn out positively. We would happily recommend Chantelle & Eric Robinson Solicitors to anyone in future!


Simon
09 Apr 2025

I recently completed the purchase of a…

I recently completed the purchase of a property with the help of Eric Robinson Solicitors, and I couldn’t be happier with the service provided. Sarah Hogarty kept me well informed at every stage and was extremely professional, helpful, and responsive. The entire process was handled smoothly, with clear communication and attention to detail. I also appreciated the prompt follow-up after completion, including updates about registering the property and the legal charge. Overall, I felt supported and confident throughout. Highly recommend their services to anyone looking for reliable and efficient conveyancing support.


Mahender Singh
04 Apr 2025

Amazing service from Chantelle

Highly recommend Chantelle at Eric Robinson Solicitors. She was brilliant throughout our whole process. Her communication was amazing, she reassured us that no question was too silly and was very efficient with replying to emails and answering the phone. Our process would not have gone through as quickly if it wasn’t for her. We are extremely grateful for her hard work and commitment to our case.


Jess and Jonny
02 Apr 2025

Leasehold Flat sale

Excellent service from start to end of process in the sale of a Leashold Flat, any questions answered promptly and was kept upto date with progress being made.


John Lavington
02 Apr 2025

Above and beyond hard working

Eric Robertson has been my family solicitors since I was a little boy (I am in my 50s). We have always used them as their dedication to help knows no bounds. Recently I dealt with Jodi, Sarah and Charlie in regards to a complicated house sale and they were amazing. I cannot recommend Eric Robertsons enough. 10 stars! (out of five)


Jamie Brown
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