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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Professional, polithe and very helpful

Chui Wah Choudhary has been excellent at every stage. She has kept us informed all the way through the process and has been unfailingly polite and helpful has been excellent at every stage. She has kept us informed all the way through the process and has been unfailingly polite and helpful.


Robert Hayter
14 Feb 2025

I had the pleasure of working with…

I had the pleasure of working with Terry Campbell for some land registry matters, and I couldn’t be more impressed with the service provided. From start to finish, they were highly professional, knowledgeable, and approachable. They guided me through the process with clear communication, ensuring I fully understood each step along the way.


Rebecca Wingate
12 Feb 2025

Safe hands through a stressful life event

We were purchasing a property from an elderly couple and found that information was difficult to obtain. Our Eric Robinson Solicitor, Sylvia was excellent at communicating and managed to obtain information to solve the problems we came across. Sylvia was always helpful and professional on the numerous times we contacted her. I will say that our Eric Robinson Solicitor felt like a safe pair of hands to help us navigate through one of the most stressful life events


Artsy
07 Feb 2025

We recently instructed Sylvia Garcia of Eric Robinson

We recently instructed Sylvia Garcia of Eric Robinsons in the sale of our property. Sylvia was fantastic from start to finish. She was helpful, polite and very efficient. Her services were above and beyond. We definitely recommend Sylvia for your coveyancing matters and will certainly instruct her again in the future.


D P
03 Feb 2025

Leigh Burwood was excellent.

Leigh Burwood was excellent. She did everything she said she would within the time frame. She was calm and reassuring at a very difficult time. I would definitely recommend her.


Chrissie Chisnall
31 Jan 2025

It was a very nice experience with Eric…

It was a very nice experience with Eric Robinson. Thank you


Arunraj Pr
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