Disputes involving children can be extremely sensitive and here at Rowlinsons we understand this. We also appreciate the emotional impact on the children and hence their welfare is always at the forefront of our minds.
At Rowlinsons we have vast experience in dealing with such matters and wherever possible will encourage you to resolve disagreements regarding the arrangements for your children with your partner.
In certain instances we may advise you to consider whether mediation would be helpful. Our team are members of Resolution, a national organisation of family professionals that promotes a non-confrontational approach. Their video below highlights some tips that separating parents can use to ensure the best interests of their children are put first.
Within our Family Department we also have a Resolution qualified specialist, as well as a Resolution trained and accredited mediator who can provide you with expert guidance. Occasionally, it is not possible to reach agreement and in this scenario we can provide you with specialist family law advice and guide you through the court process.
What our Child Law Solicitors Do
Rowlinsons Solicitors are able to provide you with specialist legal advice on all areas of child law:-
Child Arrangements Orders
We can help you with decisions about where the child/ren should live and the time they spend with each parent. We can assist in trying to negotiate arrangements amicably between parents, whether through mediation, Collaborative Law or Solicitor negotiation. In situations where it is not possible to resolve matters amicably, we can also assist in applications to Court for Child Arrangements Orders. We can assist in every step of the Court process, from drafting and responding to applications, preparing statements and other evidence, and communicating between the parents and their legal representatives.
We can also help with any Court hearings you might be involved with, whether dispute resolution (FHDRA and DRA) appointments, directions hearings, fact finding hearings and final hearings, our dedicated team of specialist solicitors can advise you every step of the way.
We can also assist with other applications relating to arrangements for children such as prohibited steps applications, or specific issue orders. A prohibited steps application is made where action is needed to prevent something from happening which could cause harm to a child, for example where a child is at risk from being taken out of the country or abducted, or subjected to some form of treatment that may cause them harm. A specific Issue orders deal with a particular issue relating to a child/ren, such as decisions about a child’s education, or health, decisions about the religion or even their name.
Parental responsibility
The law regarding parental responsibility can be confusing, and we can help you to understand what it means for you and your family. We can also advise parental responsibility issues, including parental responsibility orders and agreements.
Legal advice for step families
Our expert team of Family Lawyers are on hand to help you navigate the tricky area of law around step families. Whether that is step-parental responsibility or adoption, we are on hand to help you every step of the way.
Legal advice for grandparents
As a grandparent, you don’t automatically have legal rights regarding your grandchildren, however in some situations where a dispute arises you may need further legal advice and assistance. The situation for grandparents, and other family members such as aunts and uncles, can be particularly complex and it is important to take specialist independent legal advice.
Applications for Financial Provision for Children
We can help you with issues regarding child maintenance, providing guidance and assistance to help you resolve any child maintenance dispute. We can also provide specific legal advice about other financial provision for children, such as Applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. This is a complex issue that requires specialist legal advice and we have experts on hand to help you.
Resolution - We Need To Talk from Resolution on Vimeo.
Child Law FAQs