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Children disputes

Children and families | Hill Dickinson

Content

When a relationship breaks down it is sometimes difficult for couples to agree where their children should live and how much time they should spend with each parent. Whilst this can be a distressing time for parents, the best interests of children must always be considered paramount. Our experienced team recognises that arrangements which work most successfully are those which have been agreed between parents and it is therefore essential that advice is taken at an early stage.   

How we can advise you

We can advise you about applications to court for:

  • child arrangements orders
  • specific issue orders
  • prohibited steps orders
  • removal from the jurisdiction
  • parental responsibility
  • change of a child’s name
  • paternity testing and declarations of parentage

We can also give you advice on:

  • grandparent applications
  • special guardianship
  • child maintenance
  • applications to the court for ‘top-up’ child maintenance
  • Schedule 1 Children Act claims
  • applications for school fee orders
  • enforcement of orders
  • mediation and other alternative dispute resolution
  • How our team will work with you

    Our team works closely with you and will:

    • consider your position and advise you on the avenues available for resolution. This may involve court proceedings, mediation or other alternative dispute resolution
    • discuss with you what it is you want to achieve and advise you accordingly
    • explain the law, the courts’ approach/process and the matters the court will take account of if court proceedings become necessary
    • consider whether there are any special circumstances to your case which need to be taken account of and whether any expert evidence is required 
    • advise you on likely timescales
    • represent you at court hearings, negotiate with your former partner or their legal representative and keep you fully up-to-date about progress
    • keep you appraised as to costs
    • work with you at your pace
  • Our clients

    We advise clients from all different manner of backgrounds. The one thing all our clients have in common is a desire to resolve difficulties surrounding disputes about their children in a way that they consider is in their children’s best interests.

  • Our experience

    • We specialise in helping families sort out arrangements for children following the breakdown of a relationship. We are committed to resolving matters amicably and sensitively and will make the process as straightforward as possible
    • Our experts are members of Resolution; an organisation of family lawyers committed to non-confrontational divorce, separation and other family problems.

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