Both parents have rights and responsibilities to their children which are ongoing until the child is an adult. We are experts at seeking to resolve disputes in relationship and childcare in a constructive way, recognising the needs of the children involved and that both parties will have to continue to parent long after their relationship has broken down.

This can involve orders being made in relation to:-

• Residence – This is an Order setting out with whom the children will live.

• Contact – This is an Order setting out the day-to-day arrangements for the children’s contact with the parent with whom they do not live. This can also include provision for contact during school holidays and contact with other family members such as grandparents or foster parents.

• Parental Responsibility – Where the parents are married to each other at the time of the child's birth both acquire "Parental Responsibility". This sets out the rights, duties, obligations and responsibilities that both parents have under the law. Unmarried mothers automatically have Parental Responsibility whereas unmarried fathers may, depending on their individual circumstances, need to acquire Parental Responsibility by a Court Order or a formal written agreement with the mother. Since December 2003, an unmarried father (providing he is registered as the father of the child on the birth certificate) will now automatically acquire Parental Responsibility.

• Specific Issues – In certain circumstances it may be necessary for orders to be made dealing with certain aspects of a child’s upbringing; schooling, medical treatment, or issues relating to the child’s religious upbringing.

• Financial Provision – Where unmarried parents cannot reach agreement the Court may make Financial Orders to provide for maintenance, lump sum(s) and the settlement and/or transfer of property.

• Leave to Remove – Given the increasingly international nature of society, it may be necessary to seek an Order for permission to permanently remove your children to live outside this jurisdiction. We will help you to put together a properly thought out relocation plan to help you achieve your objectives.

• Abduction – We are specialists at dealing with cases where children have been wrongfully retained in other countries and/or abducted from the care of the parent with whom they live. It is vital that if you are concerned that your child may be abducted take legal advice as quickly as possible to put in place the appropriate safeguards.

All parents love and care for their children and want what is best for them. We will provide you with realistic advice to fit your situation that you and your family are experiencing. We recognise the problems faced by separating parents and the impact that their separation has upon their children. At the forefront of our advice at all times is what is in the best interests of your children.