Children & Child Arrangements
When parents separate, making suitable arrangements for children is often one of the most important priorities. Disagreements can arise over where a child should live, how much time they spend with each parent, education, relocation and other important decisions.
SWM Solicitors provides advice on children and child arrangements, helping parents and other family members understand their legal position and work towards arrangements that support the child’s welfare.
Putting Children First
Children’s matters can be emotionally difficult, particularly where parents have different views about what arrangements should be made.
Our family solicitors can help you understand the legal framework surrounding your circumstances and advise on practical ways of resolving disagreements wherever possible.
Where a Child Lives and Spends Time
Child Arrangements Orders
A Child Arrangements Order can address where a child lives and the arrangements for spending time with another person.
Residence / Where a Child Lives
Disagreements may arise about which parent a child should live with or how living arrangements should be organised.
Child Contact / Time With
Where parents disagree about contact or time spent with a child, we can provide advice on possible arrangements and the legal options available.
Making Important Decisions
Parental Responsibility
Parental responsibility concerns the legal rights and responsibilities involved in raising a child and making important decisions about their upbringing.
Specific Issue Orders
A Specific Issue Order may be relevant where a court needs to determine a specific question concerning a child. We can advise on whether this type of application may be appropriate.
Prohibited Steps Orders
A Prohibited Steps Order may be used to address certain disputes of this nature. Our solicitors can advise on the circumstances in which such an application may be considered.
When a Parent Wants to Relocate
Child Relocation
If parents disagree about relocation, it is important to obtain legal advice before making significant decisions. We can advise on the legal issues surrounding proposed relocation and the options available to parents.
Other Family Relationships
Grandparents' Rights
Grandparents can play an important role in children’s lives, but disagreements within families can sometimes affect contact between grandparents and grandchildren.
Child Maintenance Disputes
Financial disagreements can also arise alongside disputes about where a child lives or how much time they spend with each parent.
Resolving Disputes Without Escalation
Where possible, reaching an agreement can help families avoid unnecessary conflict. However, some disagreements cannot be resolved without formal intervention.
We can advise you on the most appropriate approach based on the circumstances, whether you are seeking to establish arrangements by agreement or need to consider court proceedings.
Advice Focused on Your Family
Children’s cases require careful consideration because the arrangements made can have an ongoing impact on the whole family.
Our solicitors take the time to understand the circumstances and provide clear advice about your legal position and the options available.