Contact with Children after a split – essential advice
Did you know that when parents separate, less than one in ten go
to the family courts to help make decisions about contact arrangements for their
children.
And yet contact with children after a split can be one of the most
bitterly argued over issues – they are, after all, our most treasured
possessions with both parents wanting their ‘share’.
The Children Act 1989 is there to give paramount consideration
to the welfare of the child/ren. So if you can’t agree on contact
arrangements amicably as parents, there are steps you can take – but
beware, the legal process can be lengthy and distressing for all
involved.
The first step is to try mediation to see if a neutral third party
can help you to agree the 'terms and conditions' of contact with your children
after a split.
Get in touch with our Child Contact Specialists today on: 0808 129 3320 or drop
us an email using our
Online Enquiry Form.
Child Contact – Common Issues
Issues that often crop up are:
- How often you can have contact with your children – or are willing to allow – and
- Whether unsupervised visits and/or overnight stays can be agreed upon.
But remember, under the Children Act it is not your contact with your children that
is most important – it is what’s best for your kids.
That’s why going to court should always be a last resort, but for many is still
the only way to gain contact with their children, or prevent a
violent or abusive ex-partner from having contact with the children.
Seeking Child Contact
If you are seeking contact with your children after a separation
you can gain a contact order from the courts setting out your ‘rights’
to see your children and under what circumstances.
Preventing Child Contact
If you are trying to prevent an ex-partner having contact with
your children, perhaps because of welfare concerns, you can mount a legal opposition
to the granting of any contact order.
Still having Child Contact Problems?
If you already have a contact order yet your ex-partner is still making it very
difficult for you to have contact with your children, you can ask
a solicitor or mediator to help you enforce the contact order.
Child Contact – Family Law Specialists
Whichever side of the situation you’re on – trying to gain or trying to prevent/restrict
contact – it’s best to stay calm, don’t do, say or write things
you’ll regret later – nothing on social networking sites, no late night
phone calls, no arguments at handovers – just speak to a
family law specialist solicitor as soon as possible to find the best solution.
Remember, our Family Law
Team are on your side and we’ll do what’s best for you and your kids
as quickly, cost-effectively and efficiently as possible.
Get in touch for open, honest legal advice on contact with your children.
Child Contact - Need Legal Advice?
Contact our Child Contact Specialists now to discuss how we can
help you by completing our, no obligation,
online enquiry form and we will call you back or you can call us directly
on 0808 129 3320.
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