Child Care Solicitors Leeds, Sheffield & York

Our team of Child Law Solicitors in Yorkshire have an excellent track record of successfully helping families resolve issues involving children.  We understand how difficult and emotional these situations can become, which is why our aim is to cause as little disruption to a child’s life as possible.

When a relationship ends, the separating couple must find a way to co-operate on parenting matters, and a smooth transition to the new arrangements is usually a priority for both parents.

However, there are often differences of opinion about where the child should live, how time will be split, access for grandparents and financial matters.  The court will only intervene if one of you makes an application for a court order to decide on the issues you cannot agree on.

Our experienced team of Child Solicitors and mediators have significant experience in dealing with these matters and will help you navigate the process of resolving your disagreements in the best possible way.

It is important that disputes involving children are resolved quickly and with the best interests of the child in mind.

Our team of Family Law Solicitors regularly provide advice and represent clients on a wide range of children matters following divorce or separation including:

• Child arrangement orders (contact, residence, custody and access)
• Parental responsibility
• Grandparents’ rights
• Stepparents’ rights
• Child abduction
• International Relocation
• Care proceedings

Where appropriate we can advise and support you in reaching an agreement without having to go to court, through negotiation, mediation and arbitration.

Read here for more information on reaching an agreement out of court.

Sometimes it is not possible to reach an agreement outside of court or emergency action is needed and an application to court is necessary. Our team of family solicitors boast a number of experienced advocates who can advise and represent you throughout court proceedings involving children. We can also represent children when they have been ordered by the court to become a party to the proceedings.

We understand the emotions surrounding all issues involving children, so we aim to resolve matters as quickly as possible with minimum impact on the children, keeping their best interests at heart throughout.

How Will the Courts Decide What Orders to Make?

The court will, where appropriate, encourage parents to come to an agreement about issues such as where the child lives and arrangements for them to spend time with the other parent and grandparents.  However, when the parents or other family members cannot agree the court will consider the best interests of the child. The words used in the relevant legislation, the Children Act 1989, is that the welfare of the child is the Court’s paramount consideration.

As part of their decision making the court will consider the ‘welfare checklist’ when making decisions about children to promote their welfare at all times. The checklist includes the followings factors:

• The wishes and feelings of the child (in light of their age and understanding);
• The child’s physical, emotional and educational needs;
• The effect on the child of any change in circumstances;
• The child’s age, sex, background and any characteristics the court considers relevant;
• Any harm the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering;
• The  capability of the child’s parents or other relevant parties to meet the child’s needs; and
• The range of powers available to the court under the Children Act 1989.

If you require help with any child-related issues please contact our children law specialists today.