Children Law

The breakdown of a relationship can be hard enough but issues of contact and residence with your children can be further complicated. Disputes arise when there is hostility between the parties, for example, if one parent wants to move away or abroad, or there are allegations of domestic violence or risk to children.

When parents are in disagreement then grandparents and other relatives may find themselves drawn into the dispute and they may suddenly lose contact with the child.

Court Action

If no agreement can be reached then an application to the family courts may be necessary. The Court can make orders deciding who the child should live with and the frequency and type of contact. It can also make orders where parents do not agree on issues such as religion, education, or the child’s name.

The Court can also make orders prohibiting a parent from doing something, such as removing a child from the other parent’s care or taking them outside the country. The main consideration is what is in the child’s best interest and their welfare is paramount.

Important things to consider

It is in the child’s best interest if their parents can agree on arrangements for them. If this can be achieved without solicitors, or with the help of a trained mediator, then this would be an important first step. It has also become a requirement in most circumstances before any Court proceedings are considered.

However, unfortunately there will be circumstances where agreement is not going to be possible and in the meantime your children are in limbo. So before the problem continues and becomes the status quo, it would be important to speak to a solicitor to discuss your options.
Becoming a parent is an exciting and life changing event and the prospect of starting legal proceedings at the same time can feel a little daunting.

To keep the application process for obtaining a Parental Order straightforward and stress-free, it is important to seek early legal advice to ensure you meet all conditions for the arrangement.
If your own particular situation does not satisfy the requirements, then there are alternatives to obtaining a Parental Order, which can give you parental responsibility for your child and give you status as their carer.

Speaking to solicitors with expertise in Children’s Law will ensure that you know all of the options available to you and what you need to acquire parental rights for your child. By knowing all your legal options you will have the confidence and reassurance to focus on being a parent.

More Information

It is absolutely essential to make your application for a Parental Order, if you are entitled to do so, within 6 months of the birth of your child. After 6 months the opportunity is permanently lost.

You must also satisfy the rules of domicile in the UK. If you are bringing your new born baby into the UK from abroad as a result of an international surrogacy, you must make sure that your child will satisfy the requirements of the UK Border Agency before you begin the process. This will avoid any difficulties with the immigration authorities.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 is relatively new legislation and the concept of Parental Orders is new to many lawyers and lay people alike. The legislation is drafted to allow little margin for error or discretion and so an understanding of the rules from the outset is imperative. It is essential that you seek legal advise from solicitors who are specialists in this area of law.

Why use Blavo & Co solicitors?

Blavo & Co is a full service law firm, with seven offices in London, Hertfordshire and Surrey. Our solicitors have an outstanding reputation for acting on behalf of individuals, businesses, various sectors and organisations with highly successful results.
Blavo & Co has developed a reputation for being approachable, friendly and for consistently exceeding its clients expectations whilst maintaining ethical and socially responsible standards.
Blavo & Co’s large team of legal specialists who are very highly regarded in their field.

If you would like to find out more about our services or discuss how we can assist you, please contact a member of our team on +44(0)20 7025 2020.