Children Act (applications by parents)

Expert Guidance for Parents During Separation

All parents face difficult decisions about their children when they separate or divorce. Seeking specialist legal advice at an early stage allows parents to understand their position and all the options available to them, including mediation and collaborative law. Our team of family lawyers ranked Tier 1 in the Legal 500 are dedicated to providing the support and expertise needed during these challenging times.

Specialist Family Solicitors in Essex

Our specialist children lawyers have many years of experience in dealing with family disputes involving children. Our family solicitors in Essex are proud to be ranked as a Tier 1 team by Legal 500 UK, a testament to our commitment and expertise. Our team includes members of the Law Society’s Family Panel, accredited Resolution specialists in children issues, and Collaborative Family Lawyers. This diverse range of qualifications ensures that we can offer comprehensive and tailored advice to meet your specific needs.

Navigating Court Proceedings and Parental Responsibility

In most cases, mediation is the first step and is mandatory before court proceedings can be issued. Mediation provides a platform for parents to discuss and resolve issues in a less adversarial setting. However, if court proceedings are necessary to decide where children live or who they see, a child arrangements order (formerly known as residence, contact, and custody) may need to be put in place. Our family solicitors in Essex are adept at guiding parents through this process, ensuring that the best interests of the children are always the primary focus.

Sometimes, an unmarried father will not have parental responsibility for his children even though he is the biological father. In these cases, a Parental Responsibility Agreement or Court Order will be necessary. Our experienced team can assist you in obtaining the required agreements or orders, ensuring that your rights as a parent are recognised and upheld.

Expert Family lawyers in Essex

If parents cannot agree on children’s names, medical treatment, or schooling, then the Court can decide on these issues if necessary. Our family solicitors in Essex have extensive experience in representing parents in such matters, providing clear and decisive guidance to achieve the best possible outcome for your children.

Additionally, if one party is considering moving to another country and wishes to take the children with them, they will need the permission of any other person with parental responsibility for those children. If they do not consent, then the Court can decide what is in the children’s best interests. Relocation cases can be particularly complex and emotionally charged, but our team of family lawyers are well-equipped to handle these situations with sensitivity and expertise.

Choosing the right legal representation is crucial during times of family upheaval. Our family lawyers are committed to providing a compassionate and professional service. We understand the emotional toll that family disputes can take and strive to offer not only legal advice but also support and reassurance throughout the process.

In summary, navigating the complexities of family law requires experienced and knowledgeable legal professionals. Our family lawyers are here to help you through every step of your journey. From mediation and collaborative law to court proceedings and parental responsibility agreements, we offer a comprehensive range of services to address all your family law needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in making informed decisions for the future of your children.

Children Lawyers

Michael Sheville

Partner

Claire Spurgeon

Partner

Louise Eady

Partner

Surjit Verdi

Senior Associate

Remyhs Baker

Associate

Stephanie Leszman

Associate

Kim Mansfield

Associate

Lucy Nicholson

Associate

Jade Mercer

Solicitor

Shevonne Weir

Solicitor

Alex Hanselman

Trainee Solicitor