Children matters

Dispute resolution in relation children

Disputes as to with whom children should live and how often they should see their other parent are not limited to the time surrounding a relationship breakdown. Such difficulties can occur at any point until your children become adults.

Central to all these disputes are the children themselves. Co-operation between parents and a willingness to put the children's needs first will minimise the impact of separation on them. Our team has many years experience in resolving disputes concerning children. We liaise with court appointed experts and advise you on the use of independent experts where appropriate, to reach a solution which is in the best interests of your children.

Separate to issues concerning child welfare are the financial claims in relation to children. We can advise on applications for child maintenance and assist in negotiations to reach child maintenance agreements on divorce/dissolution or separation. We also advise on making applications for school fees orders. As well as representing parents, we act for children themselves in seeking, for example, maintenance for their university education.

We can advise on issues of parental responsibility including drafting of parental responsibility agreements and difficulties which arise in exercising that responsibility. These can include issues over schooling, religious upbringing and your child's health. All of these matters are dealt with sensitively and pragmatically with a view to obtaining the best outcome with the least upset to all concerned.

Contact a member of the team for further information.