There is often confusion surrounding fathers’ rights to overnight stays. In fact, the notion of a father having the ‘right’ to look after their children overnight is a common misunderstanding. It is important to clarify that the law holds the view that parents have responsibilities towards their children and that…
Starting a new relationship after divorce or separation has the potential to create a complex dynamic, particularly if you have children with your ex-partner. So long as both you and your former partner continue to have parental responsibility for your children, you will both be entitled to have a say…
The rights of parents and especially fathers to spend time with their children after a couple separate can be a highly complex and emotive issue. It’s unfortunately common to hear tales of fathers who are being denied the right to access their children, leading them to question what rights they…
Ending your marriage is a major event that will have consequences for many areas of your life. Unfortunately, many people are not fully aware of what those consequences may be and it is not uncommon for people to start divorce proceedings without fully understanding all of the ways it may…
Telling children about divorce is never easy, so it is understandable to be worried about this and wonder what the best way to approach the subject is. While each situation is different, there are things you can do to help plan, make the conversation easier and limit any negative impact…
Divorcing couples with children often find reaching an agreement about the care of their children after divorce or separation pretty difficult. Those who cannot reach an agreement amicably find themselves asking the family court to decide. Either party can make an application for what is known as a child arrangements…
What is a special guardianship order? A Special Guardianship order is one that members of a child’s family may consider where the child or children are being cared for permanently by family members other than their parents. This could apply for example to grandparents, aunts or uncles. There are a…
Since the early 1990s Child Support Agency (CSA) (now called the Child Maintenance Service (CMS)) has dealt with financial support for children. This means that in the majority of cases the court cannot decide how much child support is payable. However, where one or other parent lives outside England or…
As a firm we’ve been in-undated with calls and emails from separated parents begging for clarity around whether their children should be seeing both parents at the moment. The headlines are confusing, social media is scary and juggling work and home schooling is a huge ask for parents. Add to…
When parents separate one of the main issues of conflict relates to arrangements for the children. I am often contacted by distressed parents who are unable to reach an agreement with their former partner as to the weekly arrangements for their children and, often disputes flare up around annual events…
A parent paying maintenance towards the care of their child will often approach our lawyers for advice when they are being denied a relationship, asking do they have to continue to pay. A recent case illustrates how complicated this area of law is. The case of EA v SSWP and…
Telling your teenage child that you plan to divorce or separate is difficult. Their reaction is unpredictable, but you can control how and what you tell them. Some time ago one of our lawyers, Luci Larkin wrote a blog post containing 7 tips for telling your children you plan to…
