Children – Post Separation

Following the breakdown of a relationship and the decision to live apart there will be consequences for the children.

Parents may be trying genuinely to deal with the matters in a way that is in the children’s best interests.

We have considerable expertise in dealing with these issues in a careful and sensitive manner and wherever possible our Bristol family law solicitors will try to assist in an agreement being reached in a way that achieves a child focused outcome.

We can advise on all child issues including:

• Where and with whom a child is to live (residence)
• Time spent with each parent (contact)
• Decision making for the children (parental responsibility)
• Financial obligations (capital and maintenance).

It may be that a shared residence agreement/order should be made giving both parents residence although not necessarily in equal time.

If the parents of a child are not married to each other and have never been it is possible that as father of the child you do not have Parental Responsibility for your child. Parental Responsibility is basically giving the same legal status of parent that the other parent has. If this is the case then it may be possible to gain Parental Responsibility by agreement.

Sometimes agreement on any of the issues cannot be reached and it will be necessary to make an application to the court.

Dispute: Relocation of 1 Parent

Disputes can sometimes arise between separated parents about a proposed move by one parent with the children to a different geographic location which can be very distressing and upsetting for the parent who remains behind. This can often mean that contact may become more difficult and there will be a lot of travelling.

There are two sections to relocation. Firstly:

• A move with a child within the UK
• & when a parent moves with a child to another country.

They are both treated very differently. If you find yourself in this type of situation our family solicitors can advise and help.

Dispute: Grandparents denied Grandchild contact

Are you a Grandparent being denied contact with your Grandchildren? Children need grandparents in their lives and Grandparents need to have their grandchildren in their lives.

It is a sad fact that Grandparents do not have automatic rights to see their Grandchildren. However if you are in this situation please speak with our family law experts. You would not be able to make a direct application to the court for access to see your Grandchildren, but we may be able to start the process by negotiating or asking the court first for permission for you make an application.