Child Contact Disputes
We can assist by giving advice on the ways to promote contact so that the children continue to have a relationship with both their parents. Equally, however, if there is good reason for contact to be supervised or assessed, we can give advice about the steps that can be taken to achieve that.
There is no immediate answer to these problems.
It may be that we will suggest that mediation might be appropriate. Court orders are a blunt instrument and generally research shows that arrangements achieved by consent work better in the long term than arrangements imposed by the court. However, there is now an emphasis on court based mediation which can prove very effective where one parent is initially reluctant to take a proactive stance in working out the arrangements in the best interests of the children.
What Does Parental Responsibility mean?
Parental responsibility is the legal term given to a parent’s obligations to the child to nurture the child and to be involved in any issues relating to the child’s welfare, emotional and physical development and, in particular, important aspects of health and education.
A mother automatically gets parental responsibility for her child. A father acquires parental responsibility by being married to the mother or by his name being on the birth certificate for the child or by court order.
A parent can also agree to share parental responsibility with his or her partner, and we can advise on the mechanics of that process. Parental responsibility can also be given to other members of a child’s family if appropriate and in conjunction with other court orders. Parental responsibility can be shared between parents or other carers.
It is possible to get a court order to restrict how somebody may use their parental responsibility and again we can give full advice.
Can I make an application for contact with my grandchildren?
Yes, this is possible. Leave of the court is required before the application is allowed to proceed. The court will want to know why the contact is being denied, the historical relationship you have had with your grandchildren and the effect any contact order with you may have upon any other contact that the grandchildren may be having with their non-resident parent. The welfare of the children is the most important factor for the court to consider.
SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR FAMILY SPECIALISTS
If you need any further assistance please call:
Merseyside: 0151 480 5777
Runcorn: 01928 711119
Widnes: 0151 423 3661
Why choose JR levins?
Our team of specialist solicitors can offer advice to parents who find themselves in difficulty agreeing the arrangements for their children following a relationship breakdown.
Our team, led by Jannine Jenkins, deals with these matters on a regular basis and has a proven track record. We are based in Liverpool, Halton and Cheshire and you are welcome to make an appointment to come and speak to a member of the team.
Get in touch if you have been contacted by social services and we will provide you with clear and honest advice about your situation.
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Social Services & Child Care Solicitor Liverpool: CHECK OUT OUR Children matters FAQS BELOW.
What is a Child Arrangement Order?
What is a Child Arrangement Order?
This is an order that sets out who a child is to live with and who they are to have contact with and when.
Can I get legal aid / How much will it cost me?
Can I get legal aid / How much will it cost me?
Legal Aid is available to those who are the victims of domestic abuse or have evidence of child abuse. Financial eligibility assessment will also be required.
Who are CAFCASS and how are they involved in my case?
Who are CAFCASS and how are they involved in my case?
CAFCASS stands for Children and Family Court Advisory Support Services. CAFCASS look after the interests of children involved in family court proceedings. The main types of cases in which the court ask CAFCASS to help are where parents and carers are separating or divorcing and have not reached agreement about arrangements for the children, where social services have become involved and children may be removed from their parents’ care for their safety, and where children could be adopted. We can tell you whether CAFCASS will be involved in your case and the implications for your family.
My partner assaults or threatens me, what can I do?
My partner assaults or threatens me, what can I do?
If you are in that unhappy situation, you can come to us for impartial advice about the best way to protect yourself, whether by separation or, if necessary, by application to the court for injunctive relief. Legal aid is still available for victims of domestic violence.