Children Law

What to do when a relationship breaks down?

Going through a relationship breakup can be one of the most difficult times of your life, and where children are involved the issues can become more challenging and upsetting.  When a relationship has broken down regardless of whether the couple is married or not, any children involved are very likely to be a key priority for the parents, with it being everybody’s aim to make sure that the children are as content as possible whilst suitable arrangements are negotiated and put in place.

When a couple who have children together first breaks up deciding what will happen to the children, where they will live and how they will be financially supported are often some of the most challenging issues to agree upon.  There may be instances where many months or even years after a break up has taken place issues arise relating to children where legal advice is needed, for example removing a child from the country, parental responsibility or previously agreed contact being refused. We are here whenever you need us to advise you on any children-related issues that arise, no matter how small or complex they are.

Reaching a conclusion on what will happen to the children doesn’t always involve the court, and with our help and support clients very often reach an agreement between themselves.  If an agreement over child arrangements is reached voluntarily between the parties, we can help you make the agreement legally binding to ensure that there is certainty and security for you and your children. It is undoubtedly in the best interests of you and your children for the court not to be involved in disputes about children, and you can trust us that the lawyers from Marsden Rawsthorn representing you will make every effort to avoid court proceedings if at all possible.

Our team can also support grandparents and other close family members on contact arrangements and we can also advise on adoptions.

Family Mediation

Alternate methods of resolution can also be considered, such as mediation, to assist you in resolving matters on an amicable basis and we are here to guide and support you through this procedure if that becomes necessary for you. Our family team have extensive years of experience between them in dealing with disputed and complex children’s matters and therefore if court proceedings are unavoidable, you can rest assured that you will have the right team of people by your side and that we will be fighting vigorously for the best possible outcome.

Family Lawyers Panel Members

Our expert team of family lawyers includes members of the Family Law Panel and Resolution Panel.

Resolution Panel is a national organisation of family lawyers and other professionals who are committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes.

How can we help?

Here is an overview of some of the children-related issues that our dedicated team can help you with;

  • Child Arrangements Orders
  • Prohibited Steps Orders
  • Specific Issue Orders
  • Contact Disputes
  • Adoption
  • Rights for grandparents
  • Special Guardianship Orders
  • Parental responsibility

If you need any assistance with issues relating to children please call us on 01772 799 600 or email family@marsdenrawsthorn.com.

Family Law Clinic

We offer a free family law clinic each week where new clients of the firm with family-related issues can have a free and confidential 30-minute consultation with one of our family lawyers. Please call us or click here for further information about when the next clinic is taking place.

Family Law

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All the staff I have had contact with have been courteous. Both solicitors have explained the law in terms that are easy to understand & have been open & honest regarding my situation & likelihood of achieving a positive outcome.

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