Family Department

We have an expert team who are experienced in all matters regarding Family Law.  Our team appreciate that the breakdown of a relationship is a difficult and distressing time for all concerned, and because of this, you will receive expert and sympathetic advice on all kinds of family matters.

For parents who are divorcing or separating, it can sometimes be difficult to come to an agreement on matters such as child arrangements, especially if the separation has been hostile. In this instance, one or both of the parents may apply for a Child Arrangement Order, specifying who would be responsible for the care of that child or children.

Initial telephone options appointment

Our expert Family Law team are here to take the worry off your hands. We provide an initial telephone options appointment to discuss funding for your circumstances. Please call 0330 333 2613 for a no obligation, initial discussion or email enquiries@elliotmather.co.uk and we will call you back.

What are Child Arrangement Orders?

A Child Arrangement Order is a court order which regulates arrangements relating to matters such as: where the child lives, when the child spends time with each parent, and when or what types of contact take place (e.g. phone calls).

The Child Arrangement Order process

The breakdown of a relationship can be an emotional time for all parties, especially if children are involved. It is because of this that we recommend seeking legal advice in order to guide you through this worrying and stressful process:

• Mediation: Initially, you may want to try coming to an agreement yourselves regarding matters relating to your children. A professional mediator will be able to meet with you both (separately if necessary) to help you come to an agreement without having to go to court. It is important to note that a mediator is impartial.
• Applying to the Court: If mediation has been unsuccessful in your case, the last and final option is to go to Court to get a Child Arrangement Order. If this is the option you choose, it is left to the Court to decide whether one parent should be the primary carer and if so, the amount of time the child/children should spend with the other parent, or whether the parties should have shared care of their children.

This is a difficult process to take on alone, and you should seek legal advice from an expert Family Law Solicitor or Mediator.

How can we help?

At Elliot Mather we understand that no client’s circumstances are alike. Our specialised family lawyers will be able to offer clear and straightforward advice on a variety of child arrangement circumstances, including:

• Where a child should live
• Contact with a child
• Relocation (either in the UK or abroad)
• Grandparent’s Rights
• Specific Issues (e.g. where a child should go to school)
• Prohibited Steps (e.g. to prevent the change of a child’s surname)

The level of help you would like from us is entirely up to you. Our team members are all experienced in advising individuals on their specific family circumstances.

Location

Our Solicitors are able to provide expert advice across the country with a network of offices based in: Chesterfield, Nottingham, Mansfield, and Derby.

How to get in contact

Our team are on hand to help you and can assist wherever you are based. Please call us for a no-obligation, initial discussion on 0330 333 2613 or email enquiries@elliotmather.co.uk and we will call or email you back.