More than one in four children have separated parents and 28% of children under 16 will watch their parents divorce. We understand that the impact on your children will be your greatest concern on the break up of your relationship.
Our friendly and experienced team of family lawyers have experience in many children matters. It is always our aim to attempt to negotiate agreements between parents in a non confrontational, productive manner. We are fully aware that any actions relating to your children will have both short term and longer lasting effects on them and handle every case with sensitivity, personal care and attention.
What will happen to my children when I divorce or leave my partner?
When your relationship breaks down inevitably the family will go from living in one home to having the children’s parents living in separate homes. It will very much depend on the finances available whether the family home can be retained. Our family solicitors are experts in finding ways to preserve the family home and will always bear in mind the effect of any financial settlement on the children.
Often parents decide between themselves where the children will live and how often the parent who does not live with the children will see them.
If you cannot agree with your ex partner what will happen regarding access and contact with the children, we can negotiate on your behalf. If it is not possible to reach an agreement then an application to the court can be made for the Court to make a decision.
How can I get access to and contact with my children?
Access and contact can usually be agreed between the children’s parents. If an agreement cannot be reached our solicitors can negotiate on your behalf. Once an agreement is made we can encapsulate this in a Parental Agreement so that both parents understand the decision reached and can refer to the document in the future.
If no agreement to access and contact can be reached then the matter would have to be referred to the Courts. The Court’s paramount concern in making a decision about the children will be the child’s welfare and best interest.
Can I get parental responsibility for my children?
Depending on your family circumstances you may already have parental responsibility for your children. We can discuss the same with you and confirm if you already have parental responsibility. If you do not have parental responsibility then we can ask the other parent to grant you responsibility or refer the matter to the Court to make a decision.
What is my entitlement or liability for Child Maintenance?
At the moment the Child Support Agency guidelines regarding child maintenance apply. Our family solicitors who have much experience in handling child maintenance issues can advise you of your liability under these guidelines on confirmation of your income levels. You are of course free to pay more in the form of child maintenance for your children should you wish. The CSA calculations are the minimum that would be required to be paid in child maintenance to the parent with whom the children live. Please click on the link for information as to how the CSA calculate child maintenance payments
http://www.csa.gov.uk/en/setup/how-maintenance-calculated.asp
How can I get Residence or Custody of my Children?
If it can not be agreed between parents where the children will live and how much time they will spend at each parent’s home then it may be necessary to apply to the Court for a Residence Order to define the terms of where the children will live.
If you are concerned about any of the issues discussed above, we can help you. Please call 0208 464 4242 and ask to speak to a member of the Family law team Alternatively email your enquiry to familylaw@wellerslawgroup.com We offer a fixed fee, no obligation one hour interview so that we may provide you with initial advice and suggest the options for your next course of action.
If you have a preference for seeing a male or female solicitor we are happy to accommodate your request.
Wellers Law Group LLP: Solicitors in Bromley, Kent
areas covered - Beckenham,Chislehurst,Croydon,Crystal Palace,Hayes,Kent,Keston,Orpington,Penge,Petts Wood,Sidcup,Kent,Tunbridge Wells,Sevenoaks
Wellers Law Group LLP incorporating Cooke Matheson: Solicitors in Gray's Inn Square, Gray's Inn, London
areas covered - London - City, Westminster, Gray's Inn, Chelsea, Fulham, Wimbledon, Surrey
