Child Arrangements
We offer special reduced rates for private child disputes. Ask about this at your first interview.
These may arise within a marriage or between unmarried parents as well as between parents who are divorced. It is generally considered best for the children if these issues can be sorted out through mediation, but when this fails there are a number of court orders that can be applied for through the courts to deal with a range of situations, with the most likely option being to seek a Child Arrangements Order, an order that specifies whom a child shall live with (residence) and whom a child shall spend time with (contact).
We offer special reduced rates for private child disputes consultations and can advise on Child Arrangements Orders, Parental Responsibility Order, Specific Issue Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders, Parental Responsibility Orders and Declaration of Parentage.
Child Dispute Information
What is a Parental Responsibility Order?
The strict legal definition of Parental Responsibility is “all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which by law a parent of a child has in relation to the child and his property”. Its is often abbreviated to “PR”. These decisions include for example decisions about education, religion and medical treatment. If you are the natural mother or father who was or is married to the mother, then you will probably have it already. If you are an unmarried father named on the birth certificate then it depends when your child was born. Ask us about this or how you can try to obtain it. PR can sometimes allow you to make decisions on your own without necessarily consulting other people who also have PR.
What mediation services are available?
The courts do not like to make orders in children cases if the parties are able to sort matters out themselves ( The No Order Principle) and this is seen as best for the children. Unless there is a good reason for it the court will want you both to be involved in the child’s life. Attempting mediation is generally required before you can apply for a court order. If you issue proceedings the court will probably expect you to use a mediation service before it is prepared to hear the case. We can advise you on appropriate mediation agencies and also assist in negotiations about contact and other matters. Remember your case does not need to end up in court and we are here to assist in trying to resolve it amicably if this is likely to be in everyone’s interest.
What is a “Child Arrangements Order”?
It allows you to either have your child live with you (residence) or spend time with you (contact). There can also be shared Child Arrangements Orders. The arrangements can be defined (e.g. between certain hours on certain days) or just left to you to sort out with your ex‐partner (perhaps expressed as “reasonable contact”). It can also enable you to have contact overnight (known as “staying contact child arrangements”).
Who can apply for an order?
There are restrictions on who can apply for an order but in particular if you are a parent, guardian, or step‐parent of the child or the child has lived with you for more than 3 years then you will not require permission of the court to issue an application. Most other people require permission first.
What is a Specific Issue Order?
Where you and another person (usually another parent) cannot decide on what is best for your child then the court can be asked to make an order about a “specific issue”. An obvious example is if you cannot agree on a child’s surname, future school or religion.
How much is all this going to cost?
We can will give you an overall estimate about legal costs. Our rates are very competitive within the Aylesbury area and if need be can be flexible about payment terms. We do special rates for children only disputes. You can rest assured that all cases will be dealt with by a member of Resolution.