Parents have rights, responsibilities and obligations in relation to their children. Sometimes when parents break up, one or both of them tend to focus on their rights more than their responsibilities and obligations, making child custody arrangements difficult to decide on. Whilst this is very natural, one of the main problems with a parent adopting this approach is that considerations about what is in the child’s best interests can stop being the main focus.
When one parent is focusing more on their rights rather than what is in the best interests of the child, communications between both parents can become strained, difficult, and too often, non-existent. Arrangements about who will care for the child and who will see the child and when unfortunately become ‘opportunities for arguments’ or ‘a show of strength’.
If parents seek good legal advice early on about child custody arrangements, they will often find ways of reducing hostility and bitterness, and of getting sensible arrangements in place without the need to go to Court.
There are, of course, going to be situations where, despite the best intentions of one parent, sensible arrangements cannot be put in place because of the actions of the other, and in these situations the matter may need to go to Court to be resolved.
Parents can apply for particular court orders depending on the arrangement that they cannot agree on, and you can apply to more than one order, including those concerned with:
Making the necessary arrangements for your child after a separation or divorce can be an extremely difficult and emotional process. It’s a situation that parents hope to never face but it’s important to have arrangements in place that are in the best interests of the child.
If you need legal advice for child custody, our family barristers have the expertise and experience to help you achieve the best possible outcome for you and your child. Do not hesitate to get in touch.
Chambers is centrally located within walking distance of the train station, secure car parks and the Courts.
St Pauls Chambers
Park Row House
19-20 Park Row
Leeds
LS1 5JF
For out of hours assistance please call the senior clerk on 07854170429.
The switchboard will open from 08:30 until 17:30
Phone: +44 (0)1132 455 866
Email: [email protected]
CJSM: [email protected]