We have a specialist team of family lawyers including Children and Family Panel Members who are able deal with all aspects of disputes that may arise between parents in relation to Children Act Matters. We also act for grandparents and other family members in relation to disputes concerning children.

We ensure that we adopt a sympathetic and understanding approach to our clients when dealing with disputes involving children as we appreciate that these types of disputes are often very sensitive and difficult to deal with.

The most common types of disputes occur between parents following a separation and relate to where children should live and how often they should have contact with the non-nesident parent.

There may also be disputes in relation to education, the child’s surname, removal from the jurisdiction, religion and whether or not a child should have medical treatment administered to them.

The procedure in relation to Children Act matters is governed by the Children Act 1989. This provides that the welfare of the child is always the paramount consideration. If a dispute does arise concerning a child then we are able to offer expert advice to the parent or family member on the options available to them to resolve the dispute. This may include specialist negotiation, a referral to a local mediation service or an application at Court.

We are able to deal with Children Act Matters on an emergency basis. If an emergency situation arises concerning a child then we ensure that we are able to offer emergency appointments. We have a rota system in place to ensure that a family lawyer is always on hand to assist you as quickly as possible. We have dealt with a large number of emergency cases whereby children have been abducted from the jurisdiction or removed from the family home for example and emergency orders have been applied for to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the child.

If you are involved in a dispute concerning a child or require advice in relation to Children Act Matters then please contact Sarah Canfield, Harjinder Mann or Georgina Hetherington who will be happy to assist you.