CHILD CONTACT MATTERS

​Questions regarding child arrangements always arise when parents separate and it particularly needs careful management when children are involved. The child contact or arrangement order are necessary to decide with who the child shall live with and how frequently both parents spend time with another party. In this regard, the shared child arrangements to spend an equal amount of time with both parents have become increasingly popular. This type of arrangement can enable a child to live with both parents and determines how the time will be divided up. Questions of residence (lives with order) and contact (spends time with order) are always decided by looking at what’s best for the children and the rights and wishes of parents are secondary to that.

Importantly, the questions regarding child arrangements start with the presumption that the parents, are the best people to decide on arrangements. If parents who separate can agree on child arrangements, the Court will not become involved.

Court involvement starts only if the parents cannot agree on where the children will live, or arrangements for contact, and one of the parents makes an application to the Court for help and secondly if there are concerns about the children’s welfare.

Our solicitors help parents in negotiating questions of residence and/or an appropriate contact regime. We can assist separating parents to empower them to make the best arrangements for their children. If negotiation proves unsuccessful, we can represent parents either making or answering applications for residence and/or contact orders.

Domestic abuse or violence is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. Domestic abuse occurs across society as a whole, regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth or geography. Although statistically it mainly affects women domestic abuse and/or violence also affects men although they are less likely to seek help.

Domestic violence or abuse among the commonest causes the breakdown of many family relationships, which has direct and indirect effects on one’s life, and it’s vital that you take the first step to end the violence now. The decision to end a relationship, whether prompted by domestic violence or not, often makes the family situation even more difficult especially in the short term. Children are also affected directly and indirectly by abuse and in some circumstances, children can be protected by the use of Injunction Orders if required. We completely understand the situation and are well aware of the problems and the effects that domestic violence has on children, dependants, and on your life outside the home; and at work.

Some situations make it especially hard for parents to reach an agreement about child arrangements, such as a situation where one parent wants to relocate abroad. Where a Court’s assistance proves necessary for whatever reason, our experienced team can guide you sensitively and expertly through the process, achieving the best outcome for you and your children.

At Mamoon Solicitors, we understand that the parental responsibility issues can be sensitive and complex which needs to be dealt precisely. To resolve these amicably, we will work closely with you by taking your unique circumstances into consideration every step of the way. We’re caring in our approach and you can trust us to treat your case with the utmost precision and compassion at all times.

For specialist advice please contact our team member on 0161 465 1814 or complete our inquiry form and we will contact you.