Child Welfare and Adoption FAQ

You do not necessarily need a solicitor. It is always best if the parents can agree between themselves. However, a good solicitor will be able to give you impartial advice about where a child should live, visiting arrangements and communication between parents. One of our specialists will be able to tell you where you stand and help you to work out your options. We also have a network of contacts including mediators, counsellors and other health experts who can help you and your children.

 

Yes. Courts work on a principle of non-intervention and only get directly involved where there are clear child protection issues where the parents are unable to agree on any important aspect of their child's upbringing. Our approach is to try to reach an agreement with the minimum of fuss. We regard Court proceedings as the last option.

 

We have 10 members of the specialist Solicitors Regulation Authority's Children Panel Accreditation Scheme. Several of our solicitors are also accredited resolution members. Where necessary we take a robust approach to our client cases. However, we believe in and practice a constructive, non-confrontational approach to family law, we find that a creative and constructive approach produces excellent results for our clients.

 

The Courts paramount concern is the welfare of the child. The Court can decide who a child lives with and how others are allowed to have contact with the child. The Court can make orders prohibiting certain actions in relation to a child and the court can make an order dealing with a specific issue, relating, for example, to a child's health or education.

 

In certain cases relating to children, for example, where there is social services intervention, parents are entitled to free legal aid. In order cases where you are struggling to afford your legal fees we have good connections with financial institutions and independent financial advisers who may be able to assist with funding arrangements.