Understand Your Situation
Resolving disputes regarding where children live and how much time they spend with each parent. The legal focus remains entirely on the welfare of the child.
When parents cannot agree on arrangements for their children, the Family Court can intervene under the Children Act 1989. The primary focus is the 'welfare principle', meaning the child’s best interests come before the parents' wishes. This covers residency (where the child lives), contact (visitation schedules), and specific issues like schooling or healthcare.
Legislation & Rights
A confidential consultation provides a clear view of how the welfare principle applies to a child's specific living arrangements and contact needs.
Plan Your Defence
The court uses a 'Welfare Checklist' to make decisions, considering the child's emotional needs, any risk of harm, and the parents' ability to meet those needs. CAFCASS (the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) often provides independent reports to the judge. Legal representation ensures that a parent's position is clearly presented and that any resulting Child Arrangements Order is clear and enforceable.
Defence & Evidence
Specialist legal advice ensures that the court has a full understanding of the family dynamic and that the child's welfare remains the priority.
Legal Aid Availability
For many criminal matters, from police station interviews to Crown Court trials, public funding (Legal Aid) may be available to cover your legal costs.
Eligibility is determined by the seriousness of the case and, in some instances, a means assessment. Our team will conduct an immediate, confidential assessment of your eligibility to ensure that financial constraints do not stand in the way of a robust defence.
