Child Law Solicitors
- Details
- Written by: Wembley Solicitors
The family law team at Wembley Solicitors are dedicated to protecting the rights, well-being and future of the children we represent, no matter how complex or contentious the matter. Our empathetic, caring, and sensitive approach means that those who seek our help in relation to their child or grandchild feel supported, empowered, and confident of a successful outcome.
Who we serve
We have been providing children and family law expertise, representation, and support to families, parents, prospective parents, grandparents, and guardians across London, Middlesex, Wembley, and the surrounding areas for many years. Whether you need to put in place child arrangements following divorce, or you need legal help in relation to child relocation, abduction, domestic abuse, adoption, surrogacy, or any other matter, we have the expertise and experience to help you.
What we do
Wembley Solicitors' family and child Solicitors can assist with a range of children's law matters, including:
- Adoption
- Child abduction
- Child arrangements following divorce or separation
- Child care proceedings
- Child relocation
- Domestic abuse
- Grandparent's rights
- International child arrangement orders
- Legal rights of children
- Parental responsibility
- Prohibited steps orders
- Specific steps orders
- Social services intervention
- Surrogacy
You can be assured that we will always listen carefully to your situation and concerns regarding your child or grandchild and recommend the legal options available to achieve the best possible outcome. If you need urgent protection for yourself and/or your child, we will act promptly to take any legal action necessary. As a full-service law firm, we can also advise and represent you regarding any other legal matters, including in the areas of immigration, litigation, residential property, and criminal law.
Our family law ethos
When it comes to legal matters concerning children, we understand that there is often considerable resentment, worry, fear, and uncertainty. At Wembley Solicitors, we always prioritise the needs of children and will do all we can to ensure their safety and security. While it may be necessary to seek a decision from the court, such as a child arrangement or prohibited steps order, we advocate a non-contentious approach where possible. By using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation, we often achieve excellent resolutions to child matters without the intervention of the court. This has the considerable advantage of preserving relationships between the parties concerned. This not only means that any agreed outcomes are likely to be adhered to, but it also reduces the emotional impact on the children involved. Ultimately, we will do all we can to support you and your children through the legal matter, whether outside or through the courts. We will empower you and work by your side to help ensure your child has the necessary protection, financial resources, parenting arrangements, and any other needs met.
Children law FAQs
Child arrangement orders are issued by the court and confirm where a child will live when they will spend time with each parent, and any contact arrangements. Contact many include face-to-face contact (with or without supervision), overnight visits, phone calls, or by letter.
CAOs are not normally needed if parents can reach an agreement on child arrangements themselves. If an agreement cannot be reached, the court can make the decisions necessary based on the facts presented to them.
Applicants must attend a Mediation information and assessment meeting (MIAM) with their ex-partner before seeking a CAO, where it is appropriate to do so. This is because the courts prefer to see decisions being made between the two parents where it is feasible and safe to do so.
In the event of parental separation, grandparents do not have an automatic right of access to their grandchildren. Depending on the circumstance, however, it may be possible to apply for a section 8 order, including a:
- Child arrangements order: as explained above
- Prohibited steps order (PSO): PSOs are used to prevent specific actions from being taken by a person with parental responsibility, such as taking the child out of the country
- Specific issue order (SIO): SIOs are used if the court is asked to make a specific decision in relation to a child
At Wembley Solicitors, we are well versed in applying for section 8 orders and understand the requirements of the courts when making their decisions. While grandparents do not have an automatic right of contact, the courts do recognise the value of maintaining grandparent/grandchild relationships and will take this into account when making their decision.
Need legal advice & assistance?
Our London based team of the best divorce and family law solicitors offers legal services in all areas of family law such as divorce, financial settlements etc.
We're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), so you know you're in safe hands.
Contact our solicitor today to get legal advice and assistance with your legal matters.
You can call us on 02034173700 or leave your details here for a callback request regarding your legal matter.
