Children's Law Solicitor Croydon
All disputes relating to children and child custody can be very difficult for all concerned, not least the child. One of the most difficult and emotional areas of family law is dealing with children's issues. Whatever the aspect of child custody or family law, we will assist you in putting the needs of your children first. Residence and Contact orders have been replaced with Child Arrangements Orders [ live-with orders and time spent with other parent ].
Child custody or legal matters involving children and childcare arrangements require expert, caring legal advice from a good family lawyer who understands the processes involved.
We can assist you with reaching an agreement regarding which parent your children will live with and visiting rights for the non-custodial parent in a non-confrontational manner, using alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation. If we cannot resolve the issues through negotiations then our highly experienced lawyers will attend court with you and fight for your case.
Please see recent cases: click on About Awan Solicitors and see the recent cases conducted by Mr Awan.
Parental Responsibility Order (PR)
This aspect of child custody covers who can apply for a CAO and PR. You will need PR to apply for any children matter orders otherwise you will need court`s permission.
Section 3(1) of the Children Act 1989, defines PR as “all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which by law a parent of a child has in relation to the child and his property”.
A mother automatically has PR.
A father has PR where:
He is married to the mother of the child
Where his name is on the birth certificate after December 2003
By adoption
By agreement with the mother
By a court order
By being the child`s guardian
Child Arrangements Order (CAO)
This aspect of child custody covers Who will be the main carer and who the child will live with
Where the child will live and duration of the time, for example where shared order is made how many days the child will stay with each parent
When and how a child will spend time with the parents or in some cases someone else, such as grandparents
– Shared Orders
– Permission to take child out of jurisdiction
– Holiday contact and special occasions such as birthdays
– Same sex parents and biological father arrangements
– Step-parents
– Extended family such as grandparents contact
– Paternity disputes
Prohibited Steps Orders (PSO)
This order stops one parent or party from carrying out certain activities in relation to the child, such as removing a child from the school, changing the child`s surname or taking the child out of the country without the other party`s consent or a court order. In urgent case, these orders can be obtained without notice to the other party.
Each case is different but depending on the circumstances the PSO lasts until the child`s 18th birthday.
Specific Issue Orders (SIO)
These include deciding on health and education issues relating to the child. They may also include stopping a child from being taken to a place where it is not deemed suitable for children, or leaving child in the care of a person who is unsuitable to provide child care.
NB: A person with CAO will automatically have PR
All the Child Law Matters which we give advice and representation on :
- Parents rights and Parental Responsibility
- Live with and Child Arrangement Orders
- Contact and Child Arrangement Orders
- Specific Issue and Prohibited Steps Orders
- Child Relocation in the UK and overseas
- Special Guardianship Orders
- Child Abduction
- Adoption in the UK and overseas
- Grandparent rights and contact with grandchildren
- Step Parent rights
- International Children’s Law
We at Awan Solicitors
We at Awan Solicitors are committed to helping couples resolve family law disputes in a non-confrontational manner. As with all the best child custody lawyers, one of the primary objectives of our service is to avoid couples ending up in court unless absolutely necessary. This is achieved by entering into negotiations and mediation from the start, by solicitors with an abundance of expertise.
When you come to see us about a child arrangement, you may be under significant emotional pressure. You will quickly be reassured, in a sensitive and compassionate manner and we will focus on reaching a long-term, workable solution to your matter. We will also help you manage any conflict with your ex-partner or partner and ensure that the needs of any children are kept at the forefront of any conflict resolution.
If you are required to attend court because this is the only way to resolve your family law dispute, we will robustly represent you in court. Where we cannot represent you ourselves, we will instruct the best family law barrister who can appear in court on your behalf. We will ensure that you are kept informed throughout the proceedings and any changes in circumstances that can often occur in family law or child custody cases.
Alternative Dispute Resolution and Family Mediation
It is now mandatory in English family law system to provide evidence of Mediation before the matter goes to court. The courts encourage couples and families to settle disputes outside of the courtroom. Any arrangements arrived at by the parties themselves are more likely to last long-term.
We at AWAN Solicitors help and advise you on the alternative dispute resolution methods, including assisting with how Mediation Information & Assessment Meetings (MIAMs) work.
Injunctions and Emergency Remedies
If you are concerned about your child being taken away from you or taken out of the country by your partner or ex-partner then we can obtain and urgent Prohibited Steps Order without notice and at short notice which will stop them doing so.
Take the next step now! Come and talk to us.
We will be able to give you an overview of your case and an indication of the likely costs involved.
To arrange for an appointment, please contact us by telephone or email your details and we will call you back.
