Why do I need a lawyer?
Family matters during divorce or separation can be very stressful to deal with and if there are child custody and finance matters to resolve, you will need a lawyer to ensure you understand the process, the laws involved and also to represent you in mediation and in court.
Parental Responsibility Order (PR)
You will need PR to apply for any children matter orders unless you have the court’s permission to do so.
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; fathers have it when:
- 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
A person with CAO will automatically have PR.
What is a Child Arrangements Order (CAO)?
A Child Arrangements Order specifies who will be the main carer for a child and who the child will live with, where the child will live and for what duration if there is shared custody and can also cover when and how a child will spend time with the parents or in some cases someone else, such as grandparents
What is a Prohibited Steps Order (PSO)?
A Prohibited Steps Order (PSO) is a court order that prevents family members moving with or restricting access to, other family members, usually children. They are used to protect children from actions by parents or family members which could affect their well-being.
Anyone with parental responsibility (PR) can apply for one including parents, step-parents, guardians and anyone named on a Child Arrangement Order.
For more information, click here.
Specific Issue Orders (SIO)
These include matters relating to health and education issues regarding 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.
If you have any further questions, please contact one of our helpful team.
