Children’s Issues

Child Arrangements

Disputes involving arrangements for children are often difficult and emotional. We recognise that every parent wants the best for their child / children but the difficulty can be reaching agreement on what that is.  As such, our aim is to always put the welfare of the children at the forefront of any dispute resolution. 

Arrangements for your children can include how often you or the other parent see the children or, with whom and where your children should be residing. Sometimes there are very specific issues in relation to schooling, medical issues, religious concerns or the surnames of children.

In these situations, we can represent parents, grandparents, legal guardians, other family members and even other people directly involved with the children. Furthermore, we have expertise in child arrangements with an international element, for example, when one parent wants to move the children abroad.

We are here to help and guide you through the complex process which must include at least one party attending a mediation session, known as a MIAMS.

While the Court should always be the last resort when agreeing the welfare of children, should it come to this there are several options available which we can guide you through.

1) Child Arrangements Order

2) Prohibited Steps Order

3) Specific Issue Order

Finally, but most importantly, if you fear that there is a very real risk that your partner or spouse may abduct your child, we can help you to take the urgent and necessary steps to prevent this. Or, if the abduction has already taken place, we can issue an urgent application at court for your child to be returned. In these cases, prompt action is key.

Care Proceedings

Local Authority Social Services have a duty of care to help and support families while safeguarding children from any harm, either from within the family home or elsewhere.

When Local Authorities become involved due to concern about a child or children it is usually because of allegations or fear of: neglect, abuse either physical, mental or sexual, emotional harm, or where the child is deemed to be beyond parental control. It is natural to feel anxious and concerned at this time, as many people fear that any involvement will mean the children will be removed from the family home. This is often a frightening time and it is important that you seek legal advice.

There are several types of proceedings open to Local Authorities as listed below.  Our specialist Children Solicitors are experts at guiding you through these legal complexities with a constructive and robust approach.

  • Emergency Protection Order (EPO)

  • Police Protection Order

  • Child Protection Investigation or Section 47 Enquiry

  • Child Protection Conference

  • Child Protection Plan

  • Care Orders

  • Care Proceedings

  • Placement Orders

  • Interim Care Orders

It is important to note, that parents of children who are the subject of care proceedings, as well as the child or children are automatically entitled to public funding or what used to be called Legal Aid. JKC is a certified to deal with publicly funded cases. We can also advise if any other parties involved such as  relatives may be eligible for Legal Aid subject to means and merits tests.

For more information or to discuss any concerns you may have, please call us on 01923 234 40