Child custody

When a relationship breaks down it is sometimes difficult for couples to agree where their children should live and how much time they should spend with each parent.

Whilst this can be a distressing time for parents, the best interests of children must always be considered paramount.

Our experienced team recognises that arrangements which work most successfully are those which have been agreed between parents and it is therefore essential that advice is taken at an early stage.  

We specialise in helping families sort out contact arrangements for children following the breakdown of a relationship.

Our experts are also members of Resolution; an organisation of family lawyers committed to non-confrontational divorce, separation and other family problems.

How Napthens can help

We provide advice to clients from all different manner of backgrounds, with one clear aim – to support the provision of care and support for children and their best interests.

Our team are sensitive to all issues faced by parents and guardians. We will work closely on issues including:

• Advice on likely timescales
• Consider whether there are any special circumstances to your case which need to be taken account of and whether any expert evidence is required
• Consider your position and advise you on the avenues available for resolution. This may involve court proceedings, mediation or other alternative dispute resolution
• Consider when contact takes place and if it is appropriate or propose alternative arrangements
• Discuss with you what it is you want to achieve and advise you accordingly
• Explain the law, the courts’ approach/process and the matters the court will take account of if court proceedings become necessary
• Keep you appraised as to costs
• Represent you at court hearings, negotiate with your former partner or their legal representative and keep you fully up-to-date about progress
• Work with you at your pace

We can also offer advice on the following:

• Applications for school fee orders
• Applications to the court for ‘top-up’ child maintenance
• Change of a child’s name
• Child arrangements orders
• Child maintenance
• Enforcement of orders
• Grandparent applications
• Mediation and other alternative dispute resolution
• Parental responsibility
• Paternity testing and declarations of parentage
• Prohibited steps orders
• Removal from the jurisdiction
• Schedule 1 Children Act claims
• Special guardianship
• Specific issue orders