Child Arrangements

Arrangements for Children

We understand that during the difficulty of a divorce or separation, your child’s wellbeing will be your paramount concern. You and your partner may be experiencing difficulties in agreeing arrangements for your child, such as:

• where your child will live

• who can see your child and how often

• you or your partner may wish to relocate with your child

• child maintenance

• decisions on their upbringing, such as schooling, religion and healthcare

It is highly encouraged that parents reach an agreement between themselves without the need of Court proceedings and we will try and reach an agreement with your partner through mediation or negotiation. If an agreement cannot be reached through these means, you may wish to consider getting a Court Order in place.

• Child Arrangements Order – often referred to as “custody”. This is an Order made by the Court which sets out where your child will live and how much contact they will have with each parent. In some circumstances, it can include contact with other family members, such as grandparents.

• Prohibited Steps Order – this will prevent your ex-partner from doing something, such as taking your child abroad, changing their surname or allowing your child to associate with someone who may put them at risk.

• Specific Issues Order – this will decide a specific issue, such as which school your child will attend, which religion should be included in your child’s upbringing and whether they should receive certain medical treatments.

How MJP Law Can Help

At MJP Law, we understand what a stressful time this can be for everyone involved, including your child. We will help you reach the best arrangement for you and your family and help minimize the effect that separation may have on your child.

If you would like further information on how we can help you with child arrangements, please contact a member of our family law team on 01202 842929 or family@mjplaw.co.uk who will gladly assist.