Private Children Law
Disputes involving children are often the most sensitive and emotionally difficult issues that arise following the breakdown of a relationship. Decisions about where a child will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and how important aspects of their upbringing will be managed can have a profound impact on the entire family.
At SJE Legal Solutions, we provide clear and practical legal advice to help parents resolve these matters in a way that promotes the welfare and stability of their children while protecting our clients’ parental rights and responsibilities.
Child Arrangements
When parents separate, it is often necessary to establish clear arrangements for a child’s day-to-day care. These arrangements may include:
Where a child will live
How much time they will spend with each parent
Contact with wider family members, such as grandparents
Holiday and special occasion arrangements
In many cases, parents are able to reach an agreement with the assistance of legal advice and negotiation. Where this is possible, we assist in ensuring that arrangements are clear, workable, and focused on the child’s best interests.
Parental Responsibility
Parental responsibility refers to the legal rights and responsibilities that parents have in relation to their child’s upbringing. This can include decisions relating to education, medical treatment, religion, and other important aspects of a child’s life.
We advise clients on issues relating to parental responsibility, including:
Establishing parental responsibility
Disputes over major decisions affecting a child
The involvement of non-resident parents in important decisions
Resolving Disputes
Where disagreements arise, our priority is to help clients resolve matters constructively wherever possible. This can involve:
Solicitor-led negotiation
Discussions between legal representatives
Structured discussions aimed at reaching practical solutions
Where agreement cannot be reached, an application to the court may be necessary.
Court Applications
The court may be asked to determine arrangements for a child through applications such as:
Child Arrangements Orders
Specific Issue Orders (for particular decisions such as schooling or relocation)
Prohibited Steps Orders (preventing certain actions without the court’s permission)
In all cases, the court’s primary consideration is the welfare of the child.
Our lead consultant is accredited by Resolution as a specialist in private children law, reflecting substantial experience in advising and representing parents in these complex and sensitive cases.
A Careful and Practical Approach
We recognise that disputes concerning children require not only legal expertise but also sensitivity and careful judgment. Our approach focuses on:
Protecting the welfare and stability of children
Helping parents reach workable long-term arrangements
Reducing unnecessary conflict wherever possible
Providing clear guidance through the legal process
Speak to Us in Confidence
If you need advice regarding arrangements for your child or are facing a dispute about parental responsibility or contact, SJE Legal Solutions can provide clear and supportive legal guidance.
Contact us to arrange an initial consultation and discuss your circumstances in confidence.
