Children

A very difficult area, whether you are married or not, can be who the children should live with. This is now known as Residence (although many people refer to this by its old name of child custody). Alongside that are anxieties about when, where and how often a child should see their other parent, grandparent or extended family – this would now be known as a Contact case, but was previously referred to as child access.

It can be important for fathers to have some advice as they will have parental responsibility for their children if they are married but may not do so if they were not married to the child’s mother. (Mothers will always have parental responsibility except in very limited circumstances).

We can guide you through the various orders the family court can make and help you to reach a solution which is in the best interests of the children. This may be through negotiation, mediation or Court proceedings and may involve professional experts or a Children and Family Court Advisory Support Services officer (we call them CAFCASS officers for short!).

Back to top