Arrangements for Children
We believe it is extremely important to try and negotiate an agreement for the arrangements for the children of your family. If your children are very young, you and your ex-partner will have to deal with each other for many years to come over the arrangements for the children. A hostile approach at this time can make for a very difficult post-separation relationship, which is likely to impact upon your children’s welfare.
We will encourage you to give careful thought to the arrangements for your children, by the use of parenting plans and information leaflets.
Please be aware there is no automatic need for Court Orders dealing with the children’s residence and contact arrangements. In fact Courts operate on a no Order principle and will only make Orders where it is clear it is in the best interests of the child that such Orders should be made.
Other Orders that can be applied for include a Prohibited Steps Order (which stops someone from doing something, for example removing a child from the country) and a Specific Issue Order (the Court is asked to decide on a particular matter e.g. medical treatment or school placement).
The child’s welfare is the Court’s paramount consideration.