Each year an estimated 240,000 children in the UK experience the separation of their parents. More than one in three children will see their parents split up before they reach their 16th birthday. Whilst in an ideal world parents would be able to agree the arrangements for their children following a separation, the reality is that it is not always possible.

Our team of Family Solicitors have acted for parents in the many complex situations that arise after a separation – those who have just separated and are seeking to work out the best arrangements for their children; those who have not seen their children for many years and wish to establish contact; those that seek to protect their children from further hurt or distress; those that need to resolve issues of residence and shared care and so on. In many cases we have found that it is possible to resolve matters through negotiation, the use of mediation or through a collaborative process. Where that has not been possible we have represented clients through the Court Process.

Our lawyers have also acted for grandparents and other relatives who have taken on the care of children and need to ensure they have the appropriate legal status to do so. There are a number of options now available in such circumstances although a Residence Order remains most common.

We also regularly advise and assist clients in relation to issues surrounding residence, contact, parental responsibility and adoption.

In all cases we seek to resolve matters in as non-confrontational a way as possible always focusing on the welfare of the children concerned. We aim to provide legal and practical advice to help find a solution that is right for you and your children because every family is different.