If you have separated from your spouse, civil partner or from the person you are living with, the continuing welfare of your children will need to be addressed.

Whilst normally it is better for children for their parents to agree on what is going to happen about where they will stay, how they will be brought up, and how their financial future will be secured, sometimes agreement about such matters cannot be reached.

As your solicitors, we are happy to help where we can in securing your legal rights and those of your children. Whether you wish to ensure that your children live with you, or that you can visit them on a regular basis, we can negotiate and if necessary raise Court proceedings to help you achieve this.

When you separate, there are also financial implications which can arise in respect of your children, notwithstanding their living and contact arrangements. For example, you may be entitled to receive from your ex-partner something called 'aliment' (in other words a weekly or monthly payment of money) to assist you in caring for your children, and we are in a position to help you obtain this if it is not being paid already. Alternatively, if you are being pressed to make payment of aliment but are in financial difficulty or in any event consider that the amount being asked for seems excessive, we can also help you seek a variation of what you need to pay.

The law regulating such matters can get a little complex, but despite some recent changes to the law, you can rest assured that in general it remains focused on securing the best interests of your children. For instance, with a view to achieving more balance and stability in the care and upbringing of children born of unmarried parents, since 2006 if you are male and were not married to the mother of your children, you may now have certain rights in relation to them which you would not have had previously. Just give us a call on 01389 762266 or 01436 672212 and find out what your rights may be and how to ensure that they are acted upon.

So if you have any queries whatsoever about the legal position in relation to your children, or concerning the adoption or guardianship of children, please do not hesitate to call us or arrange a convenient appointment via our quick contact form, and one of our experienced team of family lawyers will be happy to meet with you.

We look forward to helping you soon.

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