Child Law Solicitors
Separating from your child’s other parent is often difficult, and we know that you will be concerned to make the best arrangements possible for your family. Our expert child law solicitors can advise and represent you in resolving disagreements and putting a binding Child Arrangements Order in place.
We are accredited by the Law Society for our expertise in both Family Law and Child Law. This confirms that we meet their high standards in the provision of quality legal advice and client care.
Wherever possible, we aim to deal with matters out of court, avoiding the need for litigation. This is generally a faster option and can assist parents in working together to make the right arrangements for their children.
Contact our child law solicitors in Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff, Nelson and Pontyclun
If you need help from experienced Child Arrangements Order solicitors, contact us today. We are a regional law firm with offices in Merthyr Tydfil, Pontyclun, Cardiff and Nelson.
Please email us at law@jnplegal.org, or call us on the number specific to the office closest to you. Alternatively, fill out our Get in Touch form and we will respond to you quickly.
Our child law services
- Child Arrangements Orders
- Parental responsibility
- Specific Issue Orders
Child Arrangements Orders
A Child Arrangements Order will be tailored to your child’s needs. Issues commonly dealt with in a Child Arrangements Order include:
- Where a child will live
- Who they will live with
- How much time they will spend with their other parent
- What will happen during school holidays
- Who else they will see
- How they will stay in touch with each parent when they are not together
We can represent you in negotiating the right child arrangements for your family. Where necessary, we can support you through mediation to try to reach an agreement, or, if this is not successful, ask the court to decide matters.
If the court is asked to make an order, it will prioritise the child’s best interests at all times. In reaching a decision, it will consider the points set out in Section 1 of the Children Act 1989, as follows:
- The child’s wishes and feelings, in the light of their age and understanding
- The child’s physical, emotional and educational needs
- The likely effect on the child of any change in their circumstances
- The child’s age, sex, background and any other relevant characteristics
- Any harm the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering
- How capable each parent is of meeting the child’s needs
- The powers available to the court
Parental responsibility
Most parents will automatically have parental responsibility, but for those who wish to acquire this, such as unmarried fathers who are not named on the child’s birth certificate, step-parents, or same-sex parents, our parental responsibility solicitors can advise and represent you in applying to the court for a Parental Responsibility Order.
Specific Issue Orders
If you are in disagreement with your child’s other parent over a single issue, such as taking a child overseas, changing their name, or which school to choose, our Specific Issue Order solicitors can ask the court to make an order providing their decision on the matter.
Frequently asked questions on child law
Legal Aid is available for some family matters, depending on means and eligibility. If you would like to discuss whether you qualify for family Legal Aid, contact us today, and we will be happy to advise you.
For more information, see our Legal Aid page.
If you believe your former partner may be intending to take your child overseas, you should contact expert children’s lawyers without delay. If you ask us to help, we will take immediate action to stop this from happening.
The court will look at what it believes to be in your child’s best interests. Where it does not think your children should be taken abroad permanently, it can make a Prohibited Steps Order preventing this.
Our expert children’s solicitors can represent you in dealing with a range of disputes, including issues such as a change of name, education, healthcare, and religion. Where necessary, we can prepare a case for court and ask the judge to make a Specific Issue Order setting out what should happen.
The time taken to obtain a Child Arrangements Order can vary, depending on whether parents can agree on the contents and how complex the situation is. If you and your child’s other parent are able to agree on the terms of the order, the court can be asked to approve and seal this, making a binding order.
If there is disagreement, then a case can be resolved within 4-5 months. We can apply for an interim order if necessary.
Why choose JNP Legal’s Family team?
Our children solicitors are highly experienced and will work tirelessly to ensure that you and your family have the right legal framework for the future. We know that this is likely to be a difficult and stressful time for you, and we will ensure that you have the support you need.
We hold Lexel accreditations for our outstanding practice management, reflecting our commitment to client care, as well as in Children Law and Family Law.
We pride ourselves on securing the most favourable outcome for our clients each time, finding a resolution promptly, with minimal conflict, and at competitive prices.
Contact our child law solicitors in Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff, Nelson and Pontyclun
If you need help or advice, our experienced child law solicitors are here to assist. We are a regional law firm with offices in Merthyr Tydfil, Pontyclun, Cardiff and Nelson.
Please email us at law@jnplegal.org, or call us on the number specific to the office closest to you. Alternatively, fill out our Get in Touch form and we will respond to you quickly.