Child Arrangement

Barker Son & Isherwood - Andover, Hampshire

When two parents separate, there cannot be a clean break in its truest sense. Of course, financial and other ties can be undone and each person can move on with their life to a certain extent. However, the bond that connects parents to their children and, therefore, to each other lives on.

Separated parents continue to owe responsibilities to their children. They will want to be there as they grow up. Above all, children are entitled to spend time with both of their parents. For this to happen, parents need to be able to communicate with each other.

We do not underestimate how challenging this can be for two people who have gone through the intensely testing, emotional – and sometimes hostile – process of separation.

Our specialist Family Solicitors can help with these discussions. We can negotiate arrangements for you and your family, which focus on what is in the best interests of the children and their welfare. This is the court’s paramount consideration with all children matters.

This does not necessarily set you on a formal path; we often advise behind the scenes, helping clients have the right types of conversations with family members. We would help you explore whether you have reached the end of the road in your discussions with your co-parent, or whether there is potential to reach some agreement.

If an agreement cannot be reached, the next approach could be mediation. This is where an impartial third party helps families work through their issues. In your situation, the mediator may be able to help you each see the other’s perspective and reach a compromise. However, mediation does not suit everyone or every situation. The court route may be necessary where parents cannot resolve an issue between themselves. It may not be ideal to have a judge potentially impose a Child Arrangements Order that one or both of you might not be happy with, but in some cases, it is the only way to reach a conclusion. Furthermore, the court route provides a framework for safeguarding issues to be discussed and investigated. This would have to be factored into any arrangements reached. 

Call us now to discuss a way forward for you and your family on 01264 353411 or email us at family@bsandi.co.uk.