Children
Facing legal issues regarding your children can be incredibly stressful and produce all manner of challenges. We appreciate the emotional burden that legal issues involving your children can present, especially following a relationship breakdown.
This is why our children law solicitors will work tenaciously and compassionately to mitigate your worries as smoothly as possible.
We will help you with:
- Child arrangements
- Parenting arrangements
- Care involving social services
- Grandparents and step-parents
- Financial support for children
At Owen White Catlin, we know that you want the best for your children, and we will fight to achieve your desired outcome. We will ensure that the legal process remains transparent and accessible so you can manage legal necessities with the utmost confidence.
We will always look for the most constructive way of resolving issues. Sometimes this is achieved through mediation; other times it’s necessary to involve the family court. Whichever route we take, we’ll be by your side, fighting for the right outcome for you and your family.
Talk to one of our children solicitors today
Please get in touch to discuss your case with a member of our children law team, or to schedule a consultation. Contact us using our online enquiry form, or call us directly on one of our office numbers. Our expert team of lawyers are ready to help.
Why work with our children solicitors?
Our family law team are firmly established as the trusted solicitors of individuals and families throughout South West London, Surrey and Middlesex. We have a great deal of experience in handling all aspects of children law, so will offer you the best advice and support.
As members of Resolution, which promotes a non-confrontational approach to resolving legal matters, we are committed to finding positive and constructive solutions which minimise the emotional and financial burdens you may otherwise face.
We’re also people who value good service, so we work in a way that feels right to us and right for our clients. We communicate clearly, openly and honestly, so you’ll always be updated on the progress of your case and what we think of your options.
We are always fully transparent when it comes to fees. This means we will carefully manage the costs involved in your case and discuss the most cost-effective options that apply.
We hold a contract to provide legal aid funding for certain types of matters. However, legal aid is quite restricted. It is available free of charge for parents involved in public law proceedings (Child Care). For other matters, such as private law children, eligibility depends on the type of matter, departure rules, and means testing. To find out more, or if you are concerned about the cost of legal advice or representation, please speak to our team. We can assist you with the legal aid application process and discuss the various options available to you.
We have expert solicitors and support teams working at each of our offices, so it’s easy to get in touch – in person, by phone or online - when you need us.
Our children services
Child arrangements
Child arrangements refer to the agreement between two separated co-parents where they decide where their children live and how much time they are to spend with their parents.
These situations can frequently give rise to conflict where parents have differing views on what is best for their children. We understand how crucial it is for your children’s welfare that they grow up in the healthiest environment possible, and we will use our extensive experience to help you reach an agreement that is best for them.
Parenting agreements
Parenting agreements declare parents' responsibilities and rights concerning their children. This can cover financial support and child arrangements, providing the necessary structure to protect the child’s welfare.
It is essential to enlist robust legal advice when drawing up a parenting agreement to ensure that the correct procedures are implemented, which is where our expert team will help. Our children law solicitors will provide a clear path to a solution that ensures the security of your child’s future.
Care involving social services
Social services typically intervene if they feel your child’s welfare is jeopardised. Contending with social services can be stressful, particularly if court proceedings are likely.
We will ensure that you are firmly represented in any case, liaising with social services on your behalf and preparing all necessary documentation required for any hearings or meetings you are asked to attend.
Grandparents & step-parents
Grandparents and step-parents do not automatically have the same parental rights as biological parents. In the event of a relationship breakdown, children’s relationships with their grandparents and step-parents can be significantly disrupted.
Our experienced children law solicitors have dealt with many such cases. They will ensure that your child’s relationship with their grandparents or step-parents remains intact in light of any family conflict.
Financial support for children
In light of a relationship breakdown, the welfare of your children will be paramount. Financial support arrangements for your children should be disclosed in any parenting agreement, yet disputes are still commonplace.
The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) has the power to enforce support payments if they are not being paid. Our team will guarantee diligent legal advice to ensure that your children are well looked after, providing a compassionate approach to negotiating the best possible agreement.
Talk to one of our children solicitors
To discuss your case with one of our child law solicitors, or to schedule a consultation, please get in touch today. Contact us using our online enquiry form, or call us directly on one of our office numbers – our friendly team is ready to help.