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Legal issues involving children can cause a lot of emotional stress due to their sensitive nature. Our child law solicitors in Bexleyheath, Dartford and Orpington make sure to approach each case with sensitivity, providing practical legal advice and fully informing you of all the options available for your specific circumstances.
We understand that child law matters can be complex and requires a specialised approach. Our team of experienced child law solicitors in Bexleyheath, Dartford, and Orpington have extensive knowledge and experience in this area of law. We understand that every situation is unique, and we take the time to listen to your concerns and understand your goals. Our goal is to provide you with the legal support and child law advice you need to make informed decisions about your child's future.
At our firm, we believe that communication is key, and we make sure to keep you informed every step of the way. We will explain your legal rights and obligations and keep you up to date on any developments in your case. Our team is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your child. We understand that child law matters can be emotionally challenging, and we approach every case with sensitivity and compassion. You can rely on us to provide you with the legal support you need to protect your child's best interests.
The team at T G Baynes can also provide family law advice on:
- Divorce and dissolution
- Divorce and finances
- Co-habitation agreements
- Separation agreements
- Domestic abuse and injunctions
- Children matters
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Advice for unmarried couples
Contact our child law specialist solicitors in Bexleyheath, Dartford and Orpington
If you would like to speak with one of our family solicitors in your area or arrange an initial consultation to discuss our family law services at a fixed fee, you can easily do so by completing our straightforward enquiry form or by calling 020 8301 7777.
Involving the court
Anyone who does not fall within a relevant exemption and wishes to begin court proceedings in relation to a dispute regarding a child must first attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).
The purpose of this is for a mediator to provide information regarding the mediation process and to assess whether the case is suitable for mediation to be attempted. Once a MIAM has been attended it is possible for proceedings to be issued, it is not compulsory to proceed with mediation following the MIAM.
Upon hearing an application, the Court has the power to make a number of Orders in relation to children. The most common Orders made are referred to as “Section 8” Orders. There are three types of order that can be made under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989, these are:
A Child Arrangements Order
This is an order which will regulate arrangements relating to:
- With whom a child is to live, spend time or otherwise have contact with; and
- When a child is to live, spend time or otherwise have contact with any person.
A Child Arrangements Order, therefore, deals with both issues of with whom a child is to live and with whom a child is to have contact. The court can order that a child lives with one parent and has contact with the other or can put in place a shared lives with order, which is where the child spends time living with each parent. Our child solicitors are well-versed in this area and will be able to clearly explain the intricacies of this to you.
In relation to contact, the level of contact which can be ordered will vary. It is possible for the court to order indirect contact (letters, cards, emails etc) or one of three different types of face-to-face direct contact:
Supervised contact: Contact takes place in a supervised contact centre with a supervisor present at all times. The supervisor will supervise only one family at a time.
Supported contact: Contact takes place in a contact centre, however, there will be a number of families having contact at the same time and support workers will be present to observe all those having contact. There are centres locally in Bexleyheath, Abbeywood, Gravesend, Istead Rise and Bromley; however, there is often a waiting list to use these centres.
Unsupervised contact: Contact will take place outside of a contact centre and there will be no supervision. The duration will be set by the court and can include overnight stays and holidays.
A Prohibited Steps Order
This is an Order which prevents someone from taking a specific course of action in respect of a child. For example, they can be used to prevent the removal of a child from the jurisdiction of England and Wales. This Order is usually obtained where there have been threats made to remove a child from the care and control of the parent without consent.
A Specific Issue Order
This is an Order where the Court is asked to determine a specific question concerning a child. This can include issues such a changing a child’s surname or what school the child is to attend.
It is possible for non-parents to make an application to the court for a Child Arrangements Order. However, they will first need the permission of the court to apply.
Fixed fee family law appointments
At our firm, our child law specialists recognise that the expense of obtaining legal guidance is frequently a significant concern for our clients. This is why we provide an initial consultation at a set price, during which our local family law solicitors can offer preliminary advice and discuss the probable costs of your case as it progresses.
We are pleased to offer the following fixed fee services, inclusive of VAT, for an initial meeting.
- Face to face or Zoom meeting of up to 1 hour - £168
- 30-minute telephone appointment - £96
Commonly asked questions
What is child law?
Child law is a legal area that deals with the rights, duties, and responsibilities of individuals in relation to children. It covers a wide range of issues that affect children, including child living arrangements, adoption, child support, education, and protection from abuse and neglect. Child law in the UK is primarily based on the Children Act 1989, which sets out the framework for the rights and welfare of children.
Child law aims to ensure that the interests of children are the highest priority when decisions are made about their upbringing, care and development. Child law also includes international law, as the UK is a signatory to various international conventions, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which sets out the fundamental rights of children.
What factors do the courts consider when deciding child custody and access arrangements?
When deliberating child arrangement applications, the court considers several factors. These include the child's welfare and best interests, the parent's ability to provide adequate care for the child, the child's wishes and feelings (depending on their age and maturity), any special needs or medical requirements of the child, and the child's relationships with each parent and other family members.
The court also considers any evidence of abuse or neglect, the parent's past and current behaviour, and any other relevant circumstances. Ultimately, the court's decision will be based on what is in the best interests of the child.
Contact our child law solicitors in Bexleyheath, Dartford and Orpington
If you would like to speak with one of our family solicitors in your area or arrange an initial consultation to discuss our family law services at a fixed fee, you can easily do so by completing our straightforward enquiry form or by calling 020 8301 7777.