When children are involved, making the right decisions can feel overwhelming. Whether you're planning for the future, resolving a disagreement or seeking clarity on your rights and responsibilities, our experienced family lawyers are here to help.
Rhiannon Anderson
Senior Associate
Making arrangements for children is often the most important and sensitive aspect of any separation.
Our children law specialists understand that every child is different and every family needs a bespoke approach. We take the time to understand your circumstances, explain your options and help you move forward with confidence at what we know is a stressful time. We also understand the practical challenges of co-parenting and will help you find realistic, workable solutions to the problems you're facing.
Whatever your circumstances, having the right advice at the right time can make a significant difference. Being well informed can change the course of a dispute and the course of litigation.
Our award-winning family team includes recognised leaders in their field, the team has experience in dealing with the most complex cases involving children. Our specialists have experience dealing with cases with a history of litigation and several previous court orders or court hearings.
We specialise in dealing with cases involving the most serious allegations of harm and domestic abuse which often involve the local authority and police as well as other professionals. Our solicitors deal with cases where children of all ages face different challenges including mental health difficulties, neurodiversity, questioning their gender or where they have special educational needs.
Our team have a wealth of experience representing clients where a child is resisting or refusing contact with a parent or where there has been a breakdown in the parental relationship and understand the distress and heartbreak facing parents in this situation.
We will consider the best route for you based on your goals and priorities and we can consider therapeutic options as well as legal options. We help families reach agreements outside of court which reduces stress, cost and conflict and which guarantee privacy.
No. The circumstances of each family are unique and the decision of where a child lives and how their time is divided will be determined based on the needs of each individual child taking into account their needs, routine, relationships and overall wellbeing. The courts are increasingly making more orders which share the care of children between their parents or make orders for children to live ‘jointly’ with both parents. We can advise you on the most appropriate and likely outcome in your particular case.
The voice of the child is an increasingly important aspect of children law and how courts approach their decision making. An independent Cafcass officer could be asked to speak to your child to obtain their wishes and feelings, and these wishes and feelings will become part of the evidence the court would consider when deciding in relation to a child. The weight that is given to those wishes and feelings will depend on their age and understanding, as well as other factors on which specific advice should always be sought. It is also possible to attend child inclusive mediation where a specifically trained mediator would speak to your child as part of the process.
Moving with a child to a different part of England and Wales can have a significant impact on existing arrangements. Because of that, if you are considering a relocation within England and Wales or to a different country, we advise you to take specialist advice at the earliest opportunity. How a relocation is approached can have a significant effect on outcome. The same is true if you are concerned about a parent moving with a child (now or at some point in the future). Our team also has specialist international children lawyers and child abduction specialists who are experts in international relocation cases.
The costs of a dispute about children can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, whether allegations of harm are being made that are contested, and whether expert evidence is required in your case, amongst other factors. During your initial consultation, we can provide you with a better understanding of potential costs and discuss payment options. At Michelmores, we strive to provide transparent and fair pricing for our services. We are committed to offering a cost-effective service.
