If you’re going through divorce, it’s important to consider how you will handle this in the best interests of your children. Our experienced divorce lawyers are here to help you navigate the necessary arrangements in the least disruptive way possible, during what is often an emotional and stressful time. 

We get to know you and your situation, providing practical advice so you can find a way forward that meets yours and your children’s needs.

How we can help with child arrangements after divorce

While divorce will end your marriage, it won't end the relationship between you as parents. You will need to discuss where your children will live and how often each parent will see them. Keeping on reasonable terms as far as possible will make this much easier for everyone.

Getting the right legal support can smooth the process and keep the lines of communication open. We explain your options and keep you fully informed throughout, so that you’re clear about what to expect at each stage.

As members of Resolution, the professional body for family lawyers, we take a constructive approach where appropriate, to ensure better outcomes. If you do need to go to Court, however, rest assured we will be with you every step of the way.

Whatever your situation, our priority is to help you make the right decisions for you and your family, so you can move on with your lives in a positive way.

Making arrangements for children after divorce

You'll want to maintain as much normality as possible for your children, so it’s important to think about your living arrangements for the immediate future and in the longer term. You also need to think about how you can both spend time with them and be involved in day-to-day tasks, such as the school runs and homework.

You may be able to discuss this together and come to an agreement, in which case we can put together formal documents to reflect this.

If you're not able to agree on the best solution, there are alternatives to help you resolve the issue. These can include negotiation via your solicitors or exploring mediation or collaborative law, which both aim to facilitate mutual agreement through guided discussion.

Applying for Court

Sometimes Court proceedings are the best solution for sorting out disagreements about child arrangements or finances. This can set clear parameters for all parties, taking into account all relevant circumstances.

Before applying to Court, mediation must be explored as an option (unless exemptions apply). If mediation isn’t the way forward, then either of you can make an application to the Court.

The Court will work with both parents to help you come to an agreement. If you can’t agree, the Court will make a child arrangement order, with the child’s welfare always being the most important thing.

We understand that taking your case to Court can feel daunting but we have a great deal of experience in supporting families in this situation. We guide you through the process, making sure you understand what is happening throughout.

Stages of proceedings

The Court proceedings go through various stages, and we’ll keep you updated as to where you are in the process.

To give you an idea of what to expect there are 3 main hearings:

• The first hearing – the Court will look at how the case should progress and what steps will need to be taken to get the case ready for hearing. This includes seeing if any reports or statements need to be sorted.
• Dispute resolution hearing – at this hearing, the aim is to narrow any outstanding issues. It comes after the preparation of a Cafcass report or parenting programme. If possible, this is treated as the final hearing.
• Final hearing – the judge will consider the evidence and will give a judgement as to the final outcome.

Why choose Tozers?  

When going through a difficult time, you want to be sure the person who’s going to be giving you advice will do so sensitively and know what they’re talking about.

Our divorce solicitors are recognised as experts in their field. We're ranked as a Band 2 firm by leading legal directory Chambers & Partners for our "strong matrimonial team". The Legal 500 notes our "extremely experienced team of family lawyers", with our head of team, Caroline Ryan recommended as being "as good, if not better, than the experts in large London firms".

Most importantly to us, our expertise is reflected in the feedback we get from our clients. 

“Professional, friendly and caring. They were honest and down to earth and really looked out for me and my children.”

Find out how we can help you

Whatever your situation, the first step is to contact us for a chat. Our family law solicitors offer a free first meeting - get in touch with us today using our online enquiry form below or call us on 03308 185894.

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