Children & Contact Agreements

Our family law solicitors are experienced in the negotiation of children and contact agreements, helping divorcing couples come to a fair solution where there are issues about contact rights and child maintenance.

We understand how difficult these situations can be; rest assured that our lawyers’ first priority is ensuring that an agreement is reached as quickly and efficiently as possible, minimising the effect on your, and your children’s, lives.

Call 0800 652 5577 or get in touch via our contact form, and speak to a solicitor about children and contact agreements today.

Types of Agreement

There are various children and contact agreements available to parents, depending on the issue in dispute:

• Residence Order (formerly known as custody): This is an order which settles the question of where the child will live. It is possible – and increasingly commonplace – for residence to be shared between the parents of a child.
• Contact (formerly known as access): If you do not live with your child, this order dictates when you will be able to see them. Such an order can provide for ‘reasonable’ contact or it can define the days and times at which contact is to occur.
• Specific Issue: You can apply for a specific issue order when you wish the court to settle a specific issue that is in dispute, for example, which school the child should attend.
• Prohibited Steps: This can limit a parent from taking a particular step in relation to a child, for example, taking them abroad.

Our family lawyers can help you make the appropriate application to the court, ensuring you reach a fair settlement with your former partner.

The Court Process

We understand how nerve-wracking it can be to go through a legal process where contact and residence of children is involved; bear in mind that the vast majority of such cases do not proceed to a final hearing, as the parties involved and their solicitors reach a compromise before it gets to that stage.

However, if you are unable to reach an agreement with your partner or former partner, our family law experts will provide clear, easy to understand legal advice and a robust defence of your personal interests.

Contact JMW

If you have any queries or wish to receive further advice upon any children and contact agreement related issues, please contact us on 0800 652 5577 or get in touch via our contact form.