CHILDCARE

A relationship may end but responsibility for your children does not. At Latimer Hinks we believe that, as far as possible, decisions affecting children should continue to be made jointly, and court intervention should be used only as a last resort.

If parents were married to each other when the children were born, or married later, then they have equal parental responsibility. If they have never married, then it may be that only the mother has parental responsibility initially, although a formal agreement to share responsibility can be made. Alternatively, the father can apply to court for parental responsibility.

If court intervention is necessary, the court will decide what is best for the child and will take the child’s wishes and feelings into account. A Family Court Adviser will normally prepare a report for the court after meetings with the parents and children.

The court can make a variety of orders governing matters such as with whom the child will live, allowable contact with any other person, specific issues such as schooling and medical treatment, and any prohibited steps such as living abroad.