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Contact Access Arrangements

Duncan Lewis Children Lawyers – Contact Access Arrangements

 

When problems arise with child contact and access arrangements, it is important to seek expert legal advice from a specialist child care lawyer before matters escalate with your partner and possibly their legal adviser.

 

Courts always prefer a child to have contact with both parents – and in most cases, a formal child contact and access arrangement will already be in place.

 

However, sometimes there are disputes between parents over when access visits can take place or when children can go and stay with the non-resident parent.

 

These cases can quickly become volatile and it is important not to enter into any verbal confrontation with a partner or start posting angry responses online – but take legal advice as soon as possible and allow a child care lawyer to deal with the situation.

 

Child access arrangements are covered by two pieces of legislation – The Children Act 1989 and The Protection of Children Act 1999.

 

Section 1(5) of the Children Act 1989 states, however, that a court order should not be made involving child contact and access arrangements unless it would be in the interests of the child – this is called the No Order principle.

 

The courts hope that couple will be able to settle any differences over child contact and access between themselves amicably – but if this is not possible, the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Services (CAFCASS) may become involved and the matter may have to go to court.

 

This can be extremely stressful and costly and the impact of having two parents in dispute over child contact may impact negatively on your children.

 

Duncan Lewis has acknowledged expertise in advising parents on how to resolve child contact and access disputes – and can negotiate between the parties to bring about agreement or an acceptable compromise.

 

Duncan Lewis Family Mediation – Child Contact and Access

 

In cases where agreement cannot be reached between a couple, Duncan Lewis can also arrange Family Mediation to help both parties work through the issues and reach a solution, without recourse to the courts.

 

The courts will always take into account the welfare of the child so working through any differences within lawyer supported Family Mediation can help avoid traumatic court action.

 

Both parents can appoint their own Duncan Lewis child care lawyer to give independent legal advice at every stage of the mediation process – Duncan Lewis’ own Mediators include Resolution qualified Professional Practice Consultants.

 

Duncan Lewis is ranked by the Legal 500 2014 for its Family & Matrimonial work – and the Duncan Lewis team includes Advanced Members of the Law Society’s Family Panel and members of the Law Society Children Panel – so our team is well placed to help you with any child contact or access issues.

 

How can Duncan Lewis Solicitors help you?

 

Duncan Lewis Solicitors can advise you in relation to Contact Access Arrangements. Duncan Lewis Solicitors have specialist solicitors who represent parents, family members and children within this area of law.  Our solicitors, trainees and caseworkers also speak a range of languages to assist clients where required with any language barriers.

 

Duncan Lewis is recommended by The Legal 500 legal directory for its specialism in all aspects of family and children law nationwide and cross-border. The Legal 500 applauds our family and child care solicitors to be a team of lawyers that are ‘friendly professionals who take their time to understand your case’. Duncan Lewis team includes Advanced Members of the Law Society’s Family Panel, and members of the Law Society Children.

 

How will the matter be funded?

 

Depending on the application, legal aid may be available and you can be assessed for this prior to the matter being taken on. Alternatively, a quote for a fixed fee or the hourly rates of a legal representative may also be provided. You will be advised of the funding arrangements prior to the proceedings commencing.

 

For expert legal advice on all family and childcare matters, contact Duncan Lewis Solicitors on 033 3772 0409.

 


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