Children
When a relationship breaks down it can be very difficult and upsetting, with one of the most challenging aspects being making decisions for the care of your children or grandchildren such as who will have parental responsibility, living arrangements and how much time will be spent with who.
Beyond those core arrangements, there needs to be consideration given to the many other aspects of life when caring for children, including; communication methods, holidays, school arrangements, time spent with other family members and how to introduce new partners.
You and your children’s interests are our priority and so we will always work with the intention of keeping matters out of the court unless absolutely required.
Due to our experience, compassion and practical approach, parent-to-parent agreements are something we manage to achieve in a large volume of cases.
Our award winning team of Family Law specialists have a wealth of experience and are highly regarded in the legal sector. We will take the time to consider the right course of action for your family and explain the options available at every stage.
If the court has already been asked by way of an application for a Child Arrangement Order, if negotiations have broken down, or an urgent application needs to be made to protect you or your children we will be able to provide support and guidance or full representation throughout the process.
If Social Services are involved in your child’s/stepchildren’s or grandchildren’s situation and have asked the court to look at beginning Care Proceedings, we can guide you through this and potentially avoid proceedings all together.
Our award-winning Family Law department were recently listed in the Legal 500, so you can be sure that you are in safe hands. For expert advice on issues relating to children, contact our approachable and dedicated Family Law team today.
Care Proceedings
If Social Services are involved with your family life and believe your child has suffered serious harm or is at risk of suffering serious harm, they are likely to begin Care Proceedings and apply for a Care Order. If this is the situation your family finds itself in, we will work on your behalf to help keep your child safe in your care.
Sometimes it is possible to avoid proceeding all together by coming to an agreement with Children’s Services on ways to improve your child’s care. One of our family specialists will prepare and accompany you to pre-proceedings meetings with Children’s Services. If it is not possible to come to an agreement, we will be by your side to prepare and advise you for the next steps at court.
Whatever path your proceedings take, we will be fighting your corner and responding to your concerns. Our award winning team of family specialists have extensive experience in dealing with care proceedings, representing both parents, grandparents, and children and were recently listed in the Legal 500.
Child Arrangement Order
Even in the most amicable of divorces or separations emotions can run high and it can be difficult to make the right arrangements for your children. You’ll often need to make decisions about where they will live and how much time will be spent with the other parent or caregiver.
A Child Arrangement Order is a legally binding agreement between the court and the parents or guardians of a child.
A Child Arrangement Order will help if you find yourself in any of the following situations:
- If you are not seeing your children as often or for as long as you anticipated
- The other parent is neglecting their responsibilities
- If you are not able to resolve these issues yourselves or through mediation
Bendles’ team of Family Law experts are here to let you know the best path to take through the mediation process, which may result in an agreement being reached that can be written and signed. If an agreement can’t be reached, we will assist you with solicitor led negotiation, and if necessary, court proceedings to help reach the best outcome for your child.
We guarantee to treat your situation with great care and consideration, working with you to ensure your child’s/grandchild’s future is secure.
Are you looking to make a Child Arrangement Order or need initial advice as you are unsure what steps to take? If you want a friendly member of our award winning team to talk you through your options including how best to fund it, then contact us today.
Domestic Abuse
We are here to support and help victims of domestic abuse and their children. If you need protection from a partner, ex-partner or a family member our team of experienced solicitors can help you and will act with urgency and discretion.
There are various steps you can take if you find yourself in a violent or psychologically abusive relationship, such as contacting the police or applying for a court order which will remove the perpetrator from the family home or will legally force them to stay away.
You may have been accused of abusing someone, and wish to defend those allegations, we can advise you of your options.
Our award-winning Family Law department were recently listed in the Legal 500, so you can be sure that you are in safe hands. Speak to our domestic abuse solicitors confidentially for help and clear legal guidance.
Grandparents Rights
Under existing UK Law, you don’t have an automatic right to see your grandchild if a parent prevents you from doing so, as often happens when parents divorce or separate.
Our award winning and experienced team of Family Law specialists can help you gain access to and play an important role in your grandchild’s life through the following options:
- A family arrangement with both parents
- Mediation, using a neutral third party to help reach an agreement with the parents
- Solicitor led negotiation
- A court order application
Our award-winning Family Law department were recently listed in the Legal 500, so if you need help with access to your grandchildren, please contact us and speak to one of our Family Law experts.
Legal Fees & Funding
Legal Aid is available for parents and those with parental responsibility for cases brought by Social Services when a child is at risk of significant harm. Legal Aid may also be available depending on your financial situation or if you have been a proven victim of domestic abuse or your child is at risk of significant harm’
Our Family Law team has vast experience in successfully advising and representing people from all walks of life. If Legal Aid is not available to you, we can discuss the funding options and any concerns you may have regarding legal costs.
Our award-winning Family Law department were recently listed in the Legal 500, so you can be sure that you are in safe hands, Call one of our friendly team to discuss your options.
