Our skilled Leeds, Harrogate and York based specialists are adept at dealing with all aspects of Children Law including residence, contact, relocation, child protection, special guardianship applications, international child abduction and adoption. Jones Myers is amongst the country’s most respected family law firms.
When considering divorce or separation, the key concern for most parents is their children’s welfare, which includes their living arrangements, financial provision, schooling and holidays.
If divorce or separation is inevitable, your commitment and responsibilities to your children do not end and careful consideration and planning is required to minimise the emotional impact of your break-up on them.
In today’s evolving modern world, families are more diverse – bringing wider issues, which impact on children. Your family may include stepchildren or be multicultural with extended family overseas. Our expertise extends to offering advice and guidance to grandparents and step-parents, who are also affected by relationship breakdowns.
How Jones Myers can help
Jones Myers family lawyers champion a constructive approach to help parents in these situations work together, wherever possible, to plan for their children’s future. This helps to avoid protracted arguments and promotes co-operation.
If you cannot reach agreement through informal negotiations, we will guide you through the options to establish which one is best for you.
There are a number of non-confrontational routes to achieve settlement that can avoid what can be, stressful and expensive Court proceedings. They include mediation and collaborative law, which can resolve both children and financial issues.
However, there are occasions when going to Court is the only viable way forward. All our solicitors are highly experienced advocates and we also have an in house barrister; providing strong and tenacious support to pursue litigation in local and national Family Courts, High Courts and the Court of Appeal.
You may need a Child Arrangements Order to determine where your children will live and when they will spend time with each parent. Or you may need to ask the court to resolve a specific issue which you cannot agree between you, such as which school your child should attend or whether a certain medical procedure should be carried out or which religion your child should follow. CAFCASS (The Child and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) will become involved to help the court to make a decision and we will help and support you throughout the process.
At all times, our experience, reputation and professionalism will help you achieve the best possible outcome. Legal Aid is available in certain circumstances; we will advise you and asses your eligibility.
Because we understand that every case is different, our experts deliver a bespoke service tailored to your circumstances. This can include signposting you to relationship counsellors/life coaches if appropriate.
Next steps
To make an appointment or enquiry with one of our children team, by telephone or email, please contact Kate Banerjee, Andrew Fox or Anthony Parrish.
All contacts will, of course, be treated in the strictest confidence. Alternatively, if you would prefer, please complete our enquiry form below.