Q. What happens if we cannot agree on where our children should live?
A. If you cannot agree arrangements, mediation might help. Alternatively, the Court will decide issues such as where your children will reside, or if either parent can move abroad with them. The Court will always decide according to what they think is best for the children. Sometimes the question of where the children will live will need to be resolved before the Court can conclude financial claims because the Court will want to ensure the children have appropriate accommodation.

Q. My partner and I have split, how often can I see my children?
A. There are no set guidelines, the main thing to consider is the best interests of the children. The child's welfare is the Court's paramount consideration. Wherever possible, children should have reasonable contact with both parents. If there are difficulties agreeing access, we advise mediation as a good way of resolving the matter.

Other popular child related issues
If you cannot agree on important matters concerning the child/children such as which school your child should attend, whether they should change their surname or religion, whether the child should have specific medical treatment, the court can decide the issue for you. This may involve an officer of the Court, a CAFCASS officer seeing you and the children, making enquiries with third parties such as schools and doctors and preparing a detailed report which will assist the Judge in reaching a decision. Wherever possible it is advisable to try and agree matters.

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