What’s the Best Way for Families in Loughborough to Resolve Custody Issues?
When it comes to divorce, one of the biggest issues that most couples face is custody of the kids. It can be difficult to decide what’s best for the children at this difficult time, and you’ll also need to think about the practical impact of the decisions that you make. In areas such as Loughborough where many divorcing couples have dependents, it’s important to look for children’s law solicitors if you decide to separate, ensuring the best possible outcome for everyone. Here are some things to consider when you are trying to sort out custody.
What’s the best arrangement?
If you’re planning on divorcing, things will be much easier if you and your ex can agree on where the children will live, and how often the other parent will spend with them. That’s why it’s worth seeing family solicitors, as they can provide legal advice on making these arrangements, or even arrange mediation to make a custody plan. It’s best to try and agree on custody this way, as it means:
• You can avoid going to court
• The children can get into a new routine
• You can ensure things are kept fair
• You can have a ‘consent order’ drawn up to make it legally binding
Your arrangement should include the days and amount of time each parent will spend with the children, as well as other contact such as phone or Skype calls.
When you can’t agree
Mediation is often the best option for separating couples who can’t agree on custody, and it is often a less daunting environment than court where everyone gets their say. However, this isn’t always suitable, and in cases such as domestic violence, a court hearing might be necessary. Courts can offer child arrangement orders, which deal with general custody, and specific issue orders, which are about your child’s upbringing, such as which school they go to.
Seeing you through the court process
If custody struggles, go to court, it’s important to have a solicitor who deals with family law by your side, as it can be difficult to represent yourself. There can sometimes be a timetable drawn up for custody hearings, and the judge might ask for more information such as a Cafcass report, which will take things such as your child’s wishes and emotional health into account.
When things get complicated
Some couples start out with straight-forward custody cases, but then find things get more complex as they go on. For example, if they’re selling their home in Loughborough, they may also need to see conveyancing solicitors, or there may be disagreements about property which run alongside the custody dispute. Loughborough is a multicultural area, so sometimes there are issues around the child’s religious upbringing, or even taking the child abroad, which will require expert legal advice to resolve.
If you need expert legal advice on custody, divorce, or other issues, simply contact Hawley and Rodgers at 42-44 Market Place, Long Eaton, Nottingham, NG10 1LT. Call the team on 0115 946 1061, or e-mail
longeaton@thomaslegal.co.ukto find out more.
