The courts will only become involved if there is a dispute over children that cannot be resolved amicably through either mediation or perhaps through correspondence via solicitors.

Children Law

The breakdown of a marriage can be particularly difficult for any children of the family and they should not be overlooked.

The courts will only become involved if there is a dispute over children that cannot be resolved amicably through either mediation or perhaps through correspondence via solicitors. The court works on a 'No Order' principle and will only make an order concerning a child if the judge considers it necessary and in the child's best interest.

The Court will look at the following factors:

• The wishes and feelings of the children if they are of an age to express these
• The children's physical, emotional and educational needs
• The likely effect on the child of any change in circumstances
• The child's age, sex, background and any characteristics of the child that the Court could consider relevant
• Any harm that the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering
• How capable each of the parents is of meeting the child's needs
• The range of powers available with regards to the proceedings in question

Read more about:

• Orders the court can make
• Who can apply for the court orders?
• Parental responsibility
• Who has parental responsibility?
• Moving abroad with your child
• Child abduction