Child Care Solicitors | Taylor Emmet Solicitors in Sheffield & Rotherham

Q: How do I prepare for child custody court?

The term “custody” is no longer formally used for arrangements for children. If you need to attend court about children matters, it will be the Family Court. The best step is to instruct a specialist child law solicitor who can explain what to expect and how to prepare.

Q: Can I avoid going to court?

In many cases it is possible to avoid court by using non-court dispute resolution such as mediation, arbitration and constructive negotiation. The best option depends on your circumstances and relationship with the other party; a specialist solicitor can explain the processes and available options.

Q: What happens if we can’t reach an agreement?

If agreement cannot be reached, it may be necessary to go to court as a last resort. Courts tend to become involved where arrangements relate to an important aspect of a child’s welfare and upbringing.

Q: Do I need a solicitor for child arrangements?

You are not required to use a solicitor, but it is strongly recommended because children matters can be complex and specialist support can significantly improve your chances of achieving a positive outcome.

Q: Do I have parental responsibility?

Whether you have parental responsibility depends on your legal status. Birth mothers automatically have parental responsibility. Fathers have parental responsibility if married to the mother at the time of birth or (if not married) if named on the birth certificate. If you do not have parental responsibility, you may be able to apply to the court.

Q: What orders can the family court make?

The family court can make various orders relating to children, including: Child Arrangements Orders; Specific Issue Orders; Prohibited Steps Orders; and Responsibility Orders.

Family Law Solicitors - Child Care & Social Services

Whenever any legal matters involving children arise, it is important that you can access practical advice and support from an expert and empathic team that understands the challenges you may be facing. That’s where our Child Law Solicitors and Lawyers can step in.

At Taylor Emmet, our expert team advise and represent children, parents, other family members and foster carers on a wide range of legal matters. No matter what your circumstances may be or the level of support you require, you can rely on our specialists to provide solutions that are carefully tailored to your needs; all aimed at protecting the children involved.

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Our team of respected child care solicitors are committed to finding solutions as fairly, quickly and amicably as possible.

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Empathetic Approach For Your Circumstances

Family advice – Built on trust

Our Family Law team are ranked among The Legal 500’s top family law firms in the Sheffield City Region, which demonstrates our ability to offer the highest standard of legal support for you and your children.

As specialists in the field of Children Law, we have experience in working with individuals and families from all walks of life, whatever their circumstances and requirements. We always try to resolve any disputes as fairly and amicably as possible without the need for lengthy legal battles. That said, if court action is needed to achieve the right outcome, we will guide you through the process and represent you sensitively and efficiently at any hearings.

We are equipped to handle urgent cases and matters involving international law, for example where there is a risk that a child being taken abroad.

With years of experience, our Family Lawyers and Solicitors are specialists in their chosen field and include members of Resolution – the National Organisation of Family Lawyers and are accredited specialists. Members of our team are also on the Law Society’s Children Panel, enabling them to represent children and demonstrating our expertise in child law.

Family Law Solicitors in Sheffield and Rotherham

Areas our Child Law Solicitors and Lawyers can help with

Child Law Services

Any issues that concern children have the potential to be extremely complex and fraught with conflict. We’re here to make sure that you can find a resolution quickly and painlessly, avoiding court proceedings wherever possible.

Adoption

Adoption Orders aim to provide a stable family environment for a child, with a view to providing successful integration into a new family life.

The adoption process has the potential to be extremely complex, with various steps needing to be correctly handled to ensure that a positive outcome is achieved with minimal disruption. No matter which side of an adoption you are on, it is vital that you receive practical and expert support at every stage.

Whether you need general legal advice on adoption, are currently going through the adoption process, or find yourself involved in an adoption appeal or dispute, it is vital that you receive specialist support from a team who have a detailed understanding of adoption law.

Care Proceedings

If a Local Authority’s social services department has concerns over a child’s welfare or believe they may be at risk of suffering harm, they will become involved with the family and may see fit to start care proceedings. If care proceedings are commenced in respect of a child in your family, this could mean that they are removed.

We understand how upsetting and stressful care proceedings can be. Our team will work with you closely and provide support throughout the process, making sure you know what to expect and that your rights are protected.

Child Abduction

Having your child taken from you without your agreement is a parent’s worst nightmare. In some cases, this could be classed as child abduction.

If you need support in protecting your child, our team can help you to take immediate action. Our professional team of Child Law Solicitors and Lawyers have the skills to help you make an urgent application to the courts for the return of your child.

If required, we can also take emergency steps to prevent children from being removed from the country.

Child Arrangements Orders

A Child Arrangement Order is a type of court order which can be used to decide various aspects of your child’s upbringing. This includes deciding with whom they will live, how much time they spend with both parents and what type of contact will take place.

Such an order can be made if you are unable to resolve a dispute with your former partner about certain arrangements for your children.

Our Child Law Solicitors and Lawyers can help you to negotiate an agreement and, if this is unsuccessful, guide you through the process of making a Child Arrangement Order application.

Legal Aid

The availability of legal aid for family law cases has significantly reduced in recent years. However, there are certain scenarios where it may still be available.

As we have a contract with the Legal Aid Agency, our team can determine whether you are eligible for legal aid and, if so, support you with your application.

Parental Responsibility

Parental responsibility refers to the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority that a parent has in respect of their child. When you have parental responsibility, you can make various decisions on behalf of your child.

Not all parents automatically have parental responsibility. If you wish to obtain parental responsibility for a child, it may be possible to make a parental responsibility agreement or apply to the court for parental responsibility order if you cannot reach an agreement.

In both scenarios, our Child Law Solicitors and Lawyers can work with you to offer the support you need.

Special Guardianship

Special Guardianship provides a middle ground between adoption and a Child Arrangements Order and can be used in situations where it is not possible for a child to live with their parents. When granted, a special guardianship order places a child or young person into care with someone other than their birth parents.

Whether you intend to make a Special Guardianship Order or a Special Guardianship Order has been applied for in relation to your child, our team can help you take the appropriate action and advise you on the options at your disposal.

Frequently asked questions about Children Law

How do I prepare for child custody court?

It is firstly important to note that the term ‘custody’ is no longer formally used when discussing arrangements for children. If you need to attend court for a legal matter involving your children, it will be the Family Court.

The best step you can take if you are due to attend Family Court is to instruct a specialist Child Law Solicitor or Lawyer, who can provide you with all the information you need about what to expect and what steps you can take to be as prepared as possible.

Can I avoid going to court?

In many cases, it is possible to avoid having to go to court. There are various methods of non-court dispute resolution, such as mediation, arbitration, and constructive negotiation, which can be utilised to help resolve any disputes you may be involved in concerning your children.

Exactly which method is best suited will depend on your circumstances and the relationship you have with the other party. Our Child Law Solicitors and Lawyers can discuss the potential options that may be available to you and explain how each of the processes will work.

What happens if we can’t reach an agreement?

If it is not possible to reach an agreement over a certain arrangement for a child, it may be necessary to head to court. This will often be a last resort, as the courts only tend to become involved with arrangements for children when it relates to an important aspect if their welfare and upbringing.

Do I need a solicitor for child arrangements?

It is not a requirement to work with a solicitor when making child arrangements. However, it is strongly recommended to do so, as these types of matters can often prove to be complex and having the support of a specialist will significantly increase your chances of securing a positive outcome.

Do I have parental responsibility?

Whether or not you have parental responsibility will depend on your legal status as a parent.Birth mothers are automatically granted parental responsibility, as will the father if they are married to the mother at the time of birth.

If the father is not married to the mother at the time of birth, they will be granted parental responsibility if they are named on the birth certificate. If you do not have parental responsibility, you can make an application to the court.

What orders can the family court make?

The family court has the power to make various orders in respect of children, such as:

Child Arrangements Order - Sets out a child’s residence and what level of contact they have with their parents.
Specific Issue order – Settles a dispute between parents with parental responsibility.
Prohibited Steps Order – Prevents someone from taking a certain action or making a decision without the permission of the court.
Responsibility Order

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The matrimonial finance team in Sheffield, headed by Michaela Evans, is the outstanding firm in the field in Sheffield."

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We have Family Law Solicitors near you

If you are interested in understanding how Taylor Emmet can help you with your family law issues then please contact us.

0114 218 4000

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