Child Custody Solicitors in Cheadle: Expert Advice

Going through a divorce or relationship breakdown can bring many challenges, and one of the main issues to consider is child custody and child arrangements.

Your children are the most important people in your world, and so obtaining the best legal advice is essential to ensuring their well-being and securing the best possible outcome for their future.

Our dedicated team of family lawyers provide expert advice to parents and family members on a wide range of issues. We work closely with you to fully understand your situation and offer tailored guidance suited to your family’s unique needs. Just as the family court prioritises a child’s welfare in every decision, our solicitors are committed to ensuring your children’s best interests remain at the heart of everything we do.

If you are in search of more information on child arrangements or any other family legal matters, please get in touch with our legal team today. Our child custody solicitors in Cheadle are on hand and ready to assist you.

The term child custody is now legally referred to as child arrangements in England and Wales. This change was introduced to move away from the idea of one parent having control and instead focuses on what is in the best interests of the child. Despite the terminology change, many people still use ‘child custody’ informally, which is why we reference both terms in this article.

What is Child Custody?

Child custody is now more commonly referred to as child arrangements. Child arrangements encompass the responsibilities for the upbringing and care of children following a divorce or separation. These important decisions cover where children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent and pivotal decisions about their bringing such as education and medical care.

Child custody arrangements are governed by the The Children Act 1989 and the law encourages parents to cooperate in a way that prioritises their children’s best interests.

Some key aspects that are covered within child arrangement agreements include:

• Where the child will live
• How much time the child will spend with each parent
• Parental responsibility and decision-making
• Holiday and travel arrangements
• Communication methods
• Grandparents and extended family contact
• Changes to arrangements as the child grows older
• What happens in case of disputes or breaches of arrangements

How to Resolve Child Custody Disputes

At AFG LAW, our family law team includes Resolution members, Child Concern specialists, and accredited experts in children’s law. This expertise allows us to help resolve child arrangements while prioritising the child’s best interests and handling matters in a constructive, amicable manner. Our child custody solicitors in Cheadle work to encourage options for resolving disputes outside of court through negotiation or mediation but are fully prepared to assist with court applications when necessary.

Negotiation

In the first instance, our family law solicitors will always attempt informal negotiation talks with the other party. We can address any issues regarding your children, both in a short-term and the long-term plan. Our family law solicitors in Cheadle always approach negotiations in a constructive way whilst applying the relevant law and guidance.

Mediation

If negotiation talks fail, then mediation can be attempted. You will first need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to discuss your situation. The other parent will then be invited to an MIAM, and if suitable, a joint session will be arranged to discuss arrangements. Our solicitors work closely with local friendly teams of mediators and can support you throughout the process. However, it is important to note that mediation agreements are not legally binding.

Litigation

If all alternative dispute resolution methods fail then it may be the case that the matter escalates into court proceedings where a judge will decide the final outcome. Our solicitors can advise you on making an application to the Family Court for a court order about your children and provide representation throughout the process.

How can our Child Custody Solicitors in Cheadle assist?

If you are looking for a family law firm based in Cheadle to assist you with your child custody matter, then our team are here to help.

We provide our legal services on a fixed fee basis so you can have peace of mind that there are no hidden costs, we will inform you of all relevant fees at the start of the legal process. Our firm is also able to offer Legal Aid funding to those eligible, to find out more on government funding please see here.

To speak to our child custody solicitors in Cheadle, please contact us today at familysolicitor@afglaw.co.uk for further information or call us at 01204 920107.

AFG Law has multiple offices with family law teams in Manchester, including Stockport, Bolton and Bury. We can also assist clients with their family disputes remotely. For more information, please visit here.