Issues around the upbringing of children if a relationship breaks down can be emotional and complex.
Married biological parents both automatically have Parental Responsibility for their children. Parental responsibility gives you the power to make important decisions in relation to your children. When both parents hold this status, then they must work together in making decisions whether they are still in a relationship or not. These decisions can include:
Schooling decisions
The child’s name
Appointing the child’s guardian in the event of the death of a parent
Consenting to medical treatment
Taking the child overseas
Relocating in England and Wales or abroad
Representing the child in any legal proceedings
Simply because the child lives with one parent, does not necessarily give that parent the right to make decisions in the above areas without the agreement of the other. If a serious disagreement does arise, this can be resolved through solicitor assistance or mediation. However, if this is not successful then the court will make the decision.
Sarah can help with:
Contact and childcare arrangements for parents
Child Arrangement Orders – where and with who a child will live and/or spend time with the other parent
Contact arrangements for grandparents
Grandparents also often need support to maintain contact with their grandchildren, which is often made difficult or denied completely following the separation of the child’s parents.