southgate solicitors

Family issues, Legal solutions.

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Family issues, Legal solutions.

We're here to help you

Send your details to us and we will call you back to take further information about your matter.

If you are looking for help with child law services our specialist solicitors can help you. In addition to office meetings, we offer remote meetings by telephone or video if preferred. To discuss your options call us 24/7 on 0208 004 0065 or email us at [email protected] 

Expert Child Law Solicitors in London

At southgate solicitors, we recognize that disputes involving children are among the most sensitive and challenging aspects of family law. Our team of experienced child law solicitors in London is dedicated to providing clear, compassionate, and expert legal advice on all matters related to your child’s welfare, from child arrangements and custody to parental responsibility and child protection. 

One of the most critical issues following a separation or divorce is determining where your child will live and how they will spend time with each parent. Our solicitors are skilled in helping parents reach amicable agreements on Child Arrangement Orders that work in the best interests of the child. 

  • What Is a Child Arrangement Order? 
    A Child Arrangement Order legally sets out where a child will live and how much time they will spend with each parent or guardian. It can also cover other specific issues, such as holiday schedules, education, and healthcare decisions. 
  • How We Can Help 
    Whether you are seeking to establish a new Child Arrangement Order or need to vary an existing one, our solicitors are here to support you. We prioritize your child’s best interests and work to achieve a fair and practical arrangement that meets your family’s needs. 

We start by understanding your unique situation and exploring all options, including mediation and negotiation, to resolve disputes amicably. If court intervention is necessary, our experienced lawyers will represent your case robustly.  

Custody and Access Disputes 

Ensuring that you maintain a strong relationship with your child is essential. Our child custody lawyers provide expert guidance on how to resolve disputes over custody and access, always prioritizing your child’s emotional and physical well-being. 

  • Sole vs. Joint Custody 
    We can advise you on the implications of sole and joint custody, helping you make informed decisions that are best for your child. 
  • Access and Visitation Rights 
    Our team works to secure fair access and visitation arrangements, ensuring that both parents maintain a meaningful relationship with their child. 

Parental Responsibility 

Parental responsibility gives you the right to make important decisions about your child’s upbringing, including their education, religion, and medical care. Our solicitors can help you understand your rights and responsibilities, especially in situations where disputes arise. 

  • Obtaining Parental Responsibility 
    If you do not currently have parental responsibility, we can assist you in obtaining it through the appropriate legal channels, ensuring your role in your child’s life is legally recognized. 
  • Disputes Over Parental Responsibility 
    In cases where there are disagreements about how parental responsibility should be exercised, our solicitors provide clear advice and robust representation to protect your rights and your child’s welfare. 

Grandparents’ Rights 

Grandparents often play a vital role in their grandchildren’s lives, and we believe that these relationships should be preserved whenever possible. Our solicitors can assist grandparents in securing the right to maintain contact with their grandchildren through appropriate legal channels. 

  • Seeking Contact Orders 
    If you are a grandparent who has been denied contact with your grandchild, we can help you seek a contact order through the family court. 
  • Supporting Grandparents in Disputes 
    We provide legal support for grandparents involved in disputes over their grandchildren’s welfare, helping to ensure that their relationships are recognized and respected. Learn more about Grandparents’ Rights. 

Child Protection and Welfare 

The safety and well-being of your child are our top priorities. We work closely with local authorities and other agencies to ensure that your child is protected from harm and that any concerns about abuse or neglect are addressed swiftly and effectively. 

  • Legal Support in Child Protection Cases 
    If your child is involved in a child protection case, our solicitors offer expert representation to ensure that their best interests are upheld throughout the process. 

Relocation and International Child Law 

Relocating with a child, whether within the UK or internationally, involves complex legal considerations. Our solicitors provide expert guidance on how to navigate these challenges, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that the move is in your child’s best interests. 

  • International Relocation 
    We have extensive experience in handling cases where one parent wishes to relocate abroad with their child. Our team will work to obtain the necessary court permissions and ensure that your child’s welfare is the primary focus. 
  • Abduction and Cross-Border Disputes 
    In cases of international child abduction or cross-border custody disputes, we offer expert legal support to resolve these complex issues effectively. 

Adoption and Surrogacy 

Adopting a child or growing your family through surrogacy are deeply personal decisions that involve careful legal planning. Our solicitors guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your rights and the child’s best interests are fully protected. 

  • Legal Process for Adoption 
    We provide comprehensive advice on the legal requirements for adoption, helping you navigate the process smoothly and successfully. 

Specific Issue and Prohibited Steps Orders 

When parents cannot agree on specific aspects of their child’s upbringing, or when one parent wishes to prevent the other from taking a particular action, specific issue orders and prohibited steps orders may be necessary. 

  • Specific Issue Orders 
    These orders resolve specific disputes, such as decisions about a child’s education, medical treatment, or religious upbringing. Our solicitors can help you apply for or respond to these orders, ensuring that your child’s best interests are represented. 
  • Prohibited Steps Orders 
    If you are concerned that your ex-partner might take a step that could harm your child, such as relocating without your consent, a prohibited steps order can prevent this. We provide expert advice on obtaining these orders to protect your child. 

Special Guardianship 

Special guardianship provides a secure, long-term arrangement for children who cannot live with their birth parents. It offers more stability than a foster placement but does not sever the legal relationship with the birth parents as adoption does. 

  • Applying for Special Guardianship 
    Our solicitors guide you through the process of applying for special guardianship, ensuring that the arrangement is in the best interests of the child and that all legal requirements are met. 
  • Legal Support for Special Guardians 
    We also provide ongoing legal support for special guardians, helping you navigate any challenges that arise and ensuring the arrangement remains beneficial for the child. 

Non-Confrontational Resolution Options 

Whenever possible, we aim to resolve child-related disputes without the need for court intervention. We offer several non-confrontational methods to help parents reach amicable agreements, reducing stress and maintaining family relationships. 

  • Mediation 
    Mediation is an effective way to resolve disputes regarding child arrangements and other family law matters. Our trained mediators facilitate discussions between parents, helping you find solutions that work for everyone. 

What we can do

At southgate solicitors, we offer comprehensive assistance tailored to your needs throughout your journey. Our team of experienced professionals understand the intricacies of family law and are dedicated to providing you with the expertise and support you need during what can be a daunting and highly emotional time.  We have Resolution members and also hold Law Society Family Law Advanced Panel Accreditation which demonstrates our knowledge, skill and expertise in this area of law. 

If you wish to read more about this area of law we have some frequently asked questions at the end of this page – feel free to scroll down to read more.

Why us?

Award-Winning Firm

Personalised Services

Clear Costings

Proven Results

Specialist Solicitors

Meet our team

How we work with you

Step 1 how it works southgate solicitors

Contact Us

You can either call us 24/7 on 0208 004 0065, email us at [email protected] or fill out our contact form below.

Step 2 how it works southgate solicitors

Initial Call

Our client services team will discuss details of your case during a no-obligation call to ensure that it is something we can help you with.

Step 3 how it works southgate solicitors

Strategy Meeting

A specialist solicitor will meet with you to go through your matter in detail and advise on a strategy and options.

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What our clients say

FAQs

A Child Arrangements Order (CAO) is a legal order issued by the family court in England and Wales that determines the arrangements for a child’s upbringing when their parents or guardians are separated, divorced, or unmarried. 

A CAO specifies where the child will live (residence) and how they will spend time with each parent or guardian (contact or visitation). It outlines the arrangements for overnight stays, holidays, weekends, and special occasions. 

Parents, guardians, and other parties with a significant interest in the child’s welfare, such as grandparents or other relatives, can apply for a CAO to seek contact or residence arrangements. 

The court’s paramount consideration when making a CAO is the welfare and best interests of the child. Factors considered include the child’s wishes and feelings (depending on their age and understanding), their physical, emotional, and educational needs, and any risk of harm. 

Yes, parents can agree on arrangements for their child without going to court. In such cases, they may submit a consent order to the court for approval, formalising the agreed-upon arrangements. 

Breaching the terms of a CAO is a serious matter and can result in legal consequences. The court has powers to enforce compliance with the order and may impose penalties or sanctions for non-compliance. 

Yes, CAOs can be modified or varied if circumstances change significantly, such as a parent’s relocation, changes in the child’s needs, or improvements in parental relationships. Applications to vary CAOs require approval from the court. 

Depending on their age and understanding, children’s wishes and feelings may be taken into account by the court when making decisions about CAOs. However, the court ultimately prioritizes the child’s welfare and best interests above their preferences. 

The time it takes to obtain a CAO varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, whether the parties can reach agreement, and the court’s schedule. In some cases, CAOs can be obtained relatively quickly, while in others, the process may take several months. 

While legal representation is not mandatory, it’s advisable to seek advice from a qualified family law solicitor when applying for a CAO. A solicitor can provide guidance on the legal process, help negotiate arrangements, and represent your interests in court if necessary. 

We're here to help you

Send your details to us and we will call you back to take further information about your matter, or you can click the number below.

We're here to help you

Send your details to us and we will call you back to take further information about your matter, or you can click the number below.