When it comes to legal disputes involving children, emotions will always run high. It is important to remember that it must be their best interests that are at the heart of any decisions you make. However, moving forward with this in mind can be difficult in times of conflict, which is why the help and guidance of a family law professional is invaluable.
Our lawyers are highly trained to deal with all aspects of legalities concerning children. We are accredited by the Law Society for Family Law and Family Law Advanced, and we are proud to have members of Resolution among our team, reflecting our commitment to resolving disputes in a non-confrontational manner where at all possible.
We will aim to engage in mediation and other non-confrontational approaches where at all possible, helping you to agree arrangements for your children with the minimum possible conflict. This can let you get the best outcome for your children, while maintaining a more positive relationship with their other parent, as well as saving you time and legal fees.
However, our team also have strong experience with court proceedings involving children, so if an amicable agreement cannot be reached, or an out-of-court approach is not appropriate, we can make sure your interests and those of your children are robustly and effectively represented every step of the way.
Book a fixed cost initial consultation with our child law solicitors in Tenterden
To arrange an initial fixed cost appointment with our child law solicitors, please call us on 01580 762248 or use our simple contact form and we will get back to your quickly.
Pengelly & Rylands Solicitors is now incorporated by Hatten Wyatt, meaning you can also access our child law expertise through local offices in in Tenterden, Maidstone, Gravesend, Tonbridge, and Chatham.
We can also offer meetings by Skype for clients who have to travel extensively or who now live abroad. In exceptional circumstances, home visits can also be arranged.
How we can help you with child law matters
Our specialist family lawyers can:
- advise you on your rights to see your child and to obtain a parental responsibility order entitling you to be involved in decisions affecting their life;
- advise you on your options when one parent proposes to live abroad;
- provide unmarried couples advice when it comes to child arrangements;
- take steps to protect your children from domestic violence or abuse;
- assess your personal and financial circumstances to give you an idea of the types of order a court might make;
- support you in exploring options for a negotiated agreement;
- apply to the court for a child arrangements order where a negotiated agreement cannot be reached; and
- apply to the court to enforce the terms of a child arrangements order which is breached.
We can also help grandparents who wish to secure the right to see their grandchildren and offer advice and support to families whose children have been taken into local authority care or put up for adoption.
Getting the best outcome for you and your children without unnecessary conflict
Family mediation
In most cases where you cannot agree over arrangements for your children, mediation should be your first choice. It can allow you to reach an agreement with minimal conflict, while generally also being the fastest, least costly option.
The process involves you or your former partner meeting with a trained mediator, who acts as a neutral third-party during your discussions. The mediator will not tell you what to do or offer opinions, but they will be invaluable in guiding the process, keeping things productive and helping to defuse any potential for conflict.
Mediation typically takes around three to five sessions, depending on how complex the issues are and how quickly you can agree solutions. Any agreement made through mediation can be made legally binding by applying to a Court for a Consent Order.
Collaborative law
For more complex issues, we realise you may want the reassurance of having your own legal representative with you during discussions with your former partner. Collaborative law offers exactly this, while still allowing you to keep things non-confrontational and avoiding court proceedings.
Over a series of four-way meetings, you, your ex-partner and your respective lawyers will sit down to discuss any points of disagreement. This lets you keep control of the decisions made, while always having the support of your own trained legal representative for advice on any particularly challenging or confusing points.
While collaborative law is usually more expensive than mediation, it is still typically much less costly and time-consuming than court proceedings, while also allowing you to keep things amicable and avoid unnecessary conflict.
How much does it cost?
Fixed cost initial appointment
We offer an initial 30 minute appointment to discuss your requirements from £115 Plus VAT.
Hourly rates for our child law solicitors
For more complex matters, we will generally charge according to a fixed hourly rate, with all billable work agreed in advance. This means you get the exact level of support you need at all times.
Why choose Pengelly & Rylands for child law?
With many years of experience, our child law specialists can offer clear, pragmatic advice about how to get the best outcome for you and your children under even the most complicated and challenging circumstances.
We have achieved accreditation from the Law Society in Family Law and Family Law Advanced in recognition of our leading expertise in all areas of family law, including matters involving children.
Our family law team also benefits from the expertise of Deborah Nicholson. Deborah has more than 30 years’ experience in family law and is a Resolution accredited specialist and a trained collaborative lawyer – a network of legal professionals committed to removing conflict from family law. This reflects our focus on non-confrontational dispute resolution and the benefits it can offer for parents and children.
Get in touch with our child law solicitors in Tenterden
For friendly, expert child law advice in Tenterden, Kent or across South East England, please call now on 01580 762248 or use our simple Contact Us form and we will get back to you promptly.