Family Matters
Child Law – What is a Contact Activity Order?
Our Middlesbrough Family Solicitor explains;-
If a judge has ordered you to so something within Children Act proceedings, this is often called a Contact Activity Order. This Order can cover issues such as attending a parenting course or attending family mediation.
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Changes to Legal Aid – April 2013
Our Middlesbrough Solicitor writes about the legal aid changes to family law;-
So the 1st April 2013 has brought major changes to welfare and benefits and your entitlement to legal aid – but what does this actually mean to you?
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The Adoption Process – Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions
In order to be adopted, a child must:
- be under the age of 18 when the adoption application is made;
- not be (or have ever been) married or in a civil partnership.
Family Solicitor Stacey Phoenix achieves Children Panel Membership Accreditation
We are very proud to report that our Family Solicitor, Stacey Phoenix, has achieved membership of the specialist Law Society Children Panel, demonstrating her expertise and knowledge in the area of child law. The Children Law Accreditation Scheme covers all types of children law work.
Child Law – The role of the Children’s Guardian
What is a Children’s Guardian?
Children’s Guardians are qualified in social work and trained and experienced in working with children and families. They are appointed by the court to represent the rights and interests of children in cases that involve social services. They are independent of social services, courts and everyone else involved in the case. Children’s Guardians work for CAFCASS or may be self-employed. Their role is to consider what is best for the child at all times during a case. The important part is that they are independent, they do not always agree with the social worker. They will have their own solicitor to represent them at court in your case.
Domestic Violence/Domestic Abuse – How to get help support and legal advice;-
Our Middlesbrough Solicitor writes on domestic violence and domestic abuse;-
The facts about domestic abuse:
Domestic violence is currently defined as:-
Paul Watson achieves Resolution Specialist Accreditation in Family Law
The skill of Paul Watson, Principal of Paul J Watson Solicitor in Middlesbrough, have been recognised by the UK’s leading family law group – Resolution. Paul Watson has recently gained Resolution accredited specialist status.
Do I have to attend mediation?
The only circumstances where parties will not be required to attend mediation prior to commencing proceedings will be in serious circumstances where there are allegations of domestic violence or child protection. However, even in these circumstances if both parties do want to try mediation rather than issuing court proceedings, special arrangements can be made for what is called ‘shuttle mediation’. This is when both parties attend mediation together but the session takes place in separate rooms. There will usually be two mediators in this circumstance and they will go from room to room to try and reach an agreement. The two parties will not be required to meet face to face unless they both request to do so.
Will mediation help us get back together?
Mediation is not a means of attempting reconciliation. There are organisations available to assist when parties wish to receive professional help to reconcile. Referrals to such organisations can be considered and information provided as required.
Is mediation only available for divorce and separation?
No, mediation can be used for the majority of cases where a dispute arises between families. Mediation is often a successful service for discussing matters in relation to children or organising contact and residence. Mediation can be assessed in every circumstance to see whether it would be a suitable way to resolve a disagreement.