Family Breakdown - who comes first?

Where disputes arise between separated parents about the arrangements for children following the breakdown of a relationship feelings can run high and parents experiencing the turmoil of separation are often faced with conflicting emotions about what is best for their children.  Parents need the specialist expertise and the advice of experienced family lawyers, who can advise clients properly in relation to the approach that the Courts will take to resolve such disputes. 

The Courts will always put the welfare, safety and wellbeing of the children above all other considerations.  Recently the President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane P, addressed the Jersey International Family Law Conference 2021. In reflecting on reaching the halfway point in his tenure as President he set out what he would want to achieve over the next three years.  He indicated that he intends to "devote additional time, effort and resources" to two main areas: the resolution of private law disputes between parents, and transparency in the Family Court.   In relation to private law children disputes, McFarlane P intends to use the report of the Family Solutions Group, What about me?: Reframing Support for Families following Parental Separation as the model to bring in radical change to the resolution of such disputes, and will do everything he can to push for the report's recommendations to be implemented. The key messages in the report are safety first, and in the absence of safety concerns, parents receiving the support that encourages them to parent responsibly, focusing on child welfare rather than ill-feeling toward one another.

The approach of Chattertons specialist Family Law team lawyers mirrors the President's  views.  We will advise robustly to ensure that clients receive honest advice, managing their case efficiently but always with great sensitivity. 

CONTACT US

Liz Graham is Head of the Family Law Team at Chattertons.  She can be contacted on 01476 591550.  Chattertons offers specialist family law advice throughout the network of office bases:

Boston - 01205 351114

Horncastle - 01507 522456

Grantham - 01476 591550

Lincoln - 01522 541181

Newark - 01636 673731

Sleaford - 01529 411500

Spalding - 01775 725664

Stamford - 01780 764145