Rose & Rose

Hearings in the Family Court Solicitors

Arrangements regarding children after a relationship breakdown are typically better for all involved if they can be decided without court intervention. However, not all divorced or separated parents can agree on living arrangements or the appropriate level of financial support. When this happens, parties will typically ask the family courts to decide. 

At Rose & Rose, regardless of the complexity of your dispute, we want to help. Our specialist family law solicitors can provide legal advice on the process involved when involving the family courts, your case preparation, draft documents, advice on evidence, the law and the court’s practice procedure to assist you in putting your best case forward.

 

Role of the Family Court in Child Arrangements

The Family Courts make decisions about the child’s best interest and welfare, and that duty is paramount in all applications for a Child Arrangement Order.

The family court can also intervene with more severe injunctions such as non-molestation and occupation orders and can make specific issue orders, prohibited steps orders, and whether one parent can relocate with the child to somewhere else in the country. The different types of hearing that you might have in private family law cases include:

• First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA)
• Dispute Resolution Appointment
• Fact Finding Hearing
• Final Hearing 

Where appropriate, we will work with you to try and avoid the court process, advising you on the various alternative dispute resolution techniques available. It is important to note that mediation is a prior condition to any Court application (unless an exemption applies). Therefore, you and your former spouse or partner, may be required to attend a ‘Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting’ or ‘MIAM’ – unless you are exempt. If you do not attend, the mediator can sign a document allowing the other parent to apply for a court order about your child arrangements.

Our family lawyers will guide you through the most appropriate solution, providing legal advice to help you prepare your case effectively. 

 

Family Law Solicitors

Rose & Rose are here to help separated parents reach a middle ground as soon as possible, especially regarding child-related issues. Ideally, we will help you resolve any disputes without the need to get to Court proceedings. However, if matters cannot be resolved this way, we help you take the necessary steps to apply to the family court. In either instance, we provide expert advice throughout the entire process. Our experienced and understanding team are here to help you. We will work with you to ensure the best possible outcome.