Can my spouse restrict access to my children? ============================================= Custody and access - more properly called 'Child Arrangements' - can be emotionally fraught litigation, especially where one party is threatening the other with the prospect of denying them time with the child. In England and Wales, if you have Parental Responsibility (PR), you cannot be legally prevented from seeing your child without a court order. Both parents generally have the right to maintain a relationship with their child unless the courts decide otherwise due to concerns about the child's safety or well-being. Despite this, some parents may unilaterally decide to stop contact for various reasons, such as concerns about a new partner, dissatisfaction over child maintenance payments, or worries about the child's exposure to certain people or environments. However, none of these reasons hold any legal weight unless supported by a court ruling. If you are being denied contact with your child, it is crucial to act promptly. While harmonious out-of-court agreements are recommended, it may ultimately be necessary to obtain a court order if you cannot agree on the time you will spend with your child. The court will always look at child centric outcomes, with the welfare of the child always being paramount. As leading family lawyers, Vardags have significant experience in negotiating child disputes as well as finding solutions that work for everyone involved. ### What if my spouse moves away with my children? International relocation with a child, against the wishes of the other parent, will require permission from the court, gained by issuing a relocation application. Once again, the court must be satisfied that such a move is in the interest of the child, including considering the amount of contact with the non-resident parent. As international family lawyers, Vardags are experienced in representing parents in such concerns, coming up with creative solutions that suit all involved. If your partner has or is threatening relocation without the permission of the court, this can be international child abduction. [As top family lawyers](https://vardags.com/team), Vardags can move swiftly in such cases, including getting passport seizure orders or preventing them from leaving the country. If they have already left, with no planned return, international family law can ensure the child's return. **If you need advice or representation on any Children Law matters, click below for a free initial consultation with one of our expert Children solicitors.** [BOOK MY FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact "BOOK MY FREE CONSULTATION") About Us -------- Ayesha VardagFounder & President "A DIVORCE LAWYER WIDELY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE WORLD'S BEST" The Metro Vardags offer a unique approach to the law, specially tailored to the needs of HNW individuals. We offer City-quality representation for your divorce and family law needs. Our lawyers come from the very best universities and receive the very best training - they are determined, diligent, and dedicated to getting the best outcome... [read more](https://vardags.com/about-us) [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact) What our clients say -------------------- A responsive and helpful service; quick to understand and advise on the issues. Ian Smith I would, without hesitation, recommend Vardags if you want a highly professional and compassionate legal team to get you to the outcome you desire. J Rourke Thanks to Emma and the team for the outstanding handling of my case. Throughout the months of my ongoing case I was kept informed and updated at all times never left wondering what was happening or where I stood. From meeting... Emma I felt instantly that my case was in good (understatement) hands, she has a friendly personal approach as well as so much expertise in the handling of family law cases. I feel so grateful to have had Emma and her team handle my case and for the outcome! Thank you! Emily Calvin What should have been the worst year of my life was resurrected by this firm. The Manchester based team of Anne-Marie Bradley and Kate Taylor were exceptional. They treat you as a human being rather than a client. I can't thank... them enough for all their expertise, choice of barrister and expert witness. If I am ever unlucky enough to repeat this horrible episode, they will be my first port of call. Can't recommend these two enough. Mark Gallagher If you seek superior representation & support in any aspect of divorce and family law, then I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Vardags. Martin Waters Vardags takes care to match the client to the solicitor. Within 2 months, Vardags got me everything I needed. I would not have the future I now have in front of me if it wasn't for Vardags. 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